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New KZN tech school will train future engineers, innovators

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New KZN tech school will train future engineers, innovators

By Levy Masiteng 

KwaZulu-Natal has opened a specialised ICT, engineering, and technology school in the Amajuba District, in an effort to expand technical education and prepare learners for jobs in the modern economy.

Education MEC Sipho Hlomuka officially launched the Mbuso Kubheka ICT, Engineering and Technology School of Excellence on Tuesday, saying the institution was a major investment in the province’s future workforce and economic development.

“Schools of Specialisation are not simply educational institutions; they are strategic investments in the future growth and competitiveness of our province and our country,” Hlomuka said.

According to the department, the school offers subjects including Civil, Electrical and Mechanical Technology, Engineering Graphics and Design, Technical Mathematics, Technical Science, Coding and Robotics.

The school will initially admit 80 Grade 8 learners from across the province.

Learners are enrolled as full-time boarders and are selected through an aptitude assessment process.

Addressing guests at the official opening, Hlomuka said the institution represents “a beacon of excellence”.

“Today marks a historic milestone, not only for this school community but for the entire province of KwaZulu-Natal. We gather here to officially open the Mbuso Kubheka School of Specialisation, a beacon of excellence that represents our commitment to building an education system that equips young people with the knowledge, skills and capabilities required for the future,” he said.

Hlomuka said the school gives practical effect to the province’s Three-Stream Model of Education, which integrates academic, technical-vocational and occupational pathways to ensure learners develop skills aligned with industry demands.

He added that the institution would expose learners to specialised fields, emerging industries and practical workplace skills while creating pathways to employment, entrepreneurship and innovation.

“Take full advantage of every classroom, every workshop, every laboratory and every learning opportunity. Develop a culture of discipline, hard work, innovation and excellence,” Hlomuka said.

Named after late freedom fighter and former KwaZulu-Natal legislator Mbuso Kubheka, the department said the school aims to honour his legacy while producing graduates capable of driving industrialisation, creating jobs and contributing to South Africa’s development.

“Our vision is that within the next decade, every district in KwaZulu-Natal should have at least one School of Specialisation serving as a centre of excellence, innovation and skills development,” Hlomuka said.

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SIU uncovers R8.3m bursary abuse in Free State Premier’s Office

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SIU uncovers R8.3m bursary abuse in Free State Premier’s Office

By Lebone Rodah Mosima

The Special Investigating Unit (SIU) says more than R8.3 million was misused in the Free State Office of the Premier’s (OTP) bursary programme, following findings of serious maladministration, irregular expenditure and the awarding of bursaries to ineligible beneficiaries.

Acting SIU head Leonard Lekgetho told a media briefing on Tuesday that the scheme, intended to fund scarce-skills studies for needy students, was instead compromised by officials who bypassed policies and approved payments to relatives, deceased persons, foreign nationals and officials who did not qualify.

“Officials awarded bursaries to relatives, deceased persons, foreign nationals, as well as ineligible officials, and left millions of rand in university accounts unaccounted for,” Lekgetho said.

The investigation, authorised by President Cyril Ramaphosa under Proclamation 123 of 2023, was prompted by Auditor-General of South Africa (AGSA) reports for 2019 and 2020, which flagged irregularities in bursary administration.

Lekgetho said officials failed to follow application and approval processes, including cases where relatives were funded without due procedure and where an official received funding despite not submitting a bursary application for studies that began in 2017.

He added that some students who failed modules remained on bursary support, with contracts extended from three to seven years in breach of policy.

Others were funded for qualifications not listed in the provincial workplace skills plan.

The SIU also found an international bursary arrangement in which the Free State government ultimately funded 65% of costs, contrary to the terms of an initial memorandum of understanding.

In one case, a deceased student received funding from both the OTP and the National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS).

The OTP paid R34,891.60 to the University of the Free State, while NSFAS deposited R13,000 into the student’s account, which was accessed by the family.

The funds could not be recovered.

Lekgetho said NSFAS funding fell outside the scope of the SIU proclamation.

The probe also found that seven bursary recipients were foreign nationals, despite policy limiting awards to South African citizens residing in the Free State, resulting in irregular expenditure of R576,734.48.

He said officials also received full-time bursaries despite being eligible only for part-time support under policy, while some recipients were paid excessive stipends, contributing to irregular payments totalling about R1.8 million.

The OTP has begun recovering funds from students who studied abroad and failed to meet bursary obligations, he added.

Lekgetho said the SIU had recovered R6.3 million from seven universities and signed 18 acknowledgements of debt worth R1.9 million with individuals who received undue benefits.

A further R283,571 has been recovered through instalments to date.

The unit has made 38 disciplinary referrals against officials across various levels, including human resources officers and senior managers, for alleged breaches of the Public Finance Management Act and bursary policy.

Evidence of potential criminal conduct involving seven individuals has been referred to the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) for possible prosecution on charges including fraud, theft and money laundering.

“These referrals are not symbolic. They represent accountability and ensure those who abused power face the law,” Lekgetho said.

He said the investigation had exposed “a moral failure” in the administration of the scheme.

The SIU said it would continue recovery efforts and pursue disciplinary and criminal action where warranted.

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SA’s top school choirs gearing up for national SASCE finals in Pretoria

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SA’s top school choirs gearing up for national SASCE finals in Pretoria

By Charmaine Ndlela

Finalists from all nine provinces in the country will descend on Pretoria at the end of June for the ABC Motsepe SASCE National Championships, one of South Africa’s largest school arts and culture competitions.

The Departments of Basic Education and Sport, Arts and Culture, in partnership with the Motsepe Foundation, will host the South African Schools Choral Eisteddfod national finals at Moreleta Kerk in Pretoria from 30 June to 3 July 2026.

The championships will bring together top-performing school choirs and young musicians who have advanced through district and provincial rounds to represent their provinces on the national stage.

The annual competition has become one of the Department of Basic Education’s flagship school enrichment programmes, giving learners an opportunity to perform across a range of choral, solo, ensemble and cultural music categories.

The DBE says SASCE is aimed at promoting unity in diversity, national reconciliation, positive values, a shared South African identity, social transformation and social cohesion among learners.

The programme also supports the objectives of the Action Plan to 2019: Towards the Realisation of Schooling 2030, particularly efforts to promote learner attendance and retention through school enrichment activities.

The competition has drawn thousands of learners in previous years. The 2025 national championships were expected to attract more than 8,000 learners, while the 2024 event drew more than 7,000 participants.

The Motsepe Foundation has supported the programme since 2016, helping to strengthen SASCE as a national platform for school music, arts education and youth development.

In preparation for the 2026 championships, the DBE said more than 900 music professionals across all nine provinces were to be capacitated through SASCE workshops. The training focused on the prescribed music syllabus to promote consistency and uniform implementation across provinces.

Provincial competitions are currently under way across the country, with finalists earning places at the national championships.

The four-day event is expected to showcase some of the country’s strongest young performers while celebrating South Africa’s cultural and linguistic diversity.

Organisers say learners, educators, adjudicators and supporters can expect high-quality performances reflecting the creativity and talent of South Africa’s youth.

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Campus walk raises support for hungry Mandela University students

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Campus walk raises support for hungry Mandela University students

Staff Reporter

More than 200 Nelson Mandela University staff and students have joined a 5km walk to raise awareness and support for students facing hunger.

The Mandela Walk for Student Hunger, which looped between the university’s South and North campuses, was organised by the Office of the Deputy Vice-Chancellor: Learning and Teaching, Professor Muki Moeng.

The university said the walk drew staff and students from various faculties and departments.

“This event was important, to highlight the plight of many students, which has an impact on their participation in the academic programme. We are living out our values and our humanness which is connected to our students’ dignity,” Moeng said.

Deputy Vice-Chancellor: People and Operations Luthando Jack, Deputy Vice-Chancellor: Research, Innovation and Internationalisation Professor Azwinndini Muronga, and Moeng were among those who participated in the walk.

The university said Karen Snyman, from Student Governance, decided to prioritise the initiative after witnessing students fainting from hunger.

Participants were encouraged to bring donations of non-perishable food items, sanitary products, toiletries or monetary contributions for the university’s nutrition project, which supports students who rely on daily donations.

Business and Economic Sciences Professor Ronnie Ncadi said the initiative reflected the university community’s concern for students.

“This was a beautiful uniting of our University community, well done to our institution for creating such a healthy environment, to highlight the seriousness of caring for our students, without food,” Ncadi said.

Student Representative Council president Somila Komani said she found the walk and the care shown by staff “both meaningful and refreshing”.

The university said donations for the project should be dropped off at the offices of the Deputy Vice-Chancellor: Learning and Teaching on the 17th floor of the Main Building on South Campus.

Monetary donations may also be made through the university’s Giving Campaign or by direct deposit. The university said donors should include the cost centre “X180” in the transaction description.

The account name is Nelson Mandela University Trust. The bank is ABSA, branch code 632005, account number 16 4017 2998. The Swift Code for international payments is ABSAZAJJ.

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Youth Month| Sergeant Tyuwa puts eyes in the sky for SAPS

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Youth Month| Sergeant Tyuwa puts eyes in the sky for SAPS

Staff Reporter

At 35, Sergeant Siphosethu Tyuwa is part of a new generation of police officers using technology to strengthen policing in some of the Eastern Cape’s harshest terrain.

A drone operator and Airborne Law Enforcement Officer based at the Bulembu Air Wing in the Eastern Cape, Tyuwa supports ground units with real-time aerial surveillance, intelligence gathering and search-and-rescue operations across vast and often inaccessible areas.

Her work places her at the centre of modern policing, where drones are increasingly used to monitor large public gatherings, assist with farm patrols and help track suspects in dense terrain.

“Operating drones is more than just flying, it’s about saving lives, preventing crime, and delivering justice from the skies,” she said.

In celebration of Youth Month, the South African Police Service (SAPS) said on Tuesday that young officers like Tyuwa are making a meaningful impact in communities.

The officers “embody the future of policing” and are playing a critical role in advancing the SAPS Reset Agenda through professionalism, integrity and commitment to public safety.

Tyuwa, who was born in Peddie, is also a vocal advocate for gender transformation in law enforcement.

A former learner at Nomzamo High School, Tyuwa obtained a Financial Management diploma from Port Elizabeth College before joining SAPS in March 2015. She has since continued to build her academic profile, recently earning a Bachelor of Applied Social Sciences degree in psychology and counselling.

Since joining SAPS, Tyuwa has moved into one of the service’s specialised fields, combining airborne law enforcement with drone operations. Her role gives police teams aerial support during operations where visibility, speed and access can determine the success of an intervention.

SAPS said her work demonstrated the growing role of women in specialised policing units and the importance of giving young officers opportunities to lead in new areas of law enforcement.

“Sergeant Siphosethu Tyuwa is proof that when you give a woman wings, she does not just fly, she helps the whole community rise. From the skies above the Eastern Cape, she serves with sharp eyes, a steady hand, and a heart committed to change,” provincial police spokesperson Colonel Anne Magakoe said.

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Gauteng asbestos school backlog under fire

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Gauteng asbestos school backlog under fire

By Lebone Rodah Mosima

The DA in Gauteng has accused the provincial government (GPG) of failing to remove ageing asbestos structures from Randfontein Secondary School and Toekomsrus Primary School, saying learners and teachers remain exposed to unsafe buildings despite repeated promises to replace them.

DA Gauteng Education spokesperson Sergio Isa Dos Santos, MPL, said on Monday that teachers were continuing to work in unsafe environments that compromised their safety and dignity, despite the Gauteng government’s long-standing promise to replace asbestos schools with safe, modern infrastructure.

“During a recent sitting of the Gauteng Legislature, MEC for Infrastructure Development and Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs, Jacob Mamabolo, failed to give a clear answer to the Democratic Alliance’s (DA) oral question on why the GPG has still not eradicated asbestos infrastructure years after missing the deadlines set out in the 2013 Minimum Uniform Norms and Standards for Public School Infrastructure,” Dos Santos said.

“Instead, he repeated the government’s hollow commitment to asbestos eradication, with no clear timeline or end in sight.”

Dos Santos said the Gauteng Department of Education (GDE) had previously allocated about R112 million for rehabilitation and asbestos-related infrastructure upgrades at Randfontein Secondary School.

Despite that allocation, he said, a DA oversight inspection found that critical safety hazards remained unresolved, including an incomplete administration block, unfinished bathrooms, falling ceiling panels and staircases missing safety bars, all of which continued to put learners and staff at risk.

“Shockingly, the department’s so-called intervention in this school seems to have involved building brick-and-mortar structures around existing asbestos classrooms rather than completely removing them,” he said.

“Most of these structures have since deteriorated or collapsed, exposing learners and educators to cracked and broken asbestos panels.”

Dos Santos said the situation had been worsened by severe overcrowding at the school, with Grade 8 classes recording learner-to-teacher ratios of 1:50 and Grade 11 classes reaching as high as 1:73.

At Toekomsrus Primary School, Dos Santos said asbestos infrastructure remained in place and required urgent replacement.

“Some of the school’s mobile classrooms are more than 30 years old and need to be removed, while the roof blocks are in dire need of maintenance,” he said.

“Although the department assessed the school two years ago, no work has been carried out.”

Dos Santos said he was “outraged” that the GPG continued to delay the eradication of asbestos schools despite the well-known deadly health risks linked to asbestos exposure.

“The DA will escalate the issue to Premier Panyaza Lesufi for urgent intervention,” he said.

“Those responsible for these unacceptable delays must be held accountable for continuing to hold learners and educators hostage in unsafe and undignified conditions.”

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Social Development marks International Children’s Day at Hammanskraal school for deaf learners

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Social Development marks International Children’s Day at Hammanskraal school for deaf learners

By Charmaine Ndlela

The Department of Social Development marked International Children’s Day at the Dominican School for the Deaf in Hammanskraal, north of Pretoria, on Monday, placing a spotlight on the rights, dignity and inclusion of children with disabilities.

The commemoration forms part of Child Protection Week, observed from 29 May to 5 June under the theme of protecting and promoting children’s wellbeing.

Founded on 2 May 1962, the Dominican School for the Deaf is a public institution located on land owned by the Irish Dominican Sisters.

For more than six decades, it has provided specialised education, care and support to learners with hearing impairments, enabling academic and social development.

The school accommodates about 250 learners and operates as a residential institution, with separate hostel facilities for boys and girls. It is staffed by a principal, two deputy principals, eight heads of department and 41 educators, supported by 89 support staff.

Speaking at the event, principal of the Dominican School for the Deaf, Jones Seema, said the school remained committed to creating opportunities for learners with disabilities to thrive.

He welcomed initiatives promoting the rights, dignity and participation of children with disabilities, saying such engagements strengthened inclusion and raised awareness of learners’ needs and abilities.

The Department of Social Development said it chose the school deliberately to ensure children with disabilities were included in national conversations affecting them.

“We were intentional in our approach to commemorating International Children’s Day this year. Rather than hosting a large event in a central location, we chose to spend the day at Dominican School because we wanted to engage directly with children living with disabilities and ensure that they are seen, heard and included,” said Isabella Sekawana, chief director for children’s services and support.

“For me, this is what makes today special. It is an opportunity to bring the commemoration closer to children whose voices are often overlooked. This year’s focus on dignity reminds us that every child deserves respect, inclusion, equal opportunities and the chance to participate fully in society.”

The event included educational and recreational activities aimed at celebrating learners’ abilities while reinforcing the message of equal access to education, healthcare, protection and opportunity.

This year’s theme highlights the need to eliminate stigma, discrimination and exclusion faced by children with disabilities, and calls for inclusive environments that allow all children to participate fully.

International Children’s Day is observed annually on 1 June in many countries.

It originated as the International Day for Protection of Children, established in 1950 following a resolution by the Women’s International Democratic Federation congress in Moscow in 1949.

As Child Protection Week continues, the department urged communities, families and institutions to work together to ensure every child is protected, valued and given the opportunity to thrive.

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Bantwana edge Tanzania to reach final round of U17 World Cup qualifiers

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Bantwana edge Tanzania to reach final round of U17 World Cup qualifiers

By Lebone Rodah Mosima

Bantwana advanced to the third and final round of the 2026 FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup qualifiers after holding Tanzania to a goalless draw at Lucas Moripe Stadium in Atteridgeville, Tshwane, on Sunday to seal a 2-0 aggregate victory.

The South African U-17 women’s national team went into the second leg with a 2-0 lead after winning the first leg in Zanzibar last month.

The South African Football Association (SAFA) said it had been a challenging afternoon for the hosts, with Tanzania applying pressure throughout the match as they tried to get back into the tie.

“When the defence was bridged, goalkeeper Dakalo Mafumo stood firm, thwarting several attempts made by Tanzania to keep the scoreline intact,” SAFA said.

“The home side had some chances to consolidate their lead but could not find the back of the net. In the end they shared the spoils with Tanzania, enough to see the hosts through to the next round.”

Bantwana head coach Ntombifuthi Khumalo said the match was as tough as expected.

“Credit must go to the defence and the goalkeeper who worked tirelessly amidst relentless attacks from Tanzania,” Khumalo said.

“It was very difficult to penetrate them, but the good thing is we were able to deny them any goals, as that would have probably brought them back into the game.”

South Africa will now face Kenya in the final round of qualifying, with the two-legged tie scheduled for the weekends of July 3-5 and July 10-12.

Kenya eliminated Uganda after a goalless draw in the second leg, progressing on the away-goals rule after the first leg ended 1-1 in Kampala.

Khumalo said reaching the final round was a significant milestone for her team and added that she believed Bantwana had enough quality to compete for a World Cup place.

“We have seen how Kenya plays, and we will go and prepare accordingly for that big match. For now, we will celebrate today’s success and regroup later in June,” she said.

The 2026 FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup will be staged in Morocco from October 17 to November 7.

Africa has five places at the tournament, with hosts Morocco qualifying automatically and four more teams set to qualify through the African qualifiers.

The final-round fixtures are South Africa against Kenya, Zambia against Ethiopia, Senegal against Ghana, and Nigeria against Benin.

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OPINION| Digital protection now central to child protection

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OPINION| Digital protection now central to child protection

By Lebogang Maribe

According to Child Online Safety Index (COSI) data, 67% of South African children aged eight to 18 experienced at least one major cyber risk in 2023.

These harms include cyberbullying (and peer-led harassment), cybersecurity threats (and exploitation), exposure to harmful or inappropriate content and technology overuse or gaming disorders.

The digital world has transformed the way young people learn, communicate and experience wellbeing. For schools, this shift presents both a significant opportunity and responsibility.

Child protection can no longer be limited to physical environments alone, as the emotional and social realities affecting learners now unfold simultaneously online.

Today’s learners move constantly between classrooms, homes, social media, gaming spaces and messaging applications. Conflict that begins during the school day continues online within minutes, while peer exclusion, humiliation, and harmful content spread rapidly through group chats and anonymous accounts. Emotional harm becomes amplified, permanent, and difficult for young people to escape.

Consequently, the relationship between child protection and digital safety is inseparable. Schools are being called to respond to a generation growing up in a permanently connected world.

Across South Africa, concerns around cyberbullying, harassment, sextortion and exposure to harmful content, are on the rise. Many schools report that online interactions contribute directly to emotional distress, academic disengagement, and disciplinary matters. Digital safeguarding is now central to learner wellbeing.

Cyberbullying remains one of the most visible forms of online harm. Unlike traditional bullying, digital harm extends beyond the school gate.

Learners experience intimidation and humiliation long after the school day ends, with intensified impact due to the permanent nature of digital platforms. At the same time, learners are increasingly exposed to online environments that influence self-esteem and relationships. Online comparison culture and constant connectivity can deepen anxiety, particularly within already demanding educational spaces.

Online exploitation also remains an increasing concern. Many young people are engaging in digital spaces without the developmental maturity to fully assess online risk critically.

This creates vulnerability to manipulation and the inappropriate sharing of personal information. These realities reinforce the importance of trusted adult relationships and ongoing learner education.

Importantly, schools are uniquely positioned to lead this conversation. Beyond academic achievement, schools shape citizenship, values and emotional intelligence. This responsibility now extends directly into digital spaces. Building digital resilience requires more than fear-based messaging or isolated campaigns.

Learners need practical skills to think critically, manage conflict responsibly and engage ethically. Equally important is helping young people establish healthy boundaries with technology, particularly regarding sleep disruption, social comparison and the pressure to constantly be available.

Digital citizenship can no longer be a once-off initiative. It must become part of everyday education. Just as institutions intentionally teach academic literacy, they must intentionally develop digital literacy, ethics and wellbeing.

This shift requires schools to move beyond purely punitive responses. While accountability is essential, many digital harms emerge from impulsivity or poor judgment. Effective safeguarding should prioritise education, restoration, and learner support alongside discipline.

Digital safeguarding cannot rest solely on schools.

Children move seamlessly between home, school and online platforms, making collaboration essential. Parents, educators and technology providers all have a critical role to play in creating safer digital environments.

Parents must model healthy digital habits, while schools support prevention and early identification, with educators receiving ongoing professional development to remain responsive to emerging risks. The role of technology companies and policymakers is to strengthen child-centred digital policies and age-appropriate safeguards.

Sustainable impact will emerge through shared responsibility. Schools have an opportunity to position themselves as leading spaces of digital resilience and ethical leadership.

The goal is not to remove technology, but to ensure that young people are equipped to engage with digital spaces safely and confidently. The conversation is no longer about managing risk. It is about preparing young people for healthy participation in modern society.

Lebogang Maribe is Head Social Worker at the Oprah Winfrey Leadership Academy for Girls.

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New North West learner council president puts special schools, infrastructure at top of agenda

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New North West learner council president puts special schools, infrastructure at top of agenda

Staff Reporter

The newly elected president of the North West Representative Council of Learners says special schools and school infrastructure will be among the top priorities for the province’s 2026 learner leadership structure.

Angelina Mokoena, from Ikatisong Secondary School in Letlhabile in the Bojanala District, was elected president of the Provincial RCL Executive during the North West Department of Education’s Provincial Launch of the Representative Council of Learners, held from May 29 to 31 at Woodlands Country Lodge in Parys.

A total of 108 RCL representatives from 18 Local Education Offices attended the launch, alongside departmental officials.

“My plan for this term is to focus on special schools. I will ensure that learners with special needs receive all the resources and support they require. The committee will also prioritise improving school infrastructure, but our immediate priority is to secure a meeting with the MEC to map out a way forward,” Mokoena said.

The discussions at the launch focused on the functionality of RCLs in schools, strategies for safer schools, challenges faced by RCLs, discipline in schools, and the role of RCLs in promoting school culture and vision.

North West Education MEC Viola Motsumi congratulated the new committee and said the department would support the learner leadership structure.

“I would like to take this opportunity to congratulate all the learners who have been elected to the leadership of the Provincial RCL. I also want to encourage those who were not elected not to lose hope. Your opportunity will come. Some of you will be pursuing your studies at tertiary institutions next year, where you will have further opportunities to take on leadership roles and be elected to student structures. This is not the end of your journey; rather, it is the beginning of many new opportunities ahead.

“On behalf of the Department, I would like to confirm that this committee will receive our full support at all levels of management. I also want to urge school principals to work closely with the RCLs in their respective schools. The future of this country rests in the hands of these young people; therefore, we must mentor and guide them effectively so that they can succeed in their responsibilities and leadership roles,” Motsumi said.

The elected 2026 Provincial RCL Executive is made up of Mokoena as president; Kago Sebetwane from Ramotshere Secondary School in Dinokana Village, Ngaka Modiri Molema District, as deputy president; Rendani Msimang from Hoërskool Haartebees in Haartebees, Bojanala District, as secretary; and Classeng Enrique from Promosa Secondary School in Potchefstroom, Dr Kenneth Kaunda District, as deputy secretary.

Athulile Mhlongo from Hoërskool Orkney in the Dr Kenneth Kaunda District was elected treasurer, while Khaya Matuane from Seabo Secondary School in Kokomeng Village, Dr Ruth Segomotsi Mompati District, was elected public relations officer. Hlomamo Loabile from Kismet Secondary School in Vryburg, Dr Ruth Segomotsi Mompati District, was elected as an additional member.

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