By Lehlohonolo Lehana.
Minister in the Presidency Khumbudzo Ntshavheni has announced the cabinet’s approval of the appointment of Film and Publication Board (FPB) Council members for a five-year term.
Ntshavheni made the announcement during a post-Cabinet media briefing on Tuesday, 29 September 2026.
The FPB is one of the entities under Department of Communications and Digital telecommunications (DCDT), serving as the official content-classification authority for films, games and certain publications for public distribution.
Its council’s mandate has been expanded to include regulating online content, with the aim of protecting children and vulnerable citizens.
The new members are: Lungelo Dhladhla Nxele, Mariann Maartens, Ditaba Lucy Maraka, Dr Phosa Jan Mashangoane, Zandile Gail Mpungose, Dr Seithati Maria Motebang, advocate Lindelwa Ndziba, Melanie Roy and professor Siyasanga Tyali.
Tyali has been appointed as chairperson, says the Department of Communications and Digital Technologies (DCDT), while Nxele will serve as deputy chairperson.
Ntshavheni said, Cabinet approved the nine‑member of the council for a five‑year term, bringing “ethical and capable leadership”.
“The new Council possesses the expertise required to enhance governance and strategic oversight at the FPB” she said.
The FPB recently reported a second consecutive clean audit and achieved all its 2025-26 performance targets.
BRICS Summit
Cabinet has welcomed the outcomes of the 18th BRICS Summit, which reaffirmed the grouping’s commitment to building a more inclusive and representative international system while advancing cooperation in trade, investment, infrastructure financing and sustainable development.
The summit was held in New Delhi, India, from 12 to 13 September 2026, under the theme: “Building for Resilience, Innovation, Cooperation and Security”.
Ntshavheni said the summit has strengthened cooperation among BRICS members in areas critical to global economic development.
The discussions advanced cooperation in trade and investment, local currency transactions and cross-border payments, infrastructure financing through the New Development Bank, digital cooperation, climate resilience, and food security.
Matric Exams
Cabinet has wished the Class of 2026 well, as they enter the final stretch of preparations ahead of the National Senior Certificate (NSC) examinations.
The 2026 October/November National Senior Certificate examinations for Grade 12 learners will officially commence on 13 October 2026 and conclude on 25 November 2026.
Ntshavheni said in this final stretch, schools are focused on conducting structured revision and providing additional academic support to ensure that learners are adequately prepared for the examinations.
She said Cabinet called on parents and guardians to monitor the progress of learners in their care and to support learners by creating a supportive environment in which they can focus on their studies.
“Learners are urged to create a realistic study schedule and to seek guidance from teachers or peers when they are unsure about their schoolwork.
“If you or a matric learner in your care feels overwhelmed, free professional help is available 24 hours a day from the South African Depression and Anxiety Group at 0800 12 13 14,” Ntshavheni said.
Read the Cabinet Statements here.