Taking COSATU Today Forward Special Bulletin, 13 January 2026 #Back2SchoolCampaign #Right2LearnCampaign
Norman Mampane
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COSATU TODAY #COSATU launching #Back2School and #Right2Learn Campaigns across all provinces #Cosatu40 #SACTU70 #ClassStruggle “Build Working Class Unity for Economic Liberation towards Socialism” #Back2Basics #JoinCOSATUNow #ClassConsciousness |
Taking COSATU Today Forward Special Bulletin
‘Whoever sides with the revolutionary people in deed as well as in word is a revolutionary in the full sense’-Maoo
Our side of the story
13 January 2026
“Build Working Class Unity for Economic Liberation towards Socialism”
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Contents
- Workers Parliament: Back to Basics!
- Department of Employment and Labour calls on designated employers to submit their annual employment equity (EE) reports
- South Africa
- COSATU congratulates the Class of 2025 on an historic pass rate
- COSATU Mpumalanga congratulates the Class of 2025 and calls for urgent youth job creation
- SACP congratulates class of 2025 for remarkable achievement
- Minister Manamela congratulates the Class of 2025 and outlines post-school education and training pathways
- Health issues warning for selenium and zinc picolinate-containing products for children
- International-Workers’ Solidarity!
- Education International condemns U.S. withdrawal from international organisations, conventions, and treaties
Workers’ Parliament-Back2Basics
Department of Employment and Labour calls on designated employers to submit their annual employment equity (EE) reports
12 January 2026
The Department of Employment and Labour is requesting designated employers to submit their annual Employment Equity (EE) Reports for the 2025 period by the target date on Thursday, 15 January 2026.
The midnight (twelve o'clock midnight) deadline marks the first year in the submission of EE Reports since the amendment of the EE Act that now requires designated employers to prepare and implement EE Plans for the period from 1 September 2025 until 31 August 2030.
The Employment Equity Amendment Act, No. 4 of 2022, became operational from 1 January 2025. Since then, two sets of EE Regulations on EE reporting forms and other EE templates, and the 5-year sector EE targets for the eighteen economic sectors were published on 15 April 2025 to provide guidelines to employers and employees on how to interpret and implement the EE amendments and sector EE targets.
In terms of the EE Amendment Act of 2022, designated employers will, for compliance purposes, be assessed against their own annual targets set towards meeting the relevant 5-year sectoral numerical targets.
The 5-year sectoral numerical targets are key milestones towards achieving the equitable representation of the different designated groups within the four upper occupational levels in an employer's workforce in relation to the demographics of the applicable economically active population (EAP), and for persons with disabilities.
The key objectives and implications of the EE Amendment Act, 2022 are:
- To empower the Minister to regulate sector-specific EE numerical targets in order to ensure the equitable representation of suitably qualified people from the designated groups;
- To promulgate section 53 of the EEA for the issuing of the EE Compliance Certificate as a prerequisite for access to state contracts and doing business with any organ of state; and
-
To
reduce the regulatory burden on small businesses (i.e., those that employ 1 to 49 employees).
In terms of the EE Act, it is important that the reports submitted must contain the prescribed information and must be signed by the Chief Executive Officer of the designated employer.
The EE Act exists to promote equal opportunity and fair treatment in employment through the elimination of unfair discrimination and the implementation of affirmative action measures to redress the disadvantages in employment experienced by designated groups.
In terms of the EE Act, designated employers must submit their annual reports to the Director General. And this report must be signed by the chief executive officer.
For
media inquiries, please contact:
Petunia Lessing
Director: Media Liaison
066 301 4645 / petunia...@labour.gov.za
-ENDS-
Issued by: Department of Employment and Labour
COSATU congratulates the Class of 2025 on an historic pass rate
Zanele Sabela, COSATU Spokesperson, 13 January 2026
The Congress of South African Trade Unions (COSATU) congratulates the Class of 2025 on achieving the National Senior Certificate (NSC) pass rate of 88%, the highest in the country’s history.
Kwa-Zulu Natal, the best performing province achieved a 90.6% pass rate despite the budgetary challenges it experienced last year, with educators forced to dig deep into their own pockets to ensure teaching and learning continued. The Free State came in second with an 89.33% pass rate as it slipped from the 91% pass achieved by the Class of 2024, relegating its best performer status to KZN in the process.
Gauteng held steady at third position with an 89.06% pass rate.
Notwithstanding the record pass rate, the number of learners who achieved a bachelor’s pass has dropped from 48% in 2024 to 46% in 2025. It is also of concern that only 34% of matriculants wrote mathematics, down from 38% in 2024, with the majority opting for maths literacy.
Worse still the mathematics pass rate dropped from 48% in 2024 to 46% in 2025.
More must be done to encourage young people to enrol for STEM subjects, plus accompanying support must be provided to ensure they pass these subjects convincingly if the South African economy is to become innovative and competitive.
Whilst more than 900 000 learners sat for the 2025 NSC exam, public universities and TVET colleges only have capacity to take in around 525 000 new entrants.
This underpins the crucial role played by SETAs in providing alternative pathways to further study, skills training and employment. Employers often lament the mismatch between the skills needed by organisations and what young applicants bring to the table.
Working together, SETAs and industries can bridge this gap and help to reduce the staggering unemployment rate of more than 70% for young people aged between 15 and 24.
COSATU commends the Class of 2025, parents and communities for making the 2025 NSC exam a success despite the various challenges faced by the schooling system including limited resources, violence against both learners and educations, inadequate infrastructure, etc.
We applaud our educators, in particular members of our dedicated Affiliate, the South African Democratic Teachers Union (SADTU) for their commitment and diligence in building the future generation.
We assure them of our full support as they continued to shape young adults ready to stake their place in the economy and society.
Issued by COSATU
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COSATU Mpumalanga congratulates the Class of 2025 and calls for urgent youth job creation
Thabo Mokoena, COSATU Mpumalanga Provincial Secretary, 13 January 2026
The Congress of South African Trade Unions (COSATU) in Mpumalanga congratulates the Matric Class of 2025 for achieving an impressive provincial pass rate of 86.55%. This outstanding performance is a testament to the resilience, discipline and determination of learners, educators, school management teams, parents and communities who worked tirelessly under often difficult conditions.
We further commend the Department of Basic Education, teachers and support staff for their continued commitment to improving the quality of public education in the province. This achievement demonstrates that with proper support, resources and dedication, our young people are capable of excellence.
While we celebrate this milestone, COSATU Mpumalanga is deeply concerned about the harsh reality that many of these successful learners now face, high levels of youth unemployment in our province. Far too many matriculants and graduates remain without access to meaningful work, training or further educational opportunities, which undermines their potential and the future of our economy.
COSATU Mpumalanga therefore calls on government, state-owned entities and the private sector to urgently accelerate the creation of decent work opportunities for young people. This includes:
- Expanding learnerships, apprenticeships and internships.
- Prioritising local youth in public infrastructure and industrial projects.
- Supporting skills development programmes aligned to the needs of the provincial economy.
- Strengthening partnerships between government, business and labour to address youth unemployment.
We also call for increased investment in further education and training colleges, universities and artisan development, particularly in sectors with job-creation potential such as energy, manufacturing, agriculture, mining rehabilitation and the green economy.
The future of Mpumalanga depends on how we support and absorb the youth we celebrate today. Their success must not end at the matric certificate but must translate into decent jobs, sustainable livelihoods and a dignified life.
Once again, COSATU Mpumalanga congratulates the Matric Class of 2025 and wishes them success in their future endeavours.
Issued by: COSATU Mpumalanga
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SACP congratulates class of 2025 for remarkable achievement
Mbulelo Mandlana, SACP Head of Media, Communications and Information, 13 January 2026
The South African Communist Party (SACP) congratulates the class of 2025 for their remarkable achievement of 88 percent overall pass rate in the National Senior Certificate examinations. As the Party, we recognise the hard work and dedication from the learners, teachers, parents and guardians that it took to achieve this level of success.
The consistent increase of the national pass rate is commendable as it reflects the overall stabilisation of the basic education system. The managers and administrators of the education system and individual schools also deserve credit for their unique roles in creating the necessary conditions for the success of the 2025 class and the preceding classes. This progress must be preserved and elevated going forward.
While we congratulate the learners, we must all be alert to some of the remaining challenges that characterise the education system in general and basic education system in particular. Among these challenges is the fact that the vision of a free public education is still not achieved in practice. Despite the quintile system that purportedly allows for free education for disadvantaged students, the practical reality in schools is such that the parents are still required to pay for a large portion of school requirements, from stationery to amenities. The concept of free basic education must be thoroughgoing and not subject to limitations as is the situation in many public schools.
The challenges of transportation of learners remains one of the standing challenges limiting access to education and thereby hampering success for working class and rural learners. It is therefore necessary that the struggle for free and equitable education is an ongoing struggle.
The governance and leadership of the schooling system remain some of the weaknesses which also need transformation. All of this must be anchored on the principle of strengthening public education as the main pillar of our education system.
It is our conviction as the SACP that the public nature of public education must be defended at all costs, and we must resist the encroachment of private players and profit seekers in public education. We call on government and key stakeholders to protect the education of the next generation while ensuring that the working class has access and is therefore able to succeed in the education system.
In addition to the above, one thing that seems productive, while it is in fact counter-productive, is that there are so many schools that have done away with subject streams, with principals under pressure to achieve high pass rates without adequate resources and in other respects including the basic capability to ensure quality teaching and learning in mathematics, science, accounting and other subjects that are most required in the economy, governance and management. As a result, there are so many learners who have been diverted from doing these subjects in favour of pass rates in what seems to be an easy way out. It is part of the competition between provinces, districts and within schools for high pass rates, unfortunately with subject combinations that do not even make sense when analysed, or which are irrelevant for key college or university qualifications most required in the economy. What is sad is that this will compromise many who will find themselves forced into the ranks of youth unemployment and later adult unemployment. While those behind the strategy will be happy if they achieve high pass rates, it will not take a long time before many of the affected young people realise that they were placed into a crisis path.
Finally, as the SACP, we encourage those who did not make it in the class of 2025 to not despair, for there are still many options to pursue to further develop themselves in education and training. The options include enrolling in second chance matric opportunities. The SACP reiterates its call on our government to develop more effective interventions to end the phenomenon of young people who are either not in education and training or in employment.
ISSUED BY THE SOUTH AFRICAN COMMUNIST PARTY,
FOUNDED IN 1921 AS THE COMMUNIST PARTY OF SOUTH AFRICA.
Media, Communications & Information Department | MCID
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Minister Manamela congratulates the Class of 2025 and outlines post-school education and training pathways
13 January 2026
The Minister of Higher Education and Training, Mr Buti Manamela, congratulates the Class of 2025 on their performance in the National Senior Certificate (NSC) examinations. The Class of 2025 has surpassed the previous overall record pass rate, marking an important milestone for the basic education system and reflecting sustained improvements in learner retention, throughput and equity, including improved performance in many no-fee schools.
The Minister further extends a warm welcome to the Class of 2025 as they transition into the Post-School Education and Training (PSET) sector. This transition marks the beginning of a new phase of learning, skills development and personal growth. South Africa’s universities, Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) colleges, Community Education and Training (CET) colleges, private higher education institutions and skills development institutions stand ready to receive students across a wide range of post-school pathways.
“As we welcome you into the post-school education and training landscape, whether into universities, TVET colleges, CET colleges, private institutions or workplace learnerships, we celebrate not only your success at school, but the start of your next chapter in contributing to the growth and development of our country,” said Minister Manamela.
The Minister noted that the 2025 NSC results reflect both progress and emerging pressures for the post-school system. Approximately 927 000 learners wrote the NSC, with more than 760 000 passing and about 345 000 achieving bachelor’s passes. At the same time, South Africa’s public universities can accommodate approximately 230 000 first-time entering students in any given academic year. This gap between eligibility and available places underscores the importance of diversified post-school pathways and realistic planning across the entire PSET system.
The Minister further highlighted the continued concern regarding Mathematics, Accounting and Physical Science outcomes. While participation has improved marginally, only around 34% of learners wrote Mathematics, and pass rates in key gateway subjects remain under pressure. These trends have direct implications for access to competitive university programmes and for the country’s long-term skills pipeline. Strengthening foundational learning and alignment between schooling outcomes and post-school demand remains a priority.
As students transition into post-school education, the Department urges learners, parents and guardians to follow official processes carefully. Students are reminded to ensure that they have received formal confirmation of academic placement and accommodation before travelling to any institution. Institutions will only engage students who have been formally accepted and accommodated.
“If you have not applied, or if your application was unsuccessful, please do not go to the institution. Institutions are not accepting in-person applications at this stage,” added Minister Manamela.
CENTRAL APPLICATION SERVICE (CAS)
Students who require guidance in navigating entry into the PSET system are encouraged to make use of the Central Application Service (CAS). In previous years, the Department implemented the Central Applications Clearing House (CACH) as a short-term intervention to match unplaced applicants with available spaces.
From the 2026 academic year, CACH will not be implemented, as part of a broader reform of the PSET application process. CAS has been designed as a more comprehensive, integrated and long-term solution to improve access, visibility and coordination across the entire PSET system. CAS will progressively make visible a wider range of pathways beyond traditional university and college routes, while also helping to eliminate bogus institutions and protect prospective students from exploitation.
Students seeking information, guidance and support can WhatsApp the CAS Chat number 081 308 4196.
WARNING AGAINST BOGUS COLLEGES
The Department of Higher Education and Training warns prospective students against colleges operating illegally. Such institutions are not registered as required by law and do not offer credible qualifications. Qualifications offered by private skills development providers must be quality assured by the Quality Council for Trades and Occupations (QCTO), Sector Education and Training Authorities (SETAs), and the South African Qualifications Authority (SAQA).
Bogus colleges often exploit this period of transition, charging fees without providing recognised qualifications. Information on registered and accredited institutions is available on www.dhet.gov.za.
Minister Manamela has appealed to all private education providers to comply with the law and not mislead students, and has urged prospective students and parents to conduct due diligence before making any payments.
STUDENT WELLNESS AND EMOTIONAL SUPPORT
The Minister acknowledges that the transition from school to further study or training can be both exciting and emotionally challenging. Through Higher Health, the department provides free, confidential psychosocial and mental health support services to students and prospective students across the higher education system.
Students requiring emotional or mental health support are encouraged to contact the 24-hour Higher Health Helpline on 0800 36 36 36 for assistance with stress, anxiety or crisis-related concerns.
EXPANDED FUNDING OPPORTUNITIES – SETA BURSARIES
The Minister further announced expanded funding support through the Sector Education and Training Authorities. More than 15 000 SETA bursaries have been made available to support students who do not qualify for NSFAS funding, particularly those in the “missing middle” and in scarce skills areas critical to economic growth.
These bursaries support studies at universities and TVET colleges and cover tuition, learning materials and other study-related costs, forming part of government’s broader strategy to widen access to post-school opportunities.
“As you embark on this next phase of education, training and upskilling, remain focused, disciplined and open to the many pathways available to you. Every route of learning matters, and each contributes to building a capable, inclusive and productive society,” said Minister Manamela.
PRACTICAL GUIDANCE FOR STUDENTS AND PARENTS
The Department advises students and parents to rely only on official communication channels when engaging with institutions or funding bodies. Learners should regularly check emails, SMS notifications and institutional portals, and keep copies of application reference numbers and correspondence. No individual or organisation can guarantee placement or accommodation in exchange for payment, and such claims should be treated with caution.
Students who do not immediately receive offers are encouraged to explore alternative pathways, including TVET colleges, Community Education and Training colleges, higher certificates, bridging programmes and learnerships, rather than abandoning post-school education altogether. Accommodation is limited and allocated separately from academic admission, and confirmation should always be secured before making travel arrangements.
Parents are encouraged to provide emotional support and reassurance during this period. Delays, waiting lists or initial disappointment do not mean the end of educational opportunities. South Africa’s post-school education and training system offers multiple entry points and second-chance pathways, and informed, calm decision-making will help young people navigate this transition successfully.
Enquiries:
Matshepo Seedat
Spokesperson to the Minister of Higher Education
082 679 9473
@HigherEduSpox
ISSUED BY THE MINISTRY OF HIGHER EDUCATION AND TRAINING
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Health issues warning for selenium and zinc picolinate-containing products for children
12 Jan 2026
The South African Health Products Regulatory Authority (SAHPRA) has been made aware of products in the market containing Zinc picolinate (as a source material for zinc) and/or Selenium intended for use in children.
Both of these ingredients have been identified in the Guidance (SAHPRA Guideline 7.04 / SAHPGL-PEM-COMP-04 v5 CM SE Health Supplements) issued by SAHPRA as not permitted in health supplements for children (persons under the age of 18).
The safety concerns related to children are as follows:
- Zinc picolinate, at any supplemental dose, can cause side effects which include indigestion, diarrhea, headache, nausea, and vomiting. As the bio-availability of Zn from Zn-picolinate is variable due to multiple factors, the risk of side effects may be higher and unpredictable, and it is unsuitable as a source of elemental zinc supplementation in children; and
- Selenium, when supplemented to children, represents a safety concern considering the potential differences in selenium daily intake between different population groups. While selenium intake is a viable requirement for children in areas of famine or dietary restriction, the potential adverse effects of selenium overdose are of concern when provided in general supplements/medicines intended for children.
The products currently on the market are marketed and sold, among others, as “Immune boosters” for children, with the main active ingredients being Zinc (when derived from Zinc picolinate) and/or Selenium intended for use in children. These products are indicated for supporting the treatment of colds, flu, diarrhea, and skin-related conditions, rendering the products in question medicines that require registration by SAHPRA.
Any medicine sold that contains Zinc picolinate or Selenium intended for use in children does not qualify as a Category D (complementary) medicine. As such, their sale as a Category D medicine is illegal. Therefore, with effect from the date of publication of this notice, all selenium and zinc picolinate-containing products intended for use in children shall be subject to registration as a medicine falling into Category A, as defined in Section 14(2) of the Medicines and Related Substances Act, 101 of 1965, and need to be submitted to SAHPRA for registration. The sale of Category D (complementary) medicines containing Zinc picolinate or Selenium and intended for use in children must be withdrawn from the market within six (6) months of the date of this publication.
Advice for health professionals and distributors:
SAHPRA requests that Health professionals cease all distribution, selling, and/or dispensing and remove all selenium and zinc picolinate-containing products intended for use in children from stores, storage facilities, and shelves.
Members of the public are urged to return products containing Zinc Picolinate and Selenium when intended for use in children, to their pharmacist, supplying warehouse, or distributor.
Reporting side effects
Public and healthcare professionals are encouraged to report any side effects after using a health product by using the Med Safety App. Your report will contribute to our monitoring of these health products.
Enquiries:
MTammy Gopal
CRO: SAHPRA
Tammy...@sahpra.org.za
For further enquiries/information, contact:
SAHPRA media contact: Yuven Gounden Cell: 083 297 1214 E-mail: yuv...@sahpra.org.za
Notes to Editors:
SAHPRA will post this media release on its website. Navigate to the News section on the website.
Should you wish to request an interview, please send your request to me...@sahpra.org.za and yuv...@sahpra.org.za
Issued by Department of Health
International-Solidarity
WFTU Secretariat Delegation Solidarity Visit to Palestine
13 January 2026
A delegation of the Secretariat of the World Federation of Trade Unions (WFTU), led by General Secretary Pambis Kyritsis and Secretariat member Artur Sequeira, arrived in Palestine, marking the start of an official solidarity visit.
The delegation, accompanied by cadres of the WFTU, will carry out a series of meetings and activities during the visit. These will include meetings with Palestinian trade unions, encounters with workers from various sectors, and meetings with representatives of workers’ and popular organizations, as well as country officials. Through these engagements, the delegation aims to directly assess the conditions faced by Palestinian workers, especially in the landscape of the ongoing genocide carried out by the murderous state of Israel.
This visit reaffirms in practice the unwavering and longstanding solidarity of the WFTU with the Palestinian people and their just struggle. It is part of the broader, consistent landscape of WFTU initiatives and actions in support of Palestine, including international campaigns, mobilizations, statements, and concrete solidarity measures adopted by its affiliates across all regions.
The WFTU reiterates its firm position in support of the rights of the Palestinian people, including the right to live and work in freedom, dignity, and peace, and condemns all policies and practices that violate workers’ rights and international law. The presence of the WFTU delegation in Palestine constitutes a clear message of internationalist solidarity and a commitment to continue standing alongside Palestinian workers and their trade unions.
______________________________
Norman Mampane (Shopsteward Editor)
Congress of South African Trade Unions
110 Jorissen Cnr Simmonds Street, Braamfontein, 2017
P.O.Box 1019, Johannesburg, 2000, South Africa
Tel: +27 11 339-4911 Direct line: 010 219-1348