UMP Scraps Application Fees for 2027 Academic Year

The University of Mpumalanga (UMP) has scrapped application fees for prospective students from the 2027 academic year, in a move aimed at removing financial barriers to accessing higher education.

The decision was approved by the university’s Council during an ordinary meeting on September 29 and will remain in effect for 2027 and subsequent academic years.

The university said the move was informed by concerns that application fees place an unnecessary financial burden on prospective students, particularly those from disadvantaged socio-economicREAD MORE

In which sectors do the interests of ASEAN and the BRICS countries align sufficiently to form sustainable production and investment links? Under what conditions could a fully-fledged economic network between the two groups take shape by 2035? Read the TV BRICS article

The economic foundation for convergence

The economic convergence between ASEAN and the BRICS countries is already taking shape in specific supply chains, investment projects and transport routes. Chinese companies are expanding production in Southeast Asia, India is increasingREAD MORE

The uMkhonto weSizwe (MK) Party has axed its Secretary-General, Sibonelo Nomvalo, less than two weeks before the local government elections, citing concerns over councillor selection, alleged internal factionalism and other organisational matters.

Nomvalo, who was appointed secretary-general in March, is the seventh person to hold the position since the party was established in 2023.

The party announced his removal in a statement issued by the Office of the President on Thursday, October 22, saying the changes took immediate effect, subjectREAD MORE

Private investment and regulatory simplification will be key to driving growth in the sector

India’s space economy could grow from the current US$9 billion to between US$40 billion and US$45 billion over the next seven or eight years. This was announced by the Minister of Space, Jitendra Singh, who highlighted the importance of attracting investment, streamlining regulatory procedures and ensuring sustained commercial demand.

The minister noted that India must move beyond demonstrating its technological capabilities to developing globally competitive space companies.READ MORE

In an exclusive interview with TV BRICS, Natalya Bocharova spoke about the benefits of knowing Russian in education, work and cooperation between countries

The International Organisation for the Russian Language began its operational activities in 2026. The treaty establishing it and its statute were signed by the leaders of the CIS states. What are the organisation’s objectives for its first few years of operation?

As of today, the secretariat has virtually been formed and has commenced its work on theREAD MORE

The Border Management Authority (BMA) has welcomed additional funding announced by Finance Minister Enoch Godongwana, saying the support will help strengthen its operational capacity to secure South Africa’s borders, protect national security and manage the movement of people and goods.

BMA Commissioner Dr Michael Masiapato described the announcement in the 2026/27 Adjustments Budget and Medium-Term Budget Policy Statement as an important step towards equipping the authority to respond to increasing demands at the country’s ports of entry and along itsREAD MORE

President Cyril Ramaphosa has challenged South African employers to stop shutting young people out of the job market because they lack work experience, warning that the country cannot afford to waste the potential of a generation desperate for opportunities.

Addressing the SA Youth National Leadership Convening at the Galleria Conference Centre in Sandton on Thursday, Ramaphosa acknowledged the frustration of young people who submit countless job applications without receiving responses, as well as graduates whose qualifications have failed to openREAD MORE

The country recorded US$9.04 billion in merchandise exports in the first eight months of 2026, with minerals, agricultural products and manufactured goods contributing to growth

Zimbabwe increased its merchandise exports by 60.7 per cent year on year to US$9.04 billion between January and August 2026, compared with US$5.63 billion during the same period in 2025. This was reported by The Herald, a partner of TV BRICS.

Exports exceeded imports, which totalled US$8.45 billion during the period, resulting in a trade surplusREAD MORE

Grain production this season could reach 2.427 billion tonnes

Global grain production in the 2026–2027 agricultural season could reach 2.427 billion tonnes. The International Grains Council (IGC) has raised its forecast by 7 million tonnes compared with its September estimate. This was reported by Safras, a partner of TV BRICS.

In particular, the council estimates that the maize harvest will reach 1.307 billion tonnes. This is 6 million tonnes more than expected a month earlier. Wheat production is forecast at 820READ MORE

North West businessman Sulliman Carrim is expected to appear in the Musina Magistrate’s Court in Limpopo on Thursday in connection with the alleged attempted theft of two vehicles belonging to ABSA and the use of fraudulent documents to move them across the border.

Carrim was added as an accused in two existing cases on Wednesday following investigations by the South African Police Service’s (SAPS) Commissions Recommendations Task Team (CRTT).

He faces charges of attempted theft and money laundering, according toREAD MORE