Children in under-resourced Richards Bay communities will receive free water safety education and survival swimming lessons over the next three years thanks to a partnership between the National Sea Rescue Institute (NSRI) and international and local funding organisations.

The Victor Daitz Foundation and World Relief Australia are funding a dedicated NSRI Drowning Prevention Instructor in the city for three years, allowing the organisation to expand its reach among schools and communities where access to water safety training is limited.

The programme aims to equip children with practical skills to recognise water hazards, prevent drowning and respond to emergencies without putting themselves at risk.

At Kati Primary School in Madlanzini Agri Village, learners recently participated in an interactive water safety lesson and hands-on cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) training led by NSRI Drowning Prevention Instructor Mncedisi Hlalatu, known to the children as Tata.

Representatives from the Victor Daitz Foundation and World Relief Australia attended the session to observe the training and see how their funding was helping children develop potentially life-saving skills.

“This partnership means we can reach more children in Richards Bay with skills that could save their lives. It’s exciting to see learners getting involved, asking questions and practising how to help in an emergency. Thanks to the Victor Daitz Foundation and World Relief Australia, we have three years to build on that enthusiasm and make water safety part of everyday life in these communities,” said NSRI Drowning Prevention Manager in KwaZulu-Natal, Siyabonga Mthethwa.

World Relief Australia chief executive officer Kath Kable said the school visit demonstrated the importance of investing in practical water safety education.

“It was inspiring to see this life-saving training in action. The instructor’s visible passion inspired the class, and the children were completely engaged in learning skills that could save a life,” Kable said.

KZN continues to face a significant drowning risk, particularly in communities where children are exposed to rivers, dams, swimming pools and coastal waters.

A peer-reviewed study of fatal drownings in South Africa between 2016 and 2021 recorded an average of 1,477 deaths annually, with KwaZulu-Natal accounting for 2,114 deaths over the six-year period, the highest total of any province.

Since launching its water safety education programme in 2006, the NSRI has reached approximately three million people, about 90% of them children.

The programme teaches participants how to identify dangers around water, assist someone in trouble without endangering themselves and perform bystander CPR.

Through its separate Survival Swimming programme, the NSRI teaches children four essential skills: controlling their breathing, orientating themselves in water, floating and propelling themselves at least five metres to safety.

The NSRI estimates that about 450 children under the age of 14 drown in South Africa each year.

INSIDE EDUCATION

The post Three-year funding deal brings life-saving water safety lessons to Richards Bay children appeared first on Inside Education..

Minister in the Presidency for Women, Youth and Persons with Disabilities Sindisiwe Chikunga has called for urgent reforms to the education system, warning that barriers facing learners with disabilities could perpetuate their exclusion from the workplace.

“Disability-inclusive workplaces, such as those SARS is building, begin with an inclusive education system. The young Deaf South Africans in this cohort reached this point with the support of teachers, parents and communities determined that they should not be left behind,” she said while speaking at the launch of the South African Revenue Service (SARS) Deaf Accessibility and Cohort Programme in Pretoria on Friday.

Chikunga said the barriers were particularly severe in under-resourced township, rural and farming communities, where some special schools lacked accessible classrooms, ramps, suitable toilets and other facilities needed to accommodate learners with mobility impairments.

“If a child cannot enter a classroom with dignity, inclusion has failed before the lesson begins. Unless we address this exclusion at school, we risk reproducing it in the workplace,” she said.

She also highlighted inequalities in access to assistive technology and educational materials, contrasting learners in affluent communities who had access to specialised software and digital devices with those in rural areas who faced lengthy delays in obtaining Braille textbooks and other resources.

Deaf learners, she said, faced additional challenges, including a shortage of qualified South African Sign Language (SASL) teachers, inadequate interpreting services during examinations and limited access to visual learning materials.

Chikunga identified insufficient teacher training as another obstacle, saying many educators had not received the professional development needed to support learners with disabilities in mainstream classrooms.

She said emerging technologies, including artificial intelligence, automated captioning, speech-to-text applications and tactile reading devices, could improve access to education, but warned that their benefits would remain limited without affordable devices, connectivity and properly trained teachers.

The minister also called for changes in attitudes towards disability, saying learners with disabilities should not be treated as an additional burden on schools but as individuals entitled to equal educational opportunities.

Chikunga welcomed the SARS Deaf Accessibility and Cohort Programme, saying it was an example of how public institutions could turn disability inclusion commitments into practical measures.

Launched under the theme “Every Hand has a Voice – Shaping an Inclusive Future”, the programme seeks to improve access to SARS services for Deaf people through sign language support, dedicated consultations, digital skills development and stronger institutional capacity.

“Your work demonstrates, in the most concrete way possible, how inclusion can be translated from principle into practice through employment, skills development, accessible communication and institutional capability,” she said.

SARS has previously introduced measures to improve accessibility for Deaf taxpayers, including scheduled SASL interpreting services at selected service centres. In July, the revenue service published a schedule covering 11 centres across the country.

SASL became South Africa’s 12th official language in 2023, strengthening the recognition of Deaf people’s linguistic rights.

Chikunga said the SARS initiative reflected the government’s obligations under Section 9 of the Constitution, which guarantees equality before the law and prohibits unfair discrimination, including on the grounds of disability.

She also referred to South Africa’s commitments under the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities and the African Disability Protocol.

The launch coincided with Disability Rights Awareness Month, observed annually from 3 November to 3 December. This year’s national theme is “Creating Strategic Multi-Sectoral Partnerships for a Disability-Inclusive Society”.

Chikunga urged SARS to work with her department to expand employment opportunities for persons with disabilities, including through a dedicated employment stream building on the experience of the Deaf Accessibility and Cohort Programme.

She also outlined plans to establish partnerships between special schools and state-owned enterprises to improve infrastructure and educational conditions.

The proposal, which she described as one of her legacy projects, would bring together executives of state-owned enterprises, Sector Education and Training Authorities and industry associations to direct a portion of their corporate social investment budgets towards supporting special schools.

Although SARS is not a conventional state-owned enterprise, Chikunga said its position within the public finance system could help advance the initiative.

Turning to employment equity, the minister said government departments and private employers needed to accelerate efforts to increase the representation of persons with disabilities in the workforce.

The government has set a target of achieving 7% representation of persons with disabilities in the public service by 2030.

In March, the Department of Public Service and Administration issued a circular directing national and provincial departments to meet the existing 3% minimum employment target while making measurable annual progress towards the higher target.

Chikunga said Cabinet had approved annual increases of one percentage point, with the target for the 2026/27 financial year standing at 5%.

She said her department had achieved 5.56% representation of persons with disabilities, exceeding that interim benchmark.

“Across the public service, we can no longer plead with our colleagues. Those who continue to pay lip service to employment equity will be named, and they will be shamed,” she said.

Chikunga said the Department of Public Service and Administration had issued guidance to government departments on meeting employment targets, while her department had circulated a practice note to reinforce implementation.

She also said Cabinet had approved measures making the appointment of persons with disabilities to the boards of state-owned entities mandatory.

To support recruitment, the government was working with organisations representing persons with disabilities to establish a database of suitably qualified candidates for employment and appointments in public institutions.

Chikunga called on SARS to contribute to the initiative by sharing lessons from its Deaf Accessibility and Cohort Programme.

She also encouraged government departments, private businesses and the public to procure goods and services from Supported Employment Enterprises, government-supported operations that provide employment opportunities for persons with disabilities.

Such procurement, she said, could strengthen economic participation and create additional opportunities for people who continued to face barriers in the labour market.

Chikunga reaffirmed her department’s commitment to working with SARS, other government institutions and civil society organisations to ensure that persons with disabilities could access education, employment and public services without discrimination.

“In the South Africa we are building, every voice counts,” she said.

INSIDE EDUCATION

The post Chikunga calls for inclusive education to prepare learners with disabilities for workplace appeared first on Inside Education..

The Gauteng Department of Social Development plans to establish a working group with cultural practitioners to strengthen child protection, as the province balances the preservation of traditional practices with children’s rights.

According to Gauteng Nomkhulwane chairperson Gugu Shezi, about 11,000 children in the province belong to Amatshitshi groups, demonstrating the growing presence of the cultural practice beyond its traditional roots in Zulu communities.

Shezi said the groups comprise girls aged between eight and 16, with virginity testing only beginning at the age of 16. She also highlighted that Gauteng has a significant number of maidens, with numbers exceeding those in KwaZulu-Natal.

In her keynote address, Nkomo-Ralehoko said African culture remained an important part of people’s identity, social organisation and values, but stressed that traditions must adapt to changing times without compromising children’s rights.

“As Africans, we must never be apologetic about practising our culture. Our traditions are an important part of our identity, social organisation and values. They have been passed down through generations and must continue to be preserved,” Nkomo-Ralehoko said.

“However, culture must also respond to changing times without compromising the rights and dignity of children.”

She acknowledged that cultural practices could play a constructive role in guiding young people and addressing social challenges, including teenage pregnancy, but maintained that children’s safety must remain a priority.

“The Children’s Act 38 of 2005 places the best interests of the child at the centre of everything we do. The Act specifically protects children from harmful social, cultural and religious practices. We must therefore find common ground between preserving our heritage and fulfilling our responsibility to protect children,” she said.

The MEC said traditional leaders and caregivers played an influential role in shaping the values, behaviour and decisions of young people, making their involvement critical in promoting responsible cultural practices.

She said the working group would provide a formal platform for continued engagement between government and cultural practitioners, allowing stakeholders to develop practical measures to strengthen child protection within traditional settings.

Social workers will also be involved in monitoring the work of the organisations and providing support to ensure that children’s rights, safety and dignity are upheld.

The campaign is informed by Section 12 of the Children’s Act 38 of 2005, which addresses the protection of children from harmful social, cultural and religious practices.

It seeks to ensure that children’s participation in cultural activities is voluntary, appropriate to their age and based on informed consent, without force, threats, manipulation or undue pressure.

The department said it aims to use the campaign to strengthen prevention and early-intervention services by addressing challenges affecting adolescent girls, including gender-based violence, substance abuse, peer pressure, risky behaviour and limited access to positive role models.

INSIDE EDUCATION

The post Gauteng plans working group to protect children’s rights in cultural practices appeared first on Inside Education..

As a recipient of the Nomzamo Lighthouse Foundation scholarship, Kopano Phukubye is preparing to attend the 2026 One Young World Summit in Cape Town, where she hopes to learn from leaders whose journeys reflect the possibilities she wants to create for young people in marginalised communities.

For the 24-year-old Tembisa-born social entrepreneur, the mission is personal: to bridge the gap between young people’s aspirations and the opportunities they need to realise their dreams.

Speaking to Inside Education, Phukubye said this vision inspired her to establish the uBunye Unity Foundation in 2026, an organisation focused on connecting young people with mentors and professionals who can help them navigate their chosen career paths.

Her motivation stems from growing up in a community where she felt she was rarely exposed to people or examples that showed her what was possible.

An emerging social-impact leader, Phukubye is passionate about youth development, education and mentorship.

She obtained a BA in Logistics and Supply Chain Management from IIE Rosebank College in 2025. She is also a member of the Golden Key International Honour Society, which recognises academic excellence.

IIE Rosebank College is an educational brand of The Independent Institute of Education (The IIE).

“What inspires the foundation in general is trying to bridge the gap and bring mentors, people that have already made it, to come and talk to the youth in the community,” she said.

Phukubye said she also works with brands to promote the foundation’s vision and build a wider community around its mission.

However, one of the biggest challenges since establishing the organisation has been reaching young people who have ambitions but limited access to opportunities.

“It is very easy to dream. But the main challenge is access to opportunities. There is no access to opportunities,” she said.

Through uBunye, she hopes to address this by connecting young people with professionals who can offer practical guidance, share their experiences and demonstrate that their aspirations are achievable.

She believes that seeing and speaking to someone who has successfully navigated a particular career path can make a significant difference.

“Yes, you could believe that one day I want to become a doctor, but it’s so much easier when you are talking to a doctor, and they tell you how they got there, how they failed, the obstacles, what helped them, and having access to them, you can talk to them, you can call them. That’s what we do at uBunye,” she said.

At the heart of her leadership philosophy is the belief that “there is no glory in being the only success story”.

Phukubye said this outlook was reinforced by her encounter with actress and philanthropist Nomzamo Mbatha, founder of the Nomzamo Lighthouse Foundation.

Mbatha’s commitment to returning to communities and empowering young people to believe in their own potential resonated with Phukubye, who sees leadership as an opportunity to create pathways for others.

“If you are not going to lower the ladder for others, so that they can come with you, what is the point? The whole point of my leadership style is to bring along the ones from where I come from,” she said.

She said hearing Mbatha share her own upbringing and experiences, as well as her commitment to uplifting others, strengthened this philosophy.

“Even with just meeting her, being in the same space as her, motivates this particular philosophy in my personal life,” she said.

As she prepares for the One Young World Summit, scheduled to take place in Cape Town from 3 to 6 November, Phukubye hopes to learn from people who have walked the paths she aspires to follow.

She also sees the gathering as an opportunity to find inspiration, exchange ideas and build networks that could help advance her work.

The 2026 Summit comes as South Africa marks 50 years since the 1976 Soweto Youth Uprising.

It will honour the legacy of the uprising while celebrating young leaders shaping the future through innovation, entrepreneurship and bold action.

Mbatha is among the keynote speakers and is expected to reflect on how her work in entertainment and humanitarian advocacy is driven by a purpose that extends beyond visibility.

For Phukubye, the experience will also reinforce a message she wants other young people to embrace: understanding their purpose is essential to navigating setbacks and pursuing opportunities.

She urged young people to identify their “why” and remain anchored to it, particularly when faced with failure or moments of self-doubt.

“It is going to help you be resilient and find yourself in rooms that you think you are not qualified [to be in],” she said.

She cautioned against allowing early setbacks to discourage them from pursuing their ambitions.

“It is very easy to get demotivated when you fail the first time. But failing doesn’t mean it’s the end of the road.

“As long as you stick to your why and remember your why every single time you fall, it will sustain you and help you get into those rooms,” she said.

Although uBunye is still in its early stages, with its work currently centred on Phukubye’s local community, she has ambitions to expand its reach beyond Johannesburg and South Africa.

Over the next five years, she hopes to take the foundation into more communities across the continent, particularly those where young people face barriers to accessing mentorship and opportunities.

Her vision, she said, is to build a network that continues to create bridges between marginalised young people and the opportunities they need to turn their aspirations into reality.

INSIDE EDUCATION

The post ‘There is no glory in being the only success story’: Phukubye on empowering marginalised youth appeared first on Inside Education..

More than 40,000 qualifying learners in the Eastern Cape remain without scholar transport despite a court ruling declaring the provincial government’s failure to provide the service unconstitutional, prompting the South African Human Rights Commission (SAHRC) to return to court.

The commission, together with affected parents and caregivers, has launched an urgent application in the Makhanda High Court seeking an order compelling the relevant provincial departments and financial authorities to address the continued failure to provide transport.

The matter is scheduled to be heard on 12 November.

In December 2024, the High Court declared the province’s failure to provide scholar transport to qualifying learners unconstitutional. However, thousands of learners continue to struggle to access education, with some unable to attend school and others forced to walk long distances in unsafe conditions.

Speaking to Inside Education, SAHRC Eastern Cape provincial manager Dr Eileen Carter said the commission remained concerned that significant numbers of qualifying learners were still without transport despite the court ruling.

According to Carter, the Eastern Cape Department of Transport confirmed in an affidavit filed in January that 49,504 qualifying learners remained without scholar transport at the end of 2025.

Carter said the commission’s court papers included evidence from affected families whose children were unable to attend school, while others were forced to walk considerable distances or rely on costly private transport.

She said the commission did not have a verified province-wide figure for learners who were entirely unable to attend school.

The SAHRC is seeking practical and enforceable relief requiring provincial departments and financial authorities to take coordinated steps within specified timeframes to secure funding and ensure that all qualifying learners receive scholar transport.

Carter said the application also sought measures to monitor compliance with the court order.

She reiterated that the right to basic education was immediately realisable and that administrative and financial challenges could not indefinitely deprive children of access to education.

“The Commission’s position is that administrative and budgetary constraints must be addressed in a manner consistent with the constitutional right to basic education,” Carter said.

Eastern Cape Department of Transport spokesperson Unathi Binqose acknowledged that more than 35,000 qualifying learners remained without scholar transport, although he said the department could not establish an exact figure because the number of qualifying learners was constantly changing.

He said the department did not dispute the SAHRC’s figure of more than 40,000 but maintained that its own reports put the number at approximately 35,000.

Binqose attributed the shortfall largely to growing demand for scholar transport, which he said was not matched by the funding allocated to provide the service.

The province currently provides scholar transport to approximately 115,000 learners, while about 35,000 qualifying learners are still waiting to receive the service, he said.

“One of the major challenges that have and continue to face scholar transport in the Eastern Cape is a huge demand for the service that is not quite matched by the allocation of funds to render that service,” Binqose said.

He said the demand for scholar transport also pointed to broader challenges within the education system, arguing that learners should ideally have access to schools within a safe and reasonable walking distance.

“So the fact that we have scholar transport as an intervention will also point to some challenges within the education system itself,” he said.

Binqose said the department was working with the provincial departments of education and treasury, as well as the Office of the Premier, to address challenges affecting the programme.

He said the latest court application also placed responsibility on the provincial treasury to make funding available, adding that the legal teams of the relevant departments were consulting to determine the next course of action.

The province has allocated R880 million towards scholar transport, which Binqose described as a substantial amount that nevertheless remained insufficient to meet demand.

“The fact that it’s not enough and or rather the fact that such a huge sum of money has been allocated, it speaks to the willingness of the department to go far to cater for scholar transport, but the fact that it’s not enough is a testament to the massive demand for scholar transport within the province of the Eastern Cape,” he said.

Binqose said the provincial government also needed to examine why so many learners could not access schools within a safe and reasonable walking distance.

“We have to look at every possible avenue, are there challenges in the schooling system? Why is it that so many learners are not within a safe walking distance to and from school? and why do we have such a huge demand for scholar transport,” he said.

He added that scholar transport had played a significant role in supporting the province’s improving matric pass rate and that the department remained committed to extending the service to every qualifying learner.

The SAHRC said the continued lack of transport was deepening the educational disadvantage experienced by affected learners, leaving them increasingly behind in their schooling.

INSIDE EDUCATION

The post SAHRC takes Eastern Cape government back to court over 40,000 learners without scholar transport appeared first on Inside Education..

University of Cape Town (UCT) researchers have confirmed 13 African harrier-hawk nests across Cape Town after receiving more than 1 000 public sightings, revealing how the bird of prey is adapting to urban life.

The discoveries follow a public appeal launched in September as scientists investigate how the species, which was not known to breed in metropolitan Cape Town until the early 2000s, has established itself in the city.

The nests have been identified across an area stretching from Simon’s Town to Durbanville, including leafy suburbs, densely built-up neighbourhoods and the city centre.

The project, led by master’s student Lorcan McHarry in collaboration with UCT’s FitzPatrick Institute of African Ornithology, is trying to establish how many breeding pairs live in Cape Town and what conditions allow them to reproduce successfully.

“Historically, the species was fairly common across southern Africa but was not breeding in metropolitan Cape Town,” McHarry said.

He said that the 13 confirmed nests represented only a minimum count, rather than an estimate of the city’s total breeding population, as researchers believe more nests remain undiscovered.

The African harrier-hawk, also known as the Gymnogene, has unusual physical adaptations that allow it to reach food sources inaccessible to many other birds of prey.

Its narrow skull enables it to reach into small spaces, while its legs can bend in both directions at the intertarsal joint, allowing it to remove eggs and chicks from nest holes.

The bird can also manoeuvre slowly through dense tree canopies and cling to tree trunks and buildings while hunting.

“In a city, those skills open up a huge number of food sources that are typically out of reach for most other birds of prey,” McHarry said.

These include nests in roof cavities, gutters, underneath solar panels and in palm and ornamental trees.

The birds appear to feed on chicks of common urban species such as weavers, pigeons and starlings, as well as rats, lizards and insects.

Researchers will examine prey brought to nests to establish whether their diets differ between leafy suburbs and densely built-up neighbourhoods.

“The African harrier-hawk seems to treat the built environment itself as hunting ground,” McHarry said.

The first phase of the research will examine nesting sites, breeding times, clutch sizes, hatching success and the number of chicks that successfully leave their nests.

A central question is whether the birds have adapted their breeding season to Cape Town’s winter-rainfall, Mediterranean climate.

Most published research on the species comes from African regions with summer rainfall.

Longer-term plans include using GPS tracking to study the birds’ movements, territories and breeding success across different levels of urbanisation.

The research forms part of an effort to understand how birds of prey are adapting to cities. Black sparrowhawks are now established in Cape Town, crowned eagles breed in Durban’s suburbs, and peregrine falcons increasingly use buildings as alternatives to natural cliffs.

Although the African harrier-hawk is classified as Least Concern globally, UCT says its population is suspected of declining in parts of its range. Research has also documented substantial declines among several African raptor species outside protected areas.

“Habitat loss is a major driver,” McHarry said.

“If some cities can support healthy breeding populations, understanding why could become an important part of how we look after this species, and other wildlife, as Africa becomes more urbanised.”

Public participation has become an important part of the research because many nests are located high in dense trees or on private properties, making them difficult for scientists to identify independently.

“Residents see these birds every day,” McHarry said.

“The public is effectively an extension of the research team, and their response has had a significant impact.”

Researchers are encouraging residents to report sightings of birds carrying sticks or food, repeatedly returning to the same tree, or pairs regularly seen together.

Photographs and videos of large stick nests high in trees, particularly gum trees, could also help identify breeding sites.

Sightings can be submitted through the project’s website, urbanharrierhawk.org, preferably with photographs or videos and location details.

However, residents have been warned not to disturb nesting birds, climb trees, fly drones near nests or use recordings to attract them.

“Exact nest locations should be reported to the project rather than shared publicly. Residents planning to prune or fell trees should check for active nests first and, where possible, wait until the breeding season has ended,” McHarry said.

INSIDE EDUCATION

The post UCT gets bird’s-eye view of Cape Town hawks appeared first on Inside Education..

Afrikaanse Hoër Seunskool (Affies) were crowned Titans rain Schools SA20 champions after defeating Hoërskool Garsfontein by 32 runs in Friday’s final at Cornwall Hill College in Tshwane.

Affies posted 152/8 in their 20 overs before restricting Garsfontein to 120/5, with Zian Labuschagne and Nico Loggenberg taking two wickets each to secure the title.

Labuschagne also made a vital contribution with the bat, top-scoring for Affies with 41 runs from 27 deliveries as his side recovered from a middle-order collapse to set a competitive target.

Opening batsman AJ Morkel and Ethan Williams gave Affies a strong start, racing to 37 in the first five overs before Morkel was caught by Arrie Verster off Katlego Lebelo for 15.

Williams and Dylan Stander added 24 runs in three overs to take the total to 61 before Stander fell for eight to JJ Thom.

Williams followed three runs later, also dismissed by Thom, having scored 28 from 22 balls, including three fours and a six.

Labuschagne then provided the innings with momentum, striking five fours to anchor the middle order.

However, Garsfontein fought back through Alex Potgieter and Franco van der Mescht, who helped reduce Affies to 117/7 after three wickets fell for nine runs.

Labuschagne’s dismissal at 126/8 early in the 18th over left Affies needing a strong finish.

Paul Bester and Nico Loggenberg delivered, adding an unbeaten 26 runs from 17 balls to lift Affies to 152/8.

Bester finished on 15 not out from 13 deliveries, while Loggenberg scored 12 not out from eight.

Thom, Potgieter and Van der Mescht claimed two wickets each for Garsfontein, returning figures of 2/16, 2/20 and 2/28 respectively.

Garsfontein began their chase positively, with Ruan Cuyler and Joshua de Villiers putting on 34 for the opening wicket.

Loggenberg changed the course of the innings by dismissing De Villiers for 16 and trapping Nathan Ferreira lbw with the very next delivery.

His double strike left Garsfontein under immediate pressure, and he finished with an economical 2/18 from four overs.

Bester then removed Cuyler, who had scored 23 from 22 balls, leaving Garsfontein struggling at 46/3 in the 10th over.

Arrie Verster and Potgieter attempted to revive the chase with a 71-run partnership for the fourth wicket.

Verster made 36 from 41 deliveries, while Potgieter remained unbeaten on 37 from 31 balls, including a four and a six.

Despite their resistance, Affies kept the scoring rate under control. Garsfontein scored 23 runs across the 18th and 19th overs but still needed 36 from the final six deliveries.

Labuschagne’s dot ball off the first delivery of the last over effectively sealed the result.

Verster was caught by Tristan Blunden from the next ball, ending the fourth-wicket partnership after nine overs and four balls.

Labuschagne claimed his second wicket off the final delivery, dismissing Daniel Janse van Rensburg to finish with 2/12 from three overs.

Carlo Venter also played a valuable supporting role for Affies, conceding only three runs in his two overs, including a maiden, while Bester returned 1/19 from four overs.

The victory capped a strong run through the competition for Affies, who had beaten Cornwall Hill College by 20 runs in their semifinal.

Tristan Blunden led that victory with 60 from 48 balls as Affies posted 132/8 before bowling Cornwall Hill out for 113/7.

Labuschagne and Dawie Barnard took three wickets each.

Garsfontein reached the final after edging Pretoria Boys’ High by one run in a dramatic semifinal.

They defended 109/9, restricting Boys’ High to 108/8 after JJ Thom held his nerve in the final over.

INSIDE EDUCATION

The post Affies crowned Titans rain Schools SA20 champs appeared first on Inside Education..

Mpumalanga Public Works, Roads and Transport MEC Thulasizwe Thomo has handed over the construction site for the R42 million-plus Phase 2 development of Siboshwa Primary School in Mashekesheni, Tonga, warning that disruptions to the project will not be tolerated.

The project, under Nkomazi Local Municipality, will include 14 classrooms, a computer classroom, a library, an administration block, a kitchen, an upgraded electricity supply, parking facilities and other supporting infrastructure.

Thomo said the provincial government was committed to providing learners and educators with safe, modern and well-equipped school facilities.

He expressed confidence that the appointed contractor would complete the project within the agreed timeframe and meet the required quality standards.

“Our expectation is that this project will be completed within the agreed timelines, and where possible, ahead of schedule, without compromising the quality of the work. Our learners deserve safe, modern and well-equipped schools that will support their educational aspirations,” Thomo said.

The MEC warned against intimidation, unlawful interference and unnecessary disruptions at the construction site, saying these could delay infrastructure projects intended to benefit communities.

He urged residents and other stakeholders to allow the contractor and construction workers to carry out their duties, adding that concerns should be raised through the appropriate channels.

“Government is committed to delivering infrastructure that benefits our communities, and we cannot allow disruptions to derail projects intended to improve the lives of our people. We will not tolerate the disruption of project sites,” he said.

Thomo said all stakeholders involved in the project were expected to ensure that construction proceeded efficiently, met the required standards and was completed within the agreed timeframe.

The department said it would monitor the project to ensure compliance with the approved scope, quality requirements and construction schedule.

The development is also expected to create employment opportunities for local residents and provide opportunities for small, medium and micro enterprises (SMMEs) to participate in the local economy.

The project forms part of the Mpumalanga provincial government’s broader efforts to improve public infrastructure, strengthen service delivery and expand access to quality education.

The department said investment in school infrastructure remained critical to community development and the province’s future.

INSIDE EDUCATION

The post Thomo warns against disruptions as R42m Siboshwa school project begins appeared first on Inside Education..

Deputy Minister of Science, Technology and Innovation Nomalungelo Gina has called for stronger institutional support to advance women into research leadership, warning that gains in representation have not translated into equal opportunities for career progression, funding and commercialisation.

Speaking at the launch of the Women in Research Initiative for Growth and Transformation (WRIGHT) at Mangosuthu University of Technology (MUT) in Durban on Wednesday, Gina said women remained under-represented in senior research positions despite making up nearly half of South Africa’s research workforce.

According to the 2023/24 National Survey of Research and Experimental Development, women account for 47.7% of the country’s research workforce, 52% of the academic workforce and 62.6% of university enrolments.

They also account for about 45% of scientific publication authorship.

“Yet presence in the system is not the same as influence over it. The barriers that remain are barriers of system design, not of individual ability,” Gina said.

She said the participation of women among National Research Foundation (NRF)-funded researchers had increased from 17% in 1999 to 47% in 2025.

The proportion of women receiving NRF postgraduate bursaries had also risen from 40% to 60% over the same period.

However, women remained under-represented in research leadership, engineering, computer science and mathematics-related fields, which are increasingly important in shaping emerging technologies.

Gina said women accounted for 35% of NRF-rated researchers, with Black women particularly under-represented.

She also highlighted the unequal distribution of research funding and infrastructure, heavy workloads facing early-career academics and difficulties translating research into commercial products.

She said about 63% of NRF funding went to the 10 universities with the highest research output, while 83% of Research Chairs were hosted at those institutions.

National spending on research and development stood at 0.61% of gross domestic product, below the National Development Plan target of 1.5%, she added.

Gina said the Department of Science, Technology and Innovation’s 2018 study of emerging researchers, known as the Silent Majority study, had identified heavy teaching loads, administrative demands, limited research time and increasing supervision responsibilities as challenges facing early-career academics.

“Academic staff numbers are growing more slowly than postgraduate enrolments, which adds to that pressure,” she said.

She also warned that female-owned technology enterprises faced difficulties accessing venture capital, limiting opportunities for women to commercialise their research and establish businesses.

Gina said addressing these barriers was essential to strengthening South Africa’s research and innovation capacity and fulfilling its science policy commitments.

The 1996 White Paper on Science and Technology committed the country to redressing gender disparities, while the 2019 White Paper on Science, Technology and Innovation reaffirmed the importance of inclusion and transformation.

“That cannot be achieved if half of society is under-represented in directing the effort,” she said. “When women are placed at the centre, the whole national system of innovation is strengthened.”

Gina said government support extended across the research pipeline, from postgraduate students and emerging academics to established researchers.

Ministerial guidelines introduced in 2013 require at least 55% of postgraduate bursaries to be allocated to women and 80% to Black students. These guidelines were incorporated into the 2020 Postgraduate Funding Policy, which also introduced full-cost-of-study support.

“In 2025/26 the Department supported 6 246 postgraduate students with bursaries,” Gina said.

For emerging researchers, programmes such as Thuthuka, the Black Academics Advancement Programme, the New Generation of Academics Programme, postdoctoral fellowships and the Advancing Early Career Researchers and Scholars programme provide opportunities to develop research records, mentorship and professional networks.

She said 1,644 emerging researchers were supported in 2025/26, including 708 Black women, and that the target for supporting Black women emerging researchers had been increased for 2026/27.

For established researchers, support includes the South African Research Chairs Initiative, Centres of Excellence and NRF researcher ratings.

As of April 2026, women held 104 of the 198 operational Research Chairs, while women accounted for 51% of the 3,355 researchers supported during 2025/26, Gina said.

She added that 41 new Research Chairs had been awarded to historically disadvantaged institutions, universities of technology and new universities at the beginning of this year.

Between 2020 and 2024, the number of NRF-rated researchers increased by 57% at universities of technology and 48% at historically disadvantaged universities, compared with 45% at comprehensive universities.

Gina also highlighted the Innovation Fund’s role in leveraging more than R1.3 billion for venture capital partnerships, technology-based enterprises and small, medium and micro enterprises. The Technology Innovation Agency provides seed funding, incubation and venture capital support for female-led technology businesses.

However, she cautioned that awards and recognition alone were insufficient to establish whether women were progressing through research careers or advancing into leadership.

“An award tells us that something is possible,” she said, adding that institutions needed evidence showing whether women were being retained, promoted and given opportunities to lead.

Gina proposed a framework for WRIGHT built around three priorities: recognition, representation and retention. She said the framework was intended for discussion rather than adopted policy.

Recognition would ensure women’s contributions were acknowledged, while representation would assess their presence in research ratings, Research Chairs, management and leadership.

Retention would focus on whether women remained in research, progressed between career stages and translated their knowledge into intellectual property, products and enterprises.

She urged WRIGHT to connect women researchers at MUT with existing national support programmes and outlined four priorities for the initiative: alignment, evidence, connection and impact.

These would include linking researchers to government and NRF programmes, tracking career progression, strengthening mentorship and professional networks, and ensuring research reached industry, public services and communities.

“Research must travel from the laboratory into industry, public services and communities,” she said.

Gina said government had a responsibility to sustain a pipeline through which women could enter, develop and advance in research, while universities needed to ensure their internal systems supported career progression through fair workload allocation, protected research time and clear promotion pathways.

“Mentorship is most effective when it is supported by fair workload and protected research time,” she said.

She said she hoped that within five years more women at MUT would have established independent research profiles, secured funding, supervised postgraduate students, led multidisciplinary projects and moved into positions where they could shape institutional priorities.

Gina also welcomed MUT’s commitment of R2 million to research initiatives for first-time researchers, as well as plans for a multidisciplinary research journal, a research conference and the “MUT in Research” programme.

“These are the building blocks of a research institution,” she said, adding that WRIGHT could help women build lasting research careers and become leaders.

She urged the university to integrate the initiative into its core operations, build partnerships and share lessons with the wider research sector.

“No nation can reach its true potential if it excludes its women and girls from opportunities in science, technology and innovation,” Gina said.

“To the women researchers at MUT: your work matters, and you should be able to pursue excellence without overcoming avoidable barriers at every step.”

INSIDE EDUCATION

The post Gina wants better support for women in research leadership appeared first on Inside Education..

Deputy Minister of Higher Education and Training Nomusa Dube-Ncube has called for stronger support systems to protect students from gender-based violence (GBV), as she opened KwaZulu-Natal’s first post-school education and training (PSET) Comfort Room at Majuba TVET College’s Dundee Campus on Wednesday.

The launch comes amid high levels of violence against women in the province, which recorded 1,820 reported rape cases between April and June this year, the highest number nationally, according to Dube-Ncube.

Police also recorded 124 women murdered in the province during the same period.

Speaking at the college’s Dundee Technology Centre, Dube-Ncube said the facility would provide students with a safe, private space to seek help, access psychosocial support and be referred to relevant services.

She said police stations recording sharp increases in rape cases included Madadeni and Dannhauser, in communities served by the college.

“Behind every one of those numbers is a sister, a classmate, a mother, a learner. And we know that the numbers we see are only the cases that were reported. Many more were never spoken about at all,” Dube-Ncube said.

She said the classification of GBV and femicide as a national disaster in November last year underscored the seriousness of the crisis and the need for government departments and institutions to coordinate their responses.

Dube-Ncube said the Comfort Room was intended to address gaps in the support system that often leave survivors struggling to access healthcare, police, social workers and the courts.

She described how survivors could be forced to report assaults to different institutions, repeatedly recounting their experiences while trying to obtain assistance.

“At every one of those doors she must repeat the worst day of her life. Each office keeps its own forms and its own records. Nobody follows her from one door to the next,” she said.

Dube-Ncube warned that fragmented reporting and support mechanisms could result in secondary victimisation, discourage survivors from pursuing cases and allow perpetrators to escape accountability.

“A survivor does not experience a ‘system’. She experiences a series of separate doors, and too often, a series of closed ones,” she said.

The facility is intended to connect students with the services they need, providing a supportive environment where they can disclose their experiences, receive guidance and be referred to appropriate professionals.

It is the first facility of its kind in KwaZulu-Natal’s PSET sector and was established through a partnership between Higher Health, Majuba TVET College and the provincial Department of Health.

Dube-Ncube thanked Higher Health, led by Professor Ramneek Ahluwalia, the college and the provincial health department for establishing the facility.

“Not long ago I stood at a similar launch in Pretoria. What I saw there convinced me that this model works. Today, it comes home to KwaZulu-Natal, and I am particularly proud that it begins here in northern KwaZulu-Natal, among communities that need it,” she said.

The Comfort Room will offer support to GBV survivors, mental health and wellbeing interventions, peer educator-led assistance, HIV-related psychosocial support and access to Higher Health’s civic and soft skills programmes.

It will also host Survivor Clubs, which provide survivors with solidarity and pathways to professional assistance, and Transforming Mentalities Clubs, aimed at encouraging young men to challenge harmful attitudes and behaviours that contribute to violence.

Dube-Ncube said Higher Health’s experience showed that young people were willing to seek help when provided with safe spaces to speak.

According to the deputy minister, more than 394,000 students had completed GBV self-risk assessments over the past four years, with more than 20,000 subsequently requesting assistance.

Through its mental health programmes, Higher Health had also identified more than 188,000 young people who needed or were actively seeking psychosocial support.

Dube-Ncube said the facility would contribute to the national response to GBV and femicide, particularly in the PSET sector.

She said she was convening stakeholders across the sector, including universities, TVET colleges, Community Education and Training colleges, Sector Education and Training Authorities, Higher Health and student formations, to consolidate existing interventions, identify gaps and agree on coordinated commitments.

“A national plan that does not reach our campuses will not reach our young people,” she said.

The lessons learnt from the Dundee facility would inform the department’s contribution to the national intervention plan and help ensure the initiative formed part of a broader strategy to protect students.

“The Comfort Room model, and the lessons we learn here in Dundee, will be part of the PSET input that I take to the Inter-Ministerial Committee. What begins in this room today must become part of how the whole country protects its young people,” she said.

Dube-Ncube also called on young men to play an active role in preventing GBV by challenging abusive behaviour and harmful attitudes among their peers.

“Strength is not control. Love is not jealousy. ‘No’ means no, and silence is not consent,” she said.

She urged male students to speak out when friends threaten women, share intimate images without consent or abuse their partners.

She also called on student representative councils, peer educators and college leadership to ensure students knew about the facility and felt safe using it.

Dube-Ncube said the college must ensure the room was properly staffed, connected to local healthcare services, police and social workers, and that referrals were followed up.

“To our SRC, our peer educators and the student leaders from other TVET colleges: this room belongs to you. Its success will not be measured by how beautiful it looks today, but by whether students know it exists, trust it, and use it,” she said.

She encouraged school learners attending the launch to speak to a trusted teacher, parent or healthcare worker if they experienced violence or knew someone who needed assistance. She also highlighted Childline’s free helpline, 116.

The launch also recognised Majuba TVET College students who recently graduated from Higher Health’s Civic and Soft Skills Programme, receiving National Qualifications Framework Level 5 certificates accredited by the Quality Council for Trades and Occupations.

The graduates form part of a national cohort of 15,571 students who recently received certificates through the programme.

The initiative aims to strengthen civic education and life skills, promote active and responsible citizenship, and equip graduates with competencies needed to navigate the changing world of work.

Dube-Ncube said TVET colleges had an important role to play in developing skilled graduates who could contribute to safer and more inclusive communities.

The launch comes ahead of the annual 16 Days of Activism for No Violence against Women and Children campaign, which begins in November.

Dube-Ncube said the facility should represent a year-round commitment to supporting young people rather than an intervention limited to the annual campaign.

“Stigma survives in silence. Today, we open a door where young people can speak, and we commit, as government and as partners, to make sure that every door behind it is open too,” she said.

INSIDE EDUCATION

The post Dube-Ncube calls for stronger student protection as KZN opens first GBV Comfort Room appeared first on Inside Education..

The University of Johannesburg (UJ) has said that classes and exams have resumed at its Auckland Park Kingsway (APK) campus after disruptions on Monday.

In a campus update, the university told students, staff and the community that disruptions to academic activities “were swiftly resolved”.

“Normal University operations, including classes and examinations, have resumed,” UJ said.

The disruptions followed protests over a reported proposed increase in registration fees for 2027, with demonstrators raising concerns about the affordability of higher education for financially disadvantaged students.

Videos circulating on social media show some masked protesters disrupting examinations and damaging university property, including a model of the institution. There were also reports of smoke coming from a block of lecture halls.

Some protesters were wearing Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) regalia.

The EFF denied involvement in the unrest, saying the protesters did not represent the party. It said the unrest was an attempt to discredit the organisation ahead of the upcoming local government elections.

EFF ward councillor candidate Gift Netshivhazulu said the party viewed the actions as a coordinated attempt to sabotage it.

However, a protester quoted in media reports identified the demonstrators with the EFF and said they opposed the reported fee increase because it would marginalise poor students.

The university did not provide further details in the update about the extent of the damage or whether any exams were cancelled.

INSIDE EDUCATION 

The post Classes and exams resume at UJ after protests appeared first on Inside Education..

As South Africa’s higher education students work through the examination period, the pressure to perform can intensify.

With multiple assessments, demanding workloads and limited time between exams, many students find it difficult to stay focused, manage stress and maintain effective study routines, according to Pertunia Nkomo-Mofokeng, Deputy Dean: Teaching and Learning at Rosebank International.

She said students can still improve their preparation by prioritising the material they need to understand, using effective revision techniques and taking steps to protect their well-being throughout the examination period.

“Exam success is not determined by how much time you spend studying in the final few days before an assessment. It is achieved through consistent effort, effective study techniques and a balanced approach to learning throughout the examination period.

“Students who plan ahead and engage actively with their learning material place themselves in a much stronger position to succeed,” said Nkomo-Mofokeng.

Exam pressure can affect students’ mental and physical well-being, as well as their academic performance. For South African students, these pressures are compounded by financial difficulties, demanding workloads and uncertainty about their future prospects.

She advised that whether preparing for an upcoming paper or moving between assessments, students can adopt strategies to make their study time more productive.

Tip 1: Create a realistic study plan

With exams under way, students may need to adjust their original study plans to accommodate remaining assessments and areas where they need additional support.

Prioritise subjects that require more attention and set daily goals to keep yourself on track. A well-structured plan can reduce stress and help you feel more in control.

Tip 2: Focus on understanding, not memorising

Higher education assessments often require students to analyse, evaluate and apply knowledge rather than simply recall facts.

Instead of memorising notes word-for-word, focus on understanding key concepts and how they connect to real-world scenarios. Ask yourself how theories, frameworks or principles can be applied in practice.

Tip 3: Use active learning techniques

Passive reading is rarely enough to retain information effectively. Try active learning methods such as:

• Summarising concepts in your own words
• Creating mind maps
• Using flashcards
• Teaching a concept to a friend or study partner
• Testing yourself with practice questions

These techniques improve understanding and help strengthen long-term memory.

Tip 4: Practise with past papers and mock assessments

One of the most effective ways to prepare for exams is to practise under exam conditions. Past papers help you become familiar with question formats, identify knowledge gaps and improve time management. Completing practice assessments under timed conditions can also build confidence and reduce exam-day anxiety.

Tip 5: Break big tasks into smaller goals

Looking at an entire semester’s worth of work can feel overwhelming. Instead of focusing on everything at once, break study sessions into smaller, achievable objectives. Completing one chapter, one topic or one set of practice questions at a time creates momentum and makes studying more manageable.

Tip 6: Take care of your physical and mental well-being

Academic performance is closely linked to overall well-being. During the exams, make sure you:

• Get sufficient sleep each night
• Stay hydrated
• Eat balanced meals
• Take regular breaks
• Make time for physical activity

A healthy body and mind can improve concentration, memory retention and productivity.

Tip 7: Minimise distractions

Your study environment plays an important role in your ability to focus. Choose a quiet study space and reduce distractions by putting your phone on silent, closing unnecessary browser tabs and limiting social media use during study sessions. Even short periods of uninterrupted focus can significantly improve productivity.

Tip 8: Prepare for an exam a day in advance

Avoid unnecessary stress by planning ahead. Make sure you know your examination venue, time and requirements. Gather any materials you may need the night before and aim to arrive early. On the day, trust the preparation you have done and focus on answering the questions one step at a time

Nkomo-Mofokeng said that effective study habits during the exam season can contribute not only to academic success, but also to the lifelong skills needed in the workplace and beyond.

“Examinations are an opportunity for students to demonstrate what they have learnt and how they can apply that knowledge. By approaching exams with preparation, confidence and a positive mindset, students can maximise their potential and achieve their academic goals,” she said.

INSIDE EDUCATION

The post Exam season: 8 study tips to improve student performance appeared first on Inside Education..

An educator accused of raping a nine-year-old Grade 4 learner at Busisiwe Primary School in Zola, Soweto, appeared in the Protea Magistrates’ Court on Thursday, as Gauteng Education MEC Lebogang Maile called on communities to unite against sexual abuse and gender-based violence.

The court appearance followed the educator’s arrest after he reportedly handed himself over to police on Wednesday evening.

The outcome of Thursday’s proceedings could not be independently confirmed at the time of publication.

The allegations have sparked outrage among parents and community members, who gathered outside the school earlier this week to demand accountability and answers about how the matter was handled.

Maile attended the court proceedings on Thursday.

In a statement, the Gauteng Department of Education said the government had established a coordinated intervention involving the departments of Education, Social Development and Health, the South African Police Service (SAPS) and other child-protection stakeholders.

“The protection and recovery of children affected by sexual abuse require coordinated and compassionate government assistance,” the department said.

Maile called on families, educators, religious leaders, communities and civil society organisations to work together to prevent child abuse and gender-based violence.

“It takes a village to raise a child, and it equally takes a united village to protect a child,” he said.

“We cannot allow moral decay, sexual violence and the abuse of vulnerable people to become normalised in our communities.”

He urged communities to allow law enforcement authorities and the judicial process to take their course without interference or prejudice.

Maile also appealed to the media to report responsibly, stressing that the learner’s identity, dignity and wellbeing must be protected throughout the proceedings.

The case came to public attention after allegations emerged that the learner had been sexually assaulted on the school premises.

According to reports, the alleged incident occurred on 8 October, when the learner reportedly asked to go to the toilet during class and the educator allegedly followed her.

The learner’s family subsequently raised concerns about the incident, while parents questioned the school’s response and demanded action against the educator.

On Tuesday, 20 October, parents and community members protested outside Busisiwe Primary School, expressing concern over the handling of the allegations.

Reports also indicated that the learner had been reluctant to return to school following the alleged incident.

The Gauteng Department of Education dispatched officials to investigate the matter.

On Wednesday, the department confirmed that the educator had been placed on precautionary suspension pending the finalisation of internal disciplinary proceedings.

The police investigation is separate from the department’s internal disciplinary process.

The department said the coordinated intervention would continue throughout the judicial process and beyond, with the aim of safeguarding the learner’s emotional, psychological and physical wellbeing.

The Portfolio Committee on Basic Education also condemned the allegations and called for swift justice and stronger safeguards to ensure that schools remain safe environments for children.

“Any act of violence against a child within a school environment, particularly by an educator, constitutes an egregious breach of trust and the law,” committee chairperson Joy Maimela said.

The educator remains accused, and the allegations have not been proven in court.

INSIDE EDUCATION

The post Busisiwe Primary teacher appears in court over alleged rape of Grade 4 learner appeared first on Inside Education..

The Gauteng Department of Education (GDE) has confirmed that the principal of Franklin D Roosevelt Primary School in Randburg was sanctioned following an investigation into allegations that a school governing body (SGB) member was asked to pay about R5,000 to renew a contract.

GDE spokesperson Onwabile Lubhelwana told Inside Education that the internal disciplinary process had been concluded, while separate allegations of selling teaching posts and intimidation had not been formally reported to the department.

“The Gauteng Department of Education (GDE) can confirm that the allegation relating to the demand for approximately R5000 has been investigated and internal disciplinary process concluded, and the principal was sanctioned accordingly,” Lubhelwana said.

The department not disclose the nature of the sanction or when it was imposed.

“However, no formal complaints on the allegation of selling of posts and intimidation have been reported to the Department. Once reported, the department will determine the cause of action.”

The Democratic Alliance (DA) this week called for an independent investigation into alleged financial irregularities, intimidation and staffing concerns at the school.

“We want an independent investigation into the allegations against the principal and disciplinary action against anyone found responsible for wrongdoing,” the DA said.

In a statement issued on Monday, DA Gauteng shadow MEC for education Sergio Isa Dos Santos accused the department of failing to resolve longstanding complaints involving the school’s management.

The controversy follows a protest by parents and SGB members outside the school on 13 October, when demonstrators called for the removal of principal Victor Matloga over allegations concerning his management.

Matloga had previously been dismissed and subsequently reinstated following proceedings at the Education Labour Relations Council (ELRC).

The DA alleged that his reinstatement followed the department’s failure to submit required documentation within the prescribed timeframe.

However, in February, the Northcliff Melville Times reported that the department had given a different account of the proceedings.

Then-GDE spokesperson Steve Mabona told the publication that Matloga had been found guilty in an earlier disciplinary process, but that the finding did not warrant dismissal. He said Matloga successfully challenged the finding at arbitration and was exonerated.

The DA also raised concerns about educator shortages, including claims that Grade 5 Afrikaans classes were being combined because of a lack of qualified teachers.

“The situation has worsened, with 10 educators leaving the school and daily absences of at least four to five teachers,” the DA said.

The department disputed the allegations of a teacher shortage.

Lubhelwana said seven SGB employees and two GDE employees had resigned since September 2025 to pursue better employment opportunities, but that their positions had been filled.

“Numerous academic and leadership monitoring and support visits were conducted at the said school. District Officials have been allocated to mediate between the SGB and the school principal, to resolve differences and improve working relations, moving forward,” he said.

The DA has called on Gauteng Education MEC Lebogang Maile to commission an independent investigation into the broader allegations and determine whether departmental officials failed in their duties.

The party said it would submit questions to Maile to establish the history of the dispute and assess whether the department’s handling of the matter was consistent with the documentary evidence it had obtained.

INSIDE EDUCATION

The post Franklin D Roosevelt Primary principal sanctioned over R5,000 ‘payment demand’ appeared first on Inside Education..

The South African Police Service (SAPS) has opened applications for 5,500 police trainee positions for citizens aged 18 to under 35, with recruitment running until 13 November 2026.

The nationwide online recruitment drive opened on Wednesday, 21 October.

“If you are disciplined, physically fit, committed to serving your community and determined to help build a safer South Africa, this could be your moment,” SAPS said.

Eligible applicants with no criminal records or pending criminal cases are encouraged to apply through the official SAPS eRecruitment portal at www.erecruitment.saps.gov.za.

“The online application process, introduced in 2025, makes it easier for young people from all walks of life to apply for entry-level police trainee posts,” SAPS said.

Prospective applicants must create a profile on the portal and verify their accounts using a code sent to their email addresses.

Once their accounts have been verified, they can follow the step-by-step process to apply for available trainee posts.

“A QR code providing direct access to the portal will also be shared on SAPS’s official social media platforms,” SAPS said.

SAPS said it was seeking young people who could bring knowledge, skills, fresh perspectives and a commitment to excellence to the fight against crime.

“As part of its targeted recruitment drive, the SAPS will identify suitably qualified applicants with specific skills for consideration in specialised policing environments,” SAPS said.

“Graduates in Law, Policing, Criminology, Law Enforcement, Forensic Investigation and Information Technology may be considered for placement within the Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation (DPCI), also known as the Hawks; Detective and Forensic Services; and Crime Intelligence.”

The recruitment process would also seek to identify suitably qualified young people from underrepresented racial groups who meet the prescribed requirements.

All applicants will undergo a selection process that includes fitness, psychometric and integrity testing, a medical evaluation and an interview.

“These assessments are designed to ensure that those selected possess the physical fitness, mental resilience, discipline and integrity required to serve and protect the people of South Africa,” SAPS said.

Successful recruits who hold a relevant National Qualifications Framework (NQF) Level 6 or higher qualification will undergo six months of training at a SAPS training academy, while those without such qualifications will complete the standard nine-month training programme.

All police trainees will receive a monthly stipend of R5,000 during their training.

“Applicants must remain vigilant against fraudsters who may demand money in exchange for employment or promise to influence the recruitment process,” SAPS said.

INSIDE EDUCATION

The post SAPS opens applications for 5,500 police trainees appeared first on Inside Education..

The Democratic Alliance (DA) has called for an independent investigation into alleged financial irregularities, intimidation and staff shortages at a Johannesburg primary school, months after parents raised concerns about its principal’s reinstatement, and just a week after a protest at the school.

In a statement on Monday, the party accused the Gauteng Department of Education (GDE) of failing to resolve longstanding complaints involving the management of Franklin D Roosevelt Primary School in Randburg.

DA Gauteng Shadow MEC for Education Sergio Isa Dos Santos said the allegations included the sale of posts, extortion and intimidation involving the school’s principal.

One complaint involved a school governing body (SGB) member who was allegedly asked to pay R5,000 to renew a contract.

The party also raised concerns about staffing shortages.

“The situation has worsened, with 10 educators leaving the school and daily absences of at least four to five teachers,” the DA said.

It claimed that Grade 5 Afrikaans classes were being combined because of a shortage of qualified educators, with some learners being taught by unqualified staff.

On 13 October, parents and SGB members protested outside the school, demanding the removal of principal Victor Matloga over longstanding allegations concerning his management.

In February, the Northcliff Melville Times reported that parents had protested against the reinstatement of Matloga following disciplinary proceedings.

SGB chairperson Fagmoedien Otto told the publication that complaints involving alleged financial mismanagement, intimidation, abuse of power and extortion had been raised with the department several years earlier.

Otto claimed that procedural failures by the department had undermined disciplinary proceedings against the principal.

However, the GDE disputed the suggestion that Matloga had escaped accountability solely because of procedural failures.

Department spokesperson Steve Mabona told the publication at the time that the principal had been found guilty in disciplinary proceedings, but that the outcome did not warrant dismissal.

“Accordingly, he appealed the guilty verdict, and, as such, he was exonerated at arbitration, consequently there is no questionable conduct on his part,” Mabona said.

The department said it respected the arbitration outcome.

The DA has now questioned the handling of the case, alleging that the principal was reinstated by the Education Labour Relations Council (ELRC) after the department failed to submit required documentation within the prescribed timeframe.

The party wants Gauteng Education MEC Lebogang Maile to investigate the department’s handling of the matter and establish whether officials failed to carry out their responsibilities.

“We will submit questions to the MEC to establish the history of this case and determine whether it aligns with all the documentary evidence obtained,” the DA said.

It also wants an independent investigation into the allegations against the principal and disciplinary action against anyone found responsible for wrongdoing.

The department did not respond to questions from Inside Education. Their responses will be added once received.

INSIDE EDUCATION

The post DA demands probe into alleged misconduct at Roosevelt Primary appeared first on Inside Education..

The Gauteng Department of Roads and Transport (GDRT) has urged scholar transport operators to comply with licensing requirements and road safety regulations to improve learner safety across the province.

The call was made during an engagement with operators at Boekenhoutkloof Traffic College in Tshwane, as part of the department’s Learner Transport Education and Awareness Programme (LTEAP).

The programme focuses on operating licences, vehicle roadworthiness and responsible driving practices following concerns about learner transport incidents.

“Ensuring the safety of learners remains a shared responsibility,” the department said.

“Through responsible driving, regulatory compliance and sustained cooperation among all stakeholders, Gauteng can continue working towards safer and more reliable learner transport services across the province.”

Under the National Land Transport Act, individuals and businesses transporting passengers for a fee must hold valid operating licences.

Applicants must submit supporting documents, including copies of pupils’ identity documents, business registration paperwork, transport route maps and tax compliance certificates, among other requirements.

The engagement also highlighted the Gauteng Public Transport Regulatory Information System (GPTRIS), which aims to streamline licensing applications and allow operators to track their progress and identify outstanding requirements.

Operators were given an opportunity to raise concerns and discuss challenges affecting their businesses. The department said their feedback would inform further interventions to improve compliance and coordination.

The department has handed over 526 operating licences to compliant scholar transport and minibus taxi operators.

Since November last year, it has processed, issued and handed over more than 8,000 operating licences across the province.

The department plans to expand the LTEAP through a structured roadshow across Gauteng’s five regions to provide operators with guidance on their legal responsibilities and safety obligations.

INSIDE EDUCATION

The post Gauteng Transport tells scholar transport operators to comply with safety laws appeared first on Inside Education..

Equal Education (EE) and the Equal Education Law Centre (EELC) have demanded that Basic Education Minister Siviwe Gwarube explain why school capacity regulations remain unpublished 10 days after a court-ordered deadline.

In a joint statement on Monday, the organisations called for the immediate publication of the final Minimum Uniform Norms and Standards for School Capacity, saying that continued delays were leaving learners in overcrowded classrooms without adequate space and resources.

The deadline expired on 9 October, three years after the Gauteng High Court ordered the Minister of Basic Education to develop and publish the regulations in a case involving the South African Teachers’ Union (SAOU).

“This court order was not a suggestion; it was a directive that must be complied with. Learners cannot continue to wait while they are forced to learn in overcrowded classrooms without the space and resources they need,” the organisations said.

The Department of Basic Education (DBE) did not respond to requests for comment from Inside Education.

The regulations are intended to establish clear rules governing how many learners schools can accommodate, how much space should be allocated to each learner and teacher, and when additional classrooms, teachers or other resources are required.

EE and the EELC said the absence of binding capacity regulations continued to undermine efforts to address overcrowding and ensure that learners had access to safe and adequate learning environments.

They warned that overcrowding limited individual attention from teachers, contributed to mobile classrooms becoming permanent structures and exacerbated the ongoing school admissions crisis.

The DBE published the first draft of the proposed regulations for public comment on 7 August 2025.

Following its release, EE and the EELC held workshops with learners and school communities to gather input on the proposals. They also hosted a public meeting attended by learners, community members and DBE representatives.

The organisations submitted consolidated comments to the department in December 2025, identifying several shortcomings in the draft.

These included the absence of a definition of overcrowding, clear implementation deadlines and clarity on the responsibilities of different stakeholders.

They also raised concerns about inconsistencies between the proposed formula for calculating classroom capacity and the teacher-to-learner ratios contained in the draft regulations.

EE, with support from the EELC, subsequently developed alternative proposals, known as shadow capacity norms, to account for the conditions faced by schools that were already overcrowded and under-resourced.

The organisations said they had sought an opportunity to present these proposals to the DBE but had not received the feedback they expected.

“We sought an opportunity to present these proposals to the DBE. However, despite the expectation that the DBE would respond, we have yet to receive the promised feedback,” they said.

EE and the EELC are now demanding the “immediate release” of the final regulations, a public explanation from Gwarube for missing the court-ordered deadline and binding implementation timelines supported by clear accountability mechanisms.

They also want the regulations to include a definition of overcrowding that prioritises schools most severely affected by the problem.

INSIDE EDUCATION

The post Education groups demand answers over delayed school capacity rules appeared first on Inside Education..

South Africa’s Under-16 national soccer team have made an impressive statement in Germany, recording back-to-back victories over the youth teams of FC Augsburg and Arminia Bielefeld ahead of the FIFA U-15 World Cup in Azerbaijan.

The young South Africans beat Arminia Bielefeld’s U16 side 5-0 on Saturday, in a friendly at the artificial-turf pitch at SchücoArena in Bielefeld. 

The emphatic victory followed a 2-0 win over FC Augsburg’s U16 team on Tuesday, 13 October, at the German club’s training facilities in Augsburg.

The matches formed part of the Bundesliga Dream South Africa project, which gave the team an opportunity to train in Germany, experience professional youth-development structures and test themselves against European opposition.

During their stay in Augsburg, the players also visited the club’s WWK ARENA, attended a Bundesliga match against Bayern Munich and met first-team players Juma Bah and Chrislain Matsima. 

According to reports, in Bielefeld, they trained with Arminia’s academy coaches and attended the senior side’s match against VfL Osnabrück at the Bielefelder Alm.

The victories provided valuable preparation for South Africa’s upcoming FIFA U-15 World Cup and Festival in Baku, Azerbaijan, which begins on 24 October and runs until 30 October.

The tournament will feature an eight-a-side format, offering the young players an opportunity to compete internationally and gain experience against teams from around the world.

INSIDE EDUCATION

The post SA U16 soccer team shines in Germany with back-to-back victories appeared first on Inside Education..

President Cyril Ramaphosa says government is intensifying efforts to expand access to early childhood development (ECD), with around one million children aged three to five still not enrolled in any early learning programme.

Addressing the Bana Pele Leadership Summit at the Galleria Arena and Conference Centre in Sandton on Monday, Ramaphosa said government was committed to lowering the financial barriers preventing poor families from enrolling their children in early learning programmes.

“As government, we are committed to lowering this barrier,” he said, adding that funding for the ECD conditional grant had increased, although too few eligible facilities were benefiting.

Also speaking at the summit, Basic Education Minister Siviwe Gwarube said around 1.2 million children aged three to five currently access early learning.

“One million children not accessing any ECD programme is not a statistic we can become comfortable with. It is the distance we still need to cover,” she said.

“So the question before us now is How do we make what is beginning to work, work everywhere?”

Gwarube said the daily ECD subsidy had increased from R17 to R24 per child, with more than 200,000 additional children receiving support over the past two years.

The eCares digital registration system was helping government identify and support early learning programmes, with almost 40,000 programmes registered, she said.

“All spheres of government and sector partners must work together to break down institutional barriers and make registration and support more accessible to ECD practitioners. Expanding access must go hand in hand with quality early learning, a supported workforce and the early identification of children’s developmental needs,” she said.

Ramaphosa said government was accelerating the Bana Pele Mass Registration Drive, launched in 2025, to help centres meet registration requirements and expand access.

According to the President, South Africa has more than 39,000 registered early learning programmes.

Government aims to achieve universal access by 2030 through the Bana Pele Shared Blueprint, which seeks to improve coordination, strengthen data systems and professionalise the sector.

“It is our roadmap to universal access to early childhood development by 2030,” Ramaphosa said.

He cautioned against allowing registration requirements to exclude centres serving poor communities, saying compliance processes should help facilities improve while protecting children’s health and safety.

“Where a centre does not meet the required standards, our first response should be to determine what assistance it needs to become compliant,” he said.

Revised norms and standards for early learning centres were gazetted earlier this year, while Cabinet has approved the Children’s Amendment Bill for submission to Parliament. Ramaphosa said the proposed legislation would simplify rules governing early learning programmes.

The President also emphasised the importance of preparing children for formal schooling through structured literacy and numeracy development.

“Providing childcare is not the same as providing early education,” he said.

He said stronger foundations were needed to address learning gaps that leave millions of children unable to read for meaning by Grade 4.

Referring to the growing influence of artificial intelligence and automation, Ramaphosa said education needed to equip children with skills to navigate a changing world without losing the human interaction essential to their development.

“We must therefore prepare our children not merely to use the technologies of the future, but to think critically, solve problems, communicate effectively and adapt to change,” he said.

Ramaphosa said expanding early learning would also help break the cycle of poverty, support women’s participation in the economy and create jobs for practitioners and those establishing centres.

He said ECD programmes could improve children’s health by providing nutritious meals, supporting vaccination programmes and connecting families to health and social services.

The President urged businesses to increase investment in early childhood development through infrastructure improvements, practitioner training, learning materials, digital resources and support for children from poor households.

“Business can help us accelerate our drive towards universal access by 2030,” he said.

“It is an investment in the workforce of the future,” he said.

Ramaphosa acknowledged the contribution of civil society and donors, including UNICEF, whose support has helped make curriculum packs available in all the country’s official languages. More than 70 non-governmental organisations are also assisting early learning centres with documentation and first-aid training.

He called on municipalities, community organisations, traditional and faith leaders, parents and businesses to support efforts to expand access to quality early education.

“Our Constitution guarantees everyone the right to a basic education,” he said.

“By making early learning the foundation of every child’s education, we are giving effect to that right.”

“Let us make sure that no child falls behind before they even reach school,” he said.

INSIDE EDUCATION

The post Ramaphosa wants faster expansion of ECD appeared first on Inside Education..