'Most Notably' (15 June 2026)

It was never our intention to focus 'Most Notably' on the organisational and communication shortcomings of certain national government departments. But when – within the space of one week – official documents reflecting important policy developments don't materialise on the dates promised in formal media statements announcing their imminent availability ... Well, something is clearly amiss.

Last week, we reported on the late publication of the Department of Trade, Industry & Competition's revised industrial development strategy. And by the way: we've since discovered that the link to that document has been replaced – rendering unworkable all communications featuring the original link. National government departments are fond of doing that ...

This week, we feel duty bound to draw attention to a mishap involving the Department of Higher Education & Training and the Government Printing Works, which publishes the Government Gazette.

On 11 June, Higher Education & Training Minister Buti Manemela issued a media statement on the commencement of a process of transitioning from "legacy" pre-2009 post-school training programme qualifications to "a modern occupational qualifications system that better reflects workplace requirements, technological advancement and the evolving needs of ... (South Africa's) economy". According to the statement, "pre-2009 qualifications" for which students have already enrolled "will receive targeted extensions ranging from six months to twenty-four months, depending on sector readiness, learner impact, replacement qualification availability and labour market requirements". "Each qualification has been assessed on its own merits" – with extensions granted "where sufficient evidence exists" to justify "further transitional support".

The lists of pre-2009 training programmes granted extensions and replacement occupational qualifications were expected to have been " included in the Government Gazette to be published on Monday, 15 June 2026".

Sadly, by midnight that day the lists had yet to materialise.

Pity the myriad people and institutions still holding their breath on the eve of the 50th anniversary of the June 1976 student uprising. The statement notes that among these are:

• learners working towards national accredited technical education certificates and diplomas, including N4 to N6 qualifications

• regulatory unit standards underpinning "important statutory and industry programmes"

• trades, and

• work-integrated learning programmes where students have completed the theoretical component of their training.

When will national government officials and their ministers learn to err on the side of caution when announcing dates for the publication of important policy-related documents?

Our report for SA Legal Academy can be found here.

Until next Monday ...

Policy Watch SA

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