Following the announcement of the NSC examination results, the Social Services Cluster Committee Chairpersons convened a virtual media briefing on 15 January 2026. The focus was on Parliament’s oversight role in ensuring quality, readiness, and accountability across the education system for the 2026 academic year, from Early Childhood Development to post-school education and training. The Social Cluster Chairpersons congratulated the Class of 2025 on their achievement, welcoming the improved pass rate of 88%.

Mr Moloto Mothapo, Parliamentary Spokesperson, highlighted the briefing theme as: Strengthening Accountability and Readiness Across the Education System. “This is critical as the new academic year commences and oversight across the education sector is essential to ensure systemic readiness and early intervention across the education value chain,” he said.

Chairperson of the Portfolio Committee on Basic Education, Ms Joy Maimela, reflected on a wide range of concerns saying that austerity measures, funding and School Norms and Standards, remain focus areas for 2026. Although there had been an increase in Bachelor passes, the limited spaces available at public universities is troublesome; coordination between the DBE and the Department of Higher Education and Training (DHET) is essential. She added that the enhanced enrolment of STEM subjects and technology as gateway subjects should be supported and welcomed the improvement in the results from township and no-fee schools, and encouraged building support structures at the foundation level. Shocking statistics of girl learners who gave birth during the holiday period confirmed that teenage pregnancy and statutory rape remain a serious challenge which will be flagged for ongoing collaboration between the DBE and SAPS for improved accountability to comply with reporting requirements and policy. In conclusion, she briefed attendees on the planned oversight visit from 26 to 30 January 2026, to the Limpopo Province, focusing on key findings and emerging concerns for corrective actions in the Mopani, Sekhukhune and Capricorn Education Districts. The long list of concerns ranges from school infrastructure such as water, electricity and sanitation to Learning and Teaching Support Materials, learner safety and transport and the National School Nutrition Programme.

Chairperson of the Select Committee on Education, Science and Creative Industries, Mr Makhi Feni, addressed legislative and policy oversight matters. He commended the upward trajectory in the education system, flagging infrastructure, support to rural schools and teaching time in particular, highlighting the importance of oversight. He also encouraged consequence management and the implementation of the Auditor-General of South Africa’s (AGSAs) recommendations for the sector. On the implementation of the Basic Education Laws Amendment Act (BELA), and compulsory Grade R implementation, he flagged the requirements and professionalisation of ECD educators such as qualification standards, training pathways and implementation challenges.

Chairperson of the Portfolio Committee on Higher Education and Training, Mr Tebogo Letsie, outlined oversight priorities within the post-school education sector, supporting the concerns listed by Ms Maimela that the number of Bachelor passes surpass available spaces at public universities. He encouraged candidates to register at credible, registered private universities and institutions listed on their website, and to apply for training as artisans to ensure employability. NSFAS received 893,852 applications for the 2026 academic year, with 776,253 were from first-time students, with 609,403 applicants having qualified for financial aid.

The cluster media and stakeholder briefings are crucial in fostering transparency, coordination and deeper understanding of its critical functions and enhancing accountability in governance.