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Unisa to challenge Nzimande’s decision to place it under administration

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Unisa to challenge Nzimande’s decision to place it under administration

Lerato Mbhiza

Unisa has approached the courts on an urgent basis to challenge Higher Education, Science and Innovation Minister Blade Nzimande’s appointment of Professor Ihron Rensburg as the administrator of the institution after Nzimande dissolved the Unisa council.

In a statement, Unisa said the university remains firm on the view that Nzimande’s announcement in a Government Gazette dated 27 October wherein he published the appointment of the administrator, was in contempt of a court order issued on 6 October 2023.

Nzimande said his appointment of the administrator was in line with Section 49B of the Higher Education Act (Act 101 of 19917, as amended. 

However, Unisa has contended that the Minister’s actions were premature; the matter had not been finalised and was still before the court.

“The university remains firm on the view that the Minister’s announcement is premature and in contempt of the court order of 6 October 2023 by [Judge Harshila] Kooverjie that interdicted him from placing the university under administration.

“The same order reaffirms the earlier order of [Judge Leicester] Adams of 24 August 2023, which ordered the Minister not to take any decision pending the finalisation of the interdict application by Unisa, and the Minister’s undertaking not to take any decision until the application to review and set aside the independent assessor’s report would have been heard.

“The university is also of the strong view that the announcement of the minister’s decision at the time when our students are in the middle of examinations is ill-timed and insensitive.

Nzimande’s appointment of Rensburg as the administrator comes after  the recommendations of independent assessor Professor Themba Mosia and the report of a ministerial task team headed by Vincent Maphai.

Mosia’s report found financial and other maladministration of a serious nature that undermined the university’s effective functioning.

Nzimande’s spokesperson Ishmael Mnisi said the Minister had carefully considered Mosia’s findings and recommendations as well as responses from the council and other stakeholders.

“The assessor’s report followed the report of the ministerial task team of August 2021 into the review of Unisa, which also raised serious concerns about the state of administration and governance as well as the quality and sustainability of Unisa as one of South Africa’s most important universities.

“There are strong overlaps and areas of strategic convergence in the findings and recommendations of the reports of the independent assessor and the ministerial task team,” Mnisi said.

Mnisi added that the ministerial task team concluded that, based on the evidence presented to it, Unisa suffers chronic management failures in many of its key support systems and the council was identified as the root cause of the university’s problems.

Nzimande also dissolved the council of the university.

Rensburg has previously served as the Vice-chancellor and Principal of the University of Johannesburg and as the administrator of the Vaal University of Technology in 2021.

“As Unisa administrator, Prof. Rensburg’s appointment is for a 24-month period,” said Mnisi.

“Rensburg will report to the Minister or any delegated officials in the Department of Higher Education and Training in writing on a biannual basis.

“At the completion of his appointment period, he is expected to submit a written report to the Minister within 30 days”.

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AI training for 300,000 South African youth, an enabler for future career advancement 

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AI training for 300,000 South African youth, an enabler for future career advancement 

Staff Reporter

The delivery of innovative Artificial Intelligence (AI) training through a partnership between Microsoft South Africa and Youth Employment Service (YES) will see 300 000 young South Africans empowered with digital skills, fostering a future of innovation driving employability and economic growth.

The AI Youth Training Platform is an extension of a long-term relationship between Microsoft and YES and was lauded at Monday’s Microsoft South Africa’s A New Era with AI event, which took place in Sandton, as a critical game changer amongst more than 1 000 IT professionals and developers who are leading the charge on AI transformation within the country.

YES and Microsoft curated and developed bespoke training material, creating a training path that addresses the different levels of AI and computer science exposure. The platform is designed to enable all young people to get access to, and awareness of AI – and build skills from Novice through to Expert level.

For many, the world of AI is foreign. Recognising this gap, the introductory AI learning module was designed to provide an entry-level view of AI to the youth, focusing on highlighting the purpose and value of AI to students in a practical yet accessible manner.

“This collaborative effort with Microsoft is a testament to our ongoing commitment to equipping the youth with the digital skills for future-facing sectors and careers.  The significant number of beneficiaries underscores the scale of impact we want to achieve through this partnership,” says Ravi Naidoo, CEO of YES.

From a practical level, this partnership is geared towards creating a surge in job creation and enhanced employability to make significant strides for the country to create a more digitally inclusive economy.

“Together with YES, we are not only addressing the pressing issue of youth unemployment but also helping create a culture of innovation and employability through digital capability building. Microsoft’s approach to AI is based on meaningful innovation, empowering people, and responsibility. 

“This partnership delivers on these three pillars as the means to grow a new talent pool for digital businesses to tap into not only in South Africa, but the rest of the world,” says Lillian Barnard, President for Microsoft Africa.

As young people exit the formal training programme at YES, they will have not only an awareness of how AI can improve how they work and how this could become a career or profession moving forward.  

Participants who complete the AI Expert Module and who meet key criteria, will be eligible for certification.

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MEC Chiloane appoints law firm to probe learner death

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MEC Chiloane appoints law firm to probe learner death

Inside Education Correspondent

Gauteng Education MEC Matome Chiloane has introduced Rangata Attorneys to Khehlekile Primary School in Tokoza and the family of Sibusiso Mbatha, after the Grade 6 learner at the school, tragically took his own life on Monday, 23 October 2023.

Rangata Attorneys will be investigating the circumstances surrounding the death of Mbatha and will provide recommendations on how to conclude the matter. 

The law firm has been given five days to conclude their investigations, and their findings will be shared upon conclusion.

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DBE ropes in State Security Agency to ensure there are no matric exam paper leaks – Motshekga

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DBE ropes in State Security Agency to ensure there are no matric exam paper leaks – Motshekga

Phuti Mosomane

Basic Education Minister Angie Motshekga said on Sunday the department has enhanced security measures to prevent paper leaks in all nine provinces as Grade 12s prepare to start writing their 2023 exams from Monday.

Briefing the media in Tshwane ahead of the exams Motshekga said the State Security Agency (SSA) has also audited all security enhancement processes. 

“Provincial Education Departments (PEDs) must follow standard operating procedures training storage point managers in security protocols. Moreover, specific collection times for question papers by chief invigilators have been established to deter early access. Each PED has its own irregularity committee to anticipate and mitigate the crisis,” she said. 

Motshekga also said all PEDs and schools have devised contingency plans, including backup generators to mitigate challenges of load shedding that has been brought to Stage 2 from Sunday.

Minister of Basic Education Angie Motshekga. Picture: Eddie Mtsweni

The Computer Applications Technology (CAT) and Information Technology (IT) Paper 1 examinations were conducted this week without power issues, with isolated incidents, she said, adding that the affected candidates were isolated and managed. 

If there were power interruptions Motshekga said the DBE will offer a backup paper if needed.

“In South African Sign Language Home Language (SASL HL), candidates’ laptops will be fully charged before each examination commences, and backup power supply measures have been put in place”.

Over 717 377 candidates have registered to participate in the final examinations across 6,898 centres nationwide. 

Motshekga said the figures are not mere statistics; they embody the aspirations, dreams, and relentless efforts of Grade 12 learners.

“They stand as a testament to the resilience of our students and the continuous dedication of the Department of Basic Education in providing them with a platform to succeed.

“When we compare this year’s figures to 2022, we observe a gradual decrease in the number of candidates, 34,626 candidates, and this could be attributed to the fact that more candidates complete their qualifications on time,” she said.

Basic Education Director-General Mathanzima Mweli. Picture: Eddie Mtsweni

There has been an increase in the number of part-time learners from 168 631 in 2022 to 181 143 in 2023 (an increase of 12 512).

A total of 207 question papers, 72 500 invigilators and 52 500 markers will drive the examinations process.

The quality assurance body Umalusi has approved all question papers to be administered in the 2023 Examinations and given the nod to the exams.

Motshekga will on Monday monitor the first day of the 2023 matric examinations in Ekurhuleni, Gauteng and will be joined by Gauteng Education MEC Matome Chiloane.

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U19s join assessment camps in Stellenbosch

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U19s join assessment camps in Stellenbosch

Inside Education Reporter

The 2024 SA Rugby Academy and Elite Player Development 3 programmes kicked into gear on Monday with three camps for U19 players in Stellenbosch, including five players who featured in this year’s World Rugby U20 Championship.

According to the sarugby.co.za, the Junior Springboks’ coaching and management staff will oversee the camps, which started on Monday and conclude on 15 December, and will form part of the 2023 Elite Player Development Programme. A number of provincial age-group coaches were also invited to the camps.

The five 2023 Junior Springbok representatives who have been invited to Stellenbosch are Litelihle Bester, Jurenzo Julius, Asad Moos, Zachary Porthen and JF van Heerden.

Twelve players will attend the first camp, where the focus will be on strength and conditioning. The number will then jump to 33 players for the assessment camp, with three additional players invited on a part-time basis. The series of camps will conclude in December when 14 players get together for a tight five camp.

“These initiatives are essential for identifying and nurturing talent as part of our EPD programme, and I’m delighted that we’ll have a big group of players to work with in the coming weeks,” said SA U20 head coach Bafana Nhleko.

“Almost all of these players have been part of either the SA Schools teams in the last two seasons, the SA Rugby Academy programme or played for the Junior Boks earlier this year, so they will know what to expect when they arrive in Stellenbosch.

“However, we are also aware that many of these guys have played little to no rugby this year, so it’s important to see where they are and what upskilling will be required with an eye on next year.

CAPE TOWN, SOUTH AFRICA – JULY 11: Litelihle Bester during the Junior Springboks training session at San Souci School on July 11, 2023 in Cape Town, South Africa. (Photo by Ashley Vlotman/Gallo Images)

Litelihle Bester played for the Junior Boks this year.

“We’ve been keeping a close eye on the SA Rugby Under-21 Cup competition, which concludes this weekend, and it was great to see so many of the players we’ve identified earlier in their careers putting their hands up in competition even though they are still Under-19,” added Nhleko.

SA Rugby Academy Camps:

Strength & Conditioning Camp (30 October to 7 November):

Sphephelo Mbonambi, Bradley Stanfliet (both Hollywoodbets Sharks), Yaseen Arendse, Luca Bakkes, Adam de Waal, Andre Goedhals (all DHL Western Province), Sibabalwe Mahashe, Thabang Mphafi (both Fidelity ADT Lions), Tylor Sefoor (Toyota Cheetahs), Michail Damon, Liam Koen, Phillip-Albert van Niekerk (all Vodacom Bulls).

Assessment Camp (8 to 30 November)

Ethan Bester, Litelihle Bester, Thomas Dyer, Matthew Fick, Jurenzo Julius, Sphephelo Mbonambi, Nicolas Snyman, Bradley Stanfliet (all Hollywoodbets Sharks), Luca Bakkes, Joshua Boulle, Adam de Waal, Andre Goedhals, Joel Leotlela, Asad Moos, Zachary Porthen (all DHL Western Province), Reno Hirst, Sibabalwe Mahashe, Thabang Mphafi, Thurlon Williams (all Fidelity ADT Lions), Tylor Sefoor (Toyota Cheetahs), Caleb Abrahams, Casper Badenhorst, Keanu Coetzee, Michail Damon, Benjamin Heydenrych, Alfondso Isaacs, Liam Koen, Mbasa Maqubela, Lukas Meyer, Steven Nel, Juan Smal, JF van Heerden, Phillip-Albert van Niekerk (all Vodacom Bulls).

Three additional players from DHL Western Province received part-time invitations for further evaluation and potential integration: Grant de Jager, Ezekiel Ngobeni, Bruce Sherwood.

Tight Five Camp (11 to 15 December):

Bradley Stanfliet (Hollywoodbets Sharks), Yaseen Arendse, Luca Bakkes, Adam de Waal, Andre Goedhals, Zachary Porthen (all DHL Western Province), Reno Hirst, Thabang Mphafi, Sibabalwe Mahashe (all Fidelity ADT Lions), Keanu Coetzee, Benjamin Heydenrych, Juan Smal, Mbasa Maqubela (all Vodacom Bulls), Ruan Swart (SWD Eagles).

This article was first published on sarugby.co.za

Terminally ill patients need more than prayer, according to study in Soweto

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Terminally ill patients need more than prayer, according to study in Soweto

Inside Education Reporter

A study conducted among advanced cancer patients in Soweto has found that most patients who received palliative care and are at the end of life have spiritual needs beyond regular prayers from spiritual leaders. 

Furthermore, patients who received religious or spiritual care had less physical pain, used less morphine and had higher odds of dying where they wished than those who did not. 

The study involving 233 participants was conducted by a team of local and international experts led by Wits researchers. 

Lead researcher Dr Mpho Ratshikana-Moloko from the Centre for Palliative Care in the Faculty of Health Sciences at Wits University says that previous research has shown that religion and spirituality are important to most patients facing life-threatening illnesses. However, this study probed further. 

Using the African Palliative Care Association Palliative Outcome Scale, the research confirmed previous international findings that nearly 98% of the participants had a religious or spiritual need.

The most common spiritual need expressed by patients in Soweto was “seeking a closer connection with their God” and “forgiveness for sins”, says Ratshikana-Moloko. 

This finding is significant because it calls on faith leaders to provide relevant support that responds to the needs of patients. This research-led intervention empowers leaders to move beyond prayer, explains Ratshikana-Moloko.

“This is the first study to assess the spiritual and religious needs, and religious and spirituality care provided to advanced cancer patients who received palliative care in Soweto,” says Ratshikana-Moloko.

Since the study was concluded in 2018, Wits University has developed a course in Spiritual and Chaplaincy in Palliative Care. The first cohort of faith leaders from all religious backgrounds was completed in September 2023. 

Palliative Care to increase

Palliative care is one of the key pillars in illness management among terminally ill patients who are judged by a specialist physician as unlikely to benefit from curative-intent therapy. Often, patients are unlikely to survive beyond six months. 

The South African National Policy Framework and Strategy for Palliative Care (2017–2022) incorporates spirituality into health care. However, palliative care services in South and Southern Africa and elsewhere rarely address these needs, despite available policies, guidelines and evidence.

“We must implement what we know. Integrating spiritual care within the clinical care setting is recommended,” Ratshikana-Moloko. 

South Africa faces a heavy burden of communicable and non-communicable diseases. One in six deaths globally is due to cancer, and cancer diagnoses are expected to increase by 70% in the next two decades, especially in low- and middle-income countries.

“Failure to identify and address the religious and spiritual needs of terminally ill patients may increase distress and suffering,” Ratshikana-Moloko.

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Let’s get behind the national Hockey team

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Let’s get behind the national Hockey team

Inside Education Reporter

Motoring manufacturer ISUZU Motors South Africa has thrown its weight behind the South African Women’s Hockey Team. 

Marketing Executive Ziphindiwe Ngcobo, says: “We are thrilled to support the South African Women’s Hockey Team on their journey to the 2024 Paris Olympics. Their dedication and core values of passion, pride, unity, and resilience align closely with ISUZU’s own ethos, and we believe this partnership will not only boost the team’s performance but also inspire aspiring female athletes across the country.”

The  SA Women’s Hockey Team is a symbol of excellence and determination. The team is well-prepared to be #BoldBeyondtheField to secure their qualification. Their journey promises to be filled with passion for the sport, pride in their nation, unity within the team, and resilience in the face of fierce competition.

The South African Women’s Hockey Team have consistently demonstrated their passion for the game, pride in representing the nation and unwavering resilience in the face of challenges.

Co-captain of the South African Women’s Hockey Team, Erin Christie, expressed her gratitude for ISUZU’s support: “We are honoured to have ISUZU Motors South Africa as our partner as we embark on this journey to qualify for the 2024 Paris Olympics. 

“I believe that ISUZU will play a massive role in our Olympic journey. As a team, we did not want to go to the games and just participate – we wanted to go there and compete. We want to inspire young female sportswomen and the generations who will wear our shirts after us.”

ISUZU’s commitment to sports in South Africa goes beyond this partnership. It is a proud sponsor of several sporting properties including IRONMAN South Africa, ATC Multisport, the Vodacom Bulls, Bulls Daisies, Move The Nation Race and the Algoa FM Big Walk for Cancer.

“We invite South Africa to rally behind the SA Women’s Hockey team as they embark on this journey to fulfil their Olympic dream. The support of the nation will be an additional source of inspiration for the players as they face formidable opponents from across the continent,” says Ngcobo.

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AfriForum to challenge the BELA Bill in court

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AfriForum to challenge the BELA Bill in court

Lerato Mbhiza

The NGO that looks mainly after white interests – AfriForum – has threatened a legal challenge against the Basic Education Laws Amendment Bill because it perceives the Bill as a ‘direct attack against Afrikaans education’.

On Thursday AfriForum joined various other organisations and political parties in front of Parliament to protest against the Bill. 

In a statement AfriForum said since 2017, it has been objecting to aspects of the Bill that will take away parents’ decision-making powers on language and admission policies of their children.

“The organisation views the Bill as a direct attack against Afrikaans education, which will have extremely negative consequences for quality education in Afrikaans single-medium schools in particular, but ultimately also for all South African schools.

“The Bill will centralise more power in the incompetent hands of the State and render communities’ involvement in their schools by way of democratically elected governing bodies meaningless. 

“Currently, the governing bodies have the right to make the final decision on schools’ language and admissions policies, but the bill proposes that this power should henceforth rest with the provincial heads of education, in other words with political appointments. 

“It is being argued that this amendment is necessary to prevent discrimination against learners, but this is a blatant fabrication, as existing legislation provides for the necessary steps to put an end to discrimination, should it occur,” AfriForum said.

In terms of language policy, the bill provides that a school governing body will now be required to submit the language policy of a public school and any amendment thereof to the head of the Education Department for approval.  

“It is unacceptable that political games are being played at the expense of the South African youth, and therefore, AfriForum will follow all possible national and international steps to oppose Bela.” AfriForum added.

The controversial Bill was passed at the National Assembly (NA) on Thursday and will now be sent to the National Council of Provinces for concurrence.

The BELA Bill proposes several changes to the South African Schools Act, including transferring control to the Education Department to determine a school’s language policies and curriculums.

The Bill dictates among others, that Grade R will now be the new compulsory school-starting age, and parents who fail to enrol their children for grade R will be formally penalised.

Some of the amendments include penalties for those found guilty of corporal punishment which is no longer allowed at schools.

The Bill further provides that Sign Language has the status of an official language for purposes of learning at a public school. And that the language policy must also consider the language needs of the broader community.

The BELA Bill also bans the consumption or possession of alcohol on public school premises or during any public school activity unless permission has been sought from the Head of Department, and then only under strict conditions.”

It has been heavily criticised by opposition parties, including the DA, ACDP, and Freedom Front Plus.

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A Western Cape Teacher has reached the finals of the 2023 Global Teacher Prize

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A Western Cape Teacher has reached the finals of the 2023 Global Teacher Prize

Johnathan Paoli

A Life Sciences teacher at Protea Heights Academy in Brackenfell, Western Cape, Dr Mariette Wheeler, has been selected as a Top 10 finalist for the prestigious 2023 Global Teacher Prize.

Wheeler was selected from over 7 000 nominations and applications from 130 countries around the world.

The Western Cape Education department (WCED) congratulated Wheeler and said her dedication to education and making a difference in the lives of her learners has put her where she is.

Wheeler said that she appreciated all the support and considered it an honour to represent Protea Heights Academy, the WCED and the country at the awards ceremony in Paris on 8 November.

“Teachers matter and teachers do so much for the youth of our country, not just in igniting curiosity but also in being there for our learners,” Wheeler said.

WC Education MEC David Maynier congratulated Wheeler on her award and said candidates for the Global Teacher Prize were judged on a rigorous set of criteria to identify an exceptional teacher who has made an outstanding contribution to the profession of teaching.

“To have a Western Cape teacher in the Top 10 is a real testament to the quality of teaching taking place in our province,” Maynier said.

The Global Teacher Prize is an annual $1 million award by the global educational charity, Varkey Foundation, to a teacher who has made an outstanding contribution to the profession.

The Prize, which has been referred to by some as the Nobel Prize for teaching highlights and celebrates the profession while giving greater recognition to the work of teachers all over the world.

Nominations of teachers who meet specific criteria are open to the worldwide public, with judging being done by the Global Teacher Prize Academy, consisting of head teachers, education experts, commentators, journalists, public officials, tech entrepreneurs, company directors, and scientists from around the world.

This follows on from the National Teachers’ Awards which was held at the Hatfield Christian Church in Thaba Tshwane, Pretoria earlier this month.

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The EFF Student Command threatens to open a criminal case over NSFAS

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The EFF Student Command threatens to open a criminal case over NSFAS

Lerato Mbhiza

The EFF Student Command (EFFSC) President Sihle Lonzi has threatened to open a fraud and corruption case against NSFAS and called for people who were involved in the stealing of the money to be arrested.

“We want to see all those involved in this to be arrested not only to be removed in position but to put on Orange overall.”

Lonzi was speaking at EFF’s Winnie Madikizela Mandela’s House on Thursday a day after NSFAS fired its CEO Andile Nongogo, fingered by the SIU for fraud and irregularities in the awarding of R47 billion contracts to direct payment service providers.

He questions the NSFAS board’s decision in allowing those accused of malfeasance to explain themselves instead of taking action against them for theft.

He also questioned why the contracts of the implicated service providers were not terminated with immediate effect.

“Why are the contracts being terminated in the future and not now?”

Lonzi said the EFF is happy the students’ demonstrations have paid off and the contracts of the service providers have been terminated, while pointing out that the EFFSC has won 16 university SRC leadership positions.

“This shows that we have a majority, and sends a strong message to the ANC that we will remove you from the union building in next year’s general elections”.

Nongogo was fired and the four contractors he appointed to disburse student funding are being terminated after a report by legal firm Werkmans Attorneys and advocate Thembeka Ngcukaitobi, found that not only did he play a role in handpicking the companies, but he had direct links with some of the companies from his previous job as CEO of the Services Sector Education and Training Authority (Services Seta).

The report also found that Nongogo appointed Dr George Chirwa, who has links with eZaga Holdings and its subsidiary eZaga Remit; Africawide Consulting, and Africawide Foundation as technical advisor.

eZaga and Tenet Technology have denied the allegations made against them, claiming to not have received the full report in which these were made.

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