As the 2025 academic year resumes, the country’s universities received applications that were more than 30 times higher than they could accommodate. Topping the list was the University of Johannesburg (UJ), with 693 990 applications, which translates to a headcount of 358 992 applicants for approximately 10 900 undergraduate spaces. This is 33 times more than available spaces. Thabiso Tema spoke with Dr Marcia Socikwa, Director General responsible for the University Branch in the Department of Higher Education and Training.

As the 2025 academic year resumes, the country&rsquo;s universities received applications that were more than 30 times higher than they could accommodate. Topping the list was the University of Johannesburg (UJ), with 693 990 applications, which translates to a headcount of 358 992 applicants for approximately 10 900 undergraduate spaces. This is 33 times more than available spaces. Thabiso Tema spoke with Dr Marcia Socikwa, Director General responsible for the University Branch in the Department of Higher Education and Training.

POWER Breakfast is a fast-paced three-hour news and current affairs show, alternating between the latest breaking news, political coverage, analysis, sport, market reports, weather and all your calls. Whether you’re in business, the public service or just want to stay informed, tune in as Thabiso TT Tema connects you to your world.

POWER Breakfast is a fast-paced three-hour news and current affairs show, alternating between the latest breaking news, political coverage, analysis, sport, market reports, weather and all your calls. Whether you&rsquo;re in business, the public service or just want to stay informed, tune in as Thabiso TT Tema connects you to your world.

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South African Universities overwhelmed by 2025 number of applications – how is the dept of Higher education facilitating?

South Africa’s electricity sector is entering a decisive phase, with reform efforts gaining traction after years of instability, policy uncertainty and rolling power cuts. A new report released by Krutham and commissioned by the South Africa Electricity Traders Association (SAETA) argues that the country now has a clear opportunity to consolidate recent gains and secure long-term energy reliability. Titled Policy to power: 10 actions to deliver green, accessible and secure electricity, the report outlines a sequenced roadmap to complete the transition from a vertically integrated, monopoly-driven system to a competitive, multi-market electricity. Thabiso Tema spoke to James Beatty Chairman of Enpower and member of SA Electricity Traders Association

South Africa&rsquo;s electricity sector is entering a decisive phase, with reform efforts gaining traction after years of instability, policy uncertainty and rolling power cuts. A new report released by Krutham and commissioned by the South Africa Electricity Traders Association (SAETA) argues that the country now has a clear opportunity to consolidate recent gains and secure long-term energy reliability. Titled Policy to power: 10 actions to deliver green, accessible and secure electricity, the report outlines a sequenced roadmap to complete the transition from a vertically integrated, monopoly-driven system to a competitive, multi-market electricity. Thabiso Tema spoke to James Beatty Chairman of Enpower and member of SA Electricity Traders Association

South Africa’s Electricity Sector Enters a Decisive Reform Phase After Years of Instability and Power Cuts

Residents of Gugulethu informal settlement in Springs, on Gauteng’s East Rand, continue digging for what they believe are gold deposits beneath a former cattle kraal — but growing questions remain about whether there is actually gold in the ground. The rush began after rumours circulated about untapped minerals near a disused mine shaft in the area. Within days, the kraal on a neighbouring plot was transformed into a hive of activity, with dozens of people digging holes across land roughly the size of two soccer fields. Thabiso Tema spoke to Lungile Dhladhla a Process Engineer.

Residents of Gugulethu informal settlement in Springs, on Gauteng&rsquo;s East Rand, continue digging for what they believe are gold deposits beneath a former cattle kraal &mdash; but growing questions remain about whether there is actually gold in the ground. The rush began after rumours circulated about untapped minerals near a disused mine shaft in the area. Within days, the kraal on a neighbouring plot was transformed into a hive of activity, with dozens of people digging holes across land roughly the size of two soccer fields. Thabiso Tema spoke to Lungile Dhladhla a Process Engineer.

Gold Rush or False Hope? Questions Emerge Over Alleged Discovery in Springs Informal Settlement 

Despite a presidential directive issued by Cyril Ramaphosa six years ago, the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) has yet to conduct a single lifestyle audit on its prosecutors. Justice and Constitutional Development Minister Mamoloko Kubayi expressed her deep concerns over this prolonged lack of transparency and the "pushback" received from within the agency. Thabiso Tema spoke to Mpumelelo Zikalala Legal Expert and Director of Zikalala Attorneys.

Despite a presidential directive issued by Cyril Ramaphosa six years ago, the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) has yet to conduct a single lifestyle audit on its prosecutors. Justice and Constitutional Development Minister Mamoloko Kubayi expressed her deep concerns over this prolonged lack of transparency and the "pushback" received from within the agency. Thabiso Tema spoke to Mpumelelo Zikalala Legal Expert and Director of Zikalala Attorneys.

South African Universities overwhelmed by 2025 number of applications – how is the dept of Higher education facilitating?

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