For Creamer Media in Johannesburg, I’m Halima Frost.

Making headlines: SA’s record Class of 2026 begins final exams amid calls for systemic reform; Zuma released from hospital; And, Joburg Water depot upgrade to strengthen service delivery

SA’s record Class of 2026 begins final exams amid calls for systemic reform

The Class of 2026 officially commenced the final National Senior Certificate examinations today, with a record-breaking 962 832 candidates registered nationwide.

The exams are scheduled to conclude on November 26.

Political parties and government officials united in wishing the learners well while simultaneously highlighting critical challenges remaining within South Africa's education landscape.

Acting government spokesperson Nomonde Mnukwa described the examinations as a major milestone, representing the culmination of 13 years of learning, preparation and personal growth.

Government acknowledges the dedication, hard work, and perseverance of learners, educators, parents, and guardians throughout the academic year.

She encouraged candidates to remain calm, manage their time effectively, follow their timetables closely, and approach each paper with confidence.

Zuma released from hospital

Former South African President Jacob Zuma was discharged from hospital after being admitted last week, newswires reported today.

Zuma, who leads the uMkhonto weSizwe Party, was taken to hospital by ambulance last week for what the party said was a routine medical check-up. Local media said that he was discharged last night from a hospital in Pietermaritzburg.

The state of his health has raised questions about the extent to which Zuma would be able to campaign in the country’s November 4 municipal elections.

The MKP aims to extend its inroads into the support of Zuma’s former party, the African National Congress, that it made in South Africa’s 2024 general elections.

And, Joburg Water depot upgrade to strengthen service delivery

The Johannesburg Water Depot upgrade in Randburg, being undertaken by the City of Johannesburg’s infrastructure implementing agency, the Johannesburg Development Agency, is nearing completion, as it enters its final close-out phase.

The project, located in Region C, will strengthen the operational capacity required to support reliable service delivery to communities across Region C and parts of Regions B, D and F, as well as enable Johannesburg Water to respond more effectively to community needs and improve the reliability of municipal services across the city.

The project comprises the upgrade of the administration block, three workshop buildings, the standby building, training centre, ablution block and security guard building, along with external works such as paving and landscaping.

A significant portion of the project involved upgrading and installing electrical, mechanical, fire-detection, plumbing, and information and communications technology services to support a safer, more reliable and efficient working environment.

The building works implemented by the JDA included painting, tiling, suspended ceilings and carpentry, while external infrastructure improvements have included paving, water pipelines, sewer lines, stormwater infrastructure and drainage.

That’s a roundup of news making headlines today

Don’t forget to follow us on the X platform, at the handle @PolityZA