Kaya 959 Point of View with Phemelo Motene

900,000 Matrics Set to Write - DBE Declares “We’re Ready”

Loading player...
With just days to go, South Africa’s biggest exam season is about to begin. Over 900,000 candidates, including more than 766,000 full-time learners are set to sit for the 2025 National Senior Certificate (NSC) exams starting Tuesday. Basic Education Minister Siviwe Gwarube says all nine provinces are prepped and ready, calling the NSC the “largest and most complex public assessment” in the country’s education system. From secure paper storage to strict monitoring protocols, the DBE insists every box is ticked. The exams run until 27 November. Nzinga Qunta speaks with Minister Gwarube about the department’s readiness.
20 Oct 2025 4PM English South Africa Education · Careers

Other recent episodes

Wrap of the Week’s Top Stories

Kaya News Anchor Katleho Sekhotho takes us through the headlines that dominated the news cycle. From Matlala’s appearance before the Madlanga Commission, which left more questions than answers, to the latest developments in coalition talks as the ANC weighs its political options. Also in focus, former National Assembly Speaker Nosiviwe…
13 Nov 6AM 22 min

Judge accused of racism by clerk

A Judicial Conduct Tribunal is investigating Eastern Cape Judge Belinda Hartle over allegations that she made a racist remark to a registry clerk in May 2025. Hartle denies the allegation, but the Judicial Service Commission has found a prima facie case against her. A finding of gross misconduct could have…
13 Nov 6AM 12 min

Classics on Turf presents A Sibongile Khumalo Celebration

A special concert celebrating the life and musical legacy of legendary South African singer Sibongile Khumalo takes place at the Market Theatre, in collaboration with Classics on Turf. The performance brings together musicians and singers who worked with Khumalo, revisiting her contributions to jazz, opera, art song and indigenous music…
12 Nov 1PM 8 min

Sudan’s drone attacks intensify as deadly assault reported in Kenya

Drone strikes on power stations and civilian infrastructure are worsening the humanitarian crisis in Sudan, with UNICEF warning that armed drones are increasingly putting children and communities at risk. Meanwhile, eight people, including two police reservists and five construction workers, have been killed in an attack by suspected al-Shabaab militants…
11 Nov 1PM 14 min

Nearly 1.8 million abandoned 10111 calls raise concerns over police response

Nearly 1.8 million calls to the South African Police Service’s (SAPS) 10111 emergency line went unanswered or were abandoned during the 2025/26 financial year, with the national abandonment rate standing at approximately 20%. SAPS has acknowledged that staffing at emergency call centres is severely inadequate, raising concerns about the ability…
11 Nov 1PM 10 min
All episodes