Unemployed Graduate is a growing concern South Africa ,while degrees still offer better prospects than lower education levels, Expressions ask, Is the degree still worth it in South Africa?

Rape in South Africa is a pervasive and deeply entrenched societal problem, rooted in historical, cultural, and structural inequalities. The country consistently reports one of the highest rates of sexual violence in the world, and while the law criminalizes rape, enforcement is often inadequate, leaving many survivors without justice. Compounding this crisis is the prevalence of rape culture within educational institutions, particularly universities, where societal norms, peer pressure, and institutional shortcomings contribute to the normalization and perpetuation of sexual violence. While South Africa has progressive laws against sexual violence, underreporting, insufficient investigations, victim-blaming, and slow judicial processes undermine their effectiveness. Statistics from the South African Police Service (SAPS) reveal alarming trends: a rape occurs every few minutes, with many cases unreported due to fear, stigma, or distrust in the justice system. The author of “I was raped but I came out free” Zisanda Nxokweni has written a book about her rape ordeal. She will share in detail about her different times she was raped by different men.

What is the significant of the day? Sharpeville is a township in Gauteng, South Africa, located near Vereeniging, known primarily as the site of the 1960 Sharpeville Massacre. On March 21, 1960, police opened fire on a crowd protesting against pass laws, killing 69 people. It is now a symbol of the anti-apartheid struggle, commemorated annually on Human Rights Day.

South Africa is facing a literacy crisis, with 15% of Grade 3 learners unable to read for meaning at the required level. This raises urgent questions about the foundations of the country’s education system and the long-term social and economic impact of early learning gaps. Reading proficiency by Grade 3 is a critical milestone, it marks the shift from “learning to read” to “reading to learn.” When children fall behind at this stage, the consequences often follow them throughout their schooling and beyond. Proficiency varies sharply between languages and provinces: Some African language learners (e.g., Sepedi, Xitsonga) show very low reading outcomes, with very high percentages unable to read at all. Through this discussion, we examine the root causes of early literacy challenges, the role of teachers, parents, and policymakers, and what practical solutions can turn the tide.

Gambling has become increasingly accessible, especially through mobile devices. Young people spend significant time on their phones and are constantly exposed to online advertisements encouraging them to “click and win.” As a result, many young individuals find themselves trapped in cycles of debt due to gambling. In this episode of Expressions, we will hear firsthand accounts from individuals affected by gambling addiction — people who have lost jobs, vehicles, and relationships as a result of their gambling addiction .

South Africa is facing a severe crime crisis with approximately many people get killed every day. The violence is driven by gang wars, armed robberies and zama zama deadly turf. Major cities including Johannesburg, Pretoria and Cape Town now rank among the most dangerous in Africa. President Cyril Ramaphosa has declared organised crime the nation's biggest threat and announced the deployment of troops to the Western Cape and Gauteng provinces. Soldiers will patrol alongside police to dismantle gangs and shut down illegal mining.

Population growth & rising demand: Rapid urban growth, especially in Gauteng has outpaced water system capacities. Johannesburg itself serves millions, straining reservoirs, and distribution networks. In Johannesburg, these national problems converge into acute local water shortages, with some neighbourhoods experiencing days or weeks of dry taps and reliance on water trucks for daily needs. The water crisis cuts across social and economic life, but the youth are affected in different ways: Schools without reliable water face hygiene issues, which can lead to closures or make learning environments unsafe. Handwashing, sanitation, and canteen services all rely on consistent water access. Youth unemployment in South Africa remains high and unreliable water supply affects small businesses, informal enterprises, and job creation especially in sectors like food services and hospitality that rely on clean water. Ongoing service delivery protests and dissatisfaction among youth reflect broader frustration with governance failures. Leaders including President Cyril Ramaphosa have recently acknowledged “worsening water shortages” as a major national concern and are under political pressure to deliver solutions ahead of elections. As Expressions we ask Should the current water crisis be declared a national disaster.

The President of the Republic of South Africa will deliver the State of the Nation Address to a joint sitting of the National Assembly and the National Council of Provinces on Thursday‚ 12 February 2026. The State of the Nation Address sets out government’s key policy objectives and deliverables for the year ahead‚ highlights achievements‚ flags challenges and unlock development interventions for the coming fiscal year. The State of the Nation Address marks the official start of the Parliamentary programme. As following the President’s coming SONA address, the question we are asking you today is: Will SONA 2026 give clear indication of how government is going to tackle challenges faced by young people?