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

International stories making headlines

From developments involving the US and Mexico to tensions in the Middle East and the latest from Russia, Phemelo unpacks the biggest global stories shaping the news agenda with global affairs specialist, Dr Terence McNamee.
2 Jun 4PM 26 min

Tshwane eyes investment boost through human settlements summit

The City of Tshwane hosted a Human Settlements Symposium aimed at attracting investment, accelerating housing development and driving spatial transformation. Phemelo speaks to MMC for Human Settlements Aaron Maluleka about the city’s plans to reshape communities and unlock growth.
2 Jun 4PM 11 min

Ian Cameron: Cape Flats needs policing, not political motorcades

With gang violence continuing to plague the Cape Flats, DA MP Ian Cameron says communities need more detectives, visible policing and crime-fighting resources, not political convoys and symbolic security visits. Phemelo speaks to the Chairperson of Parliament’s Portfolio Committee on Police about tackling crime on the ground.
2 Jun 4PM 11 min

Makashule Gana elected to lead Ramaphosa impeachment inquiry committee

Rise Mzansi Chief Whip Makashule Gana has been elected chairperson of Parliament’s Section 89 Impeachment Committee, which will consider whether there are grounds to recommend President Cyril Ramaphosa’s removal from office. Phemelo speaks to Gana about the negotiations behind his election and the work that lies ahead.
2 Jun 4PM 5 min

Tonjeni retirement may end disciplinary case over Sibanyoni matter

The retirement of former Mpumalanga Chief Magistrate Tuletu Tonjeni could effectively bring an end to disciplinary action linked to her handling of the high-profile Joe “Ferrari” Sibanyoni extortion case. Tonjeni stepped down amid scrutiny over her controversial court decisions, while legal questions remain about accountability after retirement. Phemelo speaks to…
2 Jun 4PM 7 min
All episodes