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Mbali Shamu, 18, is one of the more than 100 000 girls on social grants who wrote their matric exams. She is seizing the opportunities provided to her to make her life better for herself.

Shamu received seven distinctions and is on her way to be a BSc Actuarial Science student at the University of the Witwatersrand.

Learners from Ntongande High School, who used to travel more than 15 km per day in order to get to school, will no longer have to do so this academic year.

SoNA Special Feature

At the Opening of Parliament every February, the President of South Africa delivers the State of the Nation Address (SoNA), which outlines the country’s performance for the past year and plans for the year ahead.

I would like to extend to Vuk’uzenzele readers my best wishes for 2017 as a year in which our country must take serious steps to reduce poverty, unemployment and inequality.

As learners and workers settle in behind their desks, factory equipment, steering wheels and mining drills, we greet 2017 with the determination that this must be a year in which we transform South Africans.

Educational support for military veterans, dependents

About 9 000 military veterans and their dependents will this year be furthering their education - thanks to bursaries from the Department of Military Veterans (DMV).

Of the 9 000 beneficiaries, there are 5 000 continuing students while the rest, 4 000 are new beneficiaries. 

The department has to date provided support to approximately 5 800 education beneficiaries, to the tune of R142 million against the initial budget of R26.4 million in both basic and tertiary education.

One of the most keenly watched events on the public calendar is the annual delivery of the State of the Nation address (SoNA) byThe President.

On this occasion the President reports on the status of the nation, normally to a joint sitting of Parliament (the National Assembly and National Council of Provinces). The speech is also broadcast on television for the benefit of citizens.

The Department of Social Development, in partnership with the National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS), is making sure that children who receive social grants are able to further their studies at institutions of higher learning.

As part of the partnership, social grant beneficiaries would not be double means tested for financial eligibility.

The Department of Justice and Constitutional Development (DOJ&CD) is offering internship opportunities to provide South African matriculants and graduates with the opportunity to gain workplace experience in the field that they have studied. The DOJ&CD is an equal opportunity, affirmative action employer. Candidates with disability are encouraged to apply. Applicants must clearly state the area of choice (Region) and Reference number. Details of the Internship Programme are provided below.

Deputy Director: Labour Centre Operations (3 posts)

Centre:

Labour Centre: Bethal Reference No: HR4/4/7/29 (1 post)
Labour Centre: Mitchells Plain- Reference No: HR4/4/10/102(1 post)
Labour Centre: Beaufort West- Reference No: HR4/4/10/103 (1 post)

Salary: All Inclusive: R 726 276 .00 per annum