As the 2026 school year approaches, a growing crisis in South Africa’s education system is leaving parents and learners in limbo. In Gauteng alone, the Department of Education’s online admissions system shows that 4,858 Grade 1 and Grade 8 learners are still unplaced, out of 358,574 applications received for the new academic year. That means nearly 1.5% of applicants remain without a confirmed school just days before schools open.

As the 2026 school year approaches, a growing crisis in South Africa&rsquo;s education system is leaving parents and learners in limbo. In Gauteng alone, the&nbsp;Department of Education&rsquo;s online admissions system&nbsp;shows that 4,858 Grade 1 and Grade 8 learners are still&nbsp;unplaced, out of 358,574 applications received for the&nbsp;new academic year. That means nearly 1.5% of&nbsp;applicants remain without a confirmed school just&nbsp;days before schools open.

METRO FM Talk with Faith Mangope

METRO FM Talk with Faith Mangope

AFTER 8 IS AFTER 8: SCHOOL PLACEMENT SAGA

Menstruation and reproductive health affect millions
of women and girls in South Africa — yet for many,
they remain daily struggles with far-reaching
consequences. Period poverty leaves girls missing
school and women unable to live with dignity, while
endometriosis, a chronic and often invisible condition,
can go undiagnosed for years, affecting education,
work, and quality of life.
Tonight, we examine these issues through a human
rights lens: how access to menstrual products,
healthcare, and awareness isn’t just a health matter —
it’s a question of equality, dignity, and justice. We’ll
explore what’s being done, where gaps remain, and
what needs to change to ensure that women and girls
can live fully without barriers imposed by their
biology.

Menstruation and reproductive health affect millions of women and girls in South Africa &mdash; yet for many, they remain daily struggles with far-reaching consequences. Period poverty leaves girls missing school and women unable to live with dignity, while endometriosis, a chronic and often invisible condition, can go undiagnosed for years, affecting education, work, and quality of life. Tonight, we examine these issues through a human rights lens: how access to menstrual products, healthcare, and awareness isn&rsquo;t just a health matter &mdash; it&rsquo;s a question of equality, dignity, and justice. We&rsquo;ll explore what&rsquo;s being done, where gaps remain, and what needs to change to ensure that women and girls can live fully without barriers imposed by their biology.

AFTER 8 IS AFTER 8: Rights, Health, and Dignity

Water is a fundamental human right in South Africa, guaranteed by our Constitution of South Africa. Yet, as supply pressures mount and restrictions hit some areas, a difficult question arises: are we, the public, doing enough to protect it? Tonight, we explore the tension between rights and
responsibility. While some communities still struggle for clean, reliable water, others are accused of
overuse, waste and illegal connections. How do we balance access with accountability — and can South Africa sustain its water future without a major shift in
behaviour?

Water is a fundamental human right in South Africa,&nbsp;guaranteed by our Constitution of South Africa. Yet, as&nbsp;supply pressures mount and restrictions hit some&nbsp;areas, a difficult question arises: are we, the public,&nbsp;doing enough to protect it?&nbsp;Tonight, we explore the tension between rights and responsibility. While some communities still struggle&nbsp;for clean, reliable water, others are accused of overuse, waste and illegal connections. How do we&nbsp;balance access with accountability &mdash; and can South Africa sustain its water future without a major shift in behaviour?

Water Rights vs Responsibility ( Vanessa Stippel (Water Management Lecturer) - Emeris )

There’s growing concern at the pumps, with reports of
fuel shortages emerging in parts of the country — but
government is urging calm.
The Department of Mineral and Petroleum Resources
says fuel supply remains stable in the short term,
despite several petrol stations across provinces
including Gauteng and the Western Cape running out
of certain grades of diesel.
Behind this is a bigger global story. Rising geopolitical
tensions in the Middle East have pushed oil prices
above 100 dollars a barrel, creating uncertainty in
international markets and raising concerns about
supply chains worldwide.
Government says it has secured fuel shipments and
has plans in place to manage potential risks — but at
the same time, it is warning that South Africans could
soon feel the impact through higher fuel prices.
So tonight we ask:
Should South Africans be worried about fuel supply —
or is the real pressure still to come at the pump?

There&rsquo;s growing concern at the pumps, with reports of fuel shortages emerging in parts of the country &mdash; but government is urging calm. The Department of Mineral and Petroleum Resources says fuel supply remains stable in the short term, despite several petrol stations across provinces including Gauteng and the Western Cape running out of certain grades of diesel. Behind this is a bigger global story. Rising geopolitical tensions in the Middle East have pushed oil prices above 100 dollars a barrel, creating uncertainty in international markets and raising concerns about supply chains worldwide. Government says it has secured fuel shipments and has plans in place to manage potential risks &mdash; but at the same time, it is warning that South Africans could soon feel the impact through higher fuel prices. So tonight we ask: Should South Africans be worried about fuel supply &mdash; or is the real pressure still to come at the pump?

AFTER 8 IS AFTER 8: SCHOOL PLACEMENT SAGA

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