HERE’S WHAT’S HAPPENING IN SOUTH AFRICA TODAY

Tue 13 January 2026:

Here’s what’s happening in South Africa today:

◼️ Historic 88% pass rate: More than 900 000 full time and part time candidates wrote the matric examinations at approximately 6 000 centres across the country, making it the largest cohort to sit for the NSC exams. Of these, over 656 000 learners successfully passed. Congratulating the Class of 2025, the Minister acknowledged their resilience and determination.
https://independentpress.cc/class-of-2025-sets-new-national-record-with-historic-88-pass-rate/2026/01/13/

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◼️ Ministers in SA who spent the most taxpayer money on travel: Ministers in the Government of National Unity (GNU) have spent over R450 million on travel and accommodation in their first 18 months. The Department of Human Settlements had the highest travel expenses at R32.98 million, followed by the Department of Water and Sanitation, which spent R29.57 million.
https://newsday.co.za/south-africa/14845/the-gnu-ministers-taxpayers-have-paid-the-most-in-travel-expenses-for1/

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◼️ Alcohol kills 62,000 people in SA every year: Goldstein also questions the Treasury’s engagement process, noting that officials held meetings with alcohol producers but not with public health advocates or the Department of Health. “These industries are powerful and wealthy,” she says. “But profits should not come before people’s health.” She also criticises alcohol advertising, which she says glamorises drinking while ignoring its links to violence, domestic abuse and cancer.
https://www.ewn.co.za/2026/01/13/alcohol-kills-62-000-people-in-sa-every-year-time-to-hike-taxes-drive-down-demand

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◼️ SA persuaded Iran to not take part in naval drills: While Iran’s human rights record has drawn international condemnation, including widespread protests, mass arrests and allegations of torture, Matisonn says South Africa gains little by aligning itself so closely with Tehran. “It doesn’t benefit our interests or our values,”he says, adding that Iran is neither a major trading partner nor a natural ally in the current global context.
https://www.ewn.co.za/2026/01/13/south-africa-persuaded-iran-to-not-take-part-in-naval-drills-as-us-pressure-mounts

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◼️ What on earth did Discovery Health think would happen! fter being asked by News24 to “comment on an estimated overpayment figure of R250 million”, Discovery Health told the outlet the amount was “significantly less” than that. It is reasonable to suggest that it is between R50 million and R100 million. In correspondence with some affected members, it quickly became clear to Moneyweb just how complex each of these errors is.
https://www.citizen.co.za/business/what-on-earth-did-discovery-health-think-would-happen/

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