Staff Reporter

School sports competition in South Africa must be integrated with equal opportunities for all, says Minister of Sport, Arta and Culture Zizi Kodwa.

According to the EPG 2018 report, the School Sports competition system currently indicates three streams from which talent is identified and competition is staged. He said this system now needs to be integrated and has some challenges.

Speaking at a function to announce the launch of a professional domestic women’s cricket league, Kodwa said the system shows that there is a government-run school sports system.

There is one model where former Model C schools and private schools compete, where most athletes are identified, and then there is a system that the Federations use to stage the tournaments and select national athletes.

The athletes competing in the Government-run school sports system come from more than 23,000 public schools, most of which are previously disadvantaged with poor or no sports facilities.

These athletes’ competition system needs better organised and proper coaching support.

The second group are athletes from the former Model-C schools, including private schools that are properly resourced, with world-class sports facilities and proper coaching support.

The last group are athletes competing in Federations-staged tournaments, most of whom must have means to attend these events, the majority being from the former Model C schools.

Upon successful competition, these athletes are awarded the National colours and may be eligible for selection into academies and underage national teams.

However, Kodwa said the 2019/20 EPG report reaffirms the 2018 report, citing the following amongst factors affecting the rate and extent of transformation in sport:
• Ineffective community and school-based sport facility and sport provision programmes.
• Sports Federation primarily focuses on only about 1,500 previous model C schools to the exclusion of 25,000 under-resourced public schools.
• Ongoing gender inequality in all areas and all levels in sport.

“The subsequent stakeholder engagement sessions and public hearings that took place between 2020 and 2022 on the draft “Women in Sport Policy” confirmed the above, and to further complicate an already difficult situation, participants added that some of our older stadiums do not have female-friendly change rooms as these were designed with men in mind.”

In September, the Department will be hosting a School Sports Indaba in partnership with the Department of Basic Education.

“I am convinced that thriving school sports is the only way to transform sport in our country. I therefore extend an invitation to all like-minded patriots, sports activists, and stakeholders to participate in this Indaba to develop lasting solutions. It is doable when we, as stakeholders, face the same direction,” he said.

Kodwa added that such initiatives can empower local communities, making cricket a source of pride and aspiration for all.

Let us not only focus on talent development but also on talent retention. Our vision must include CSA establishing a Schools Focused Girls’ Cricket Programs. By nurturing young talent at the primary school level, building from the KFC Mini cricket, we create a pipeline of players who are skilled and passionate about the game,” he added.

He said this program’s integration of rural, township, and former Model C schools will exemplify how cricket can bridge gaps and build bridges, fostering unity and friendships across divides.

INSIDE EDUCATION

Staff Reporter

Academic Freedom and Institutional Autonomy: A View from the Tyhume Valley was the title of a no-holds-barred address by University of Fort Hare Vice-Chancellor Sakhela Buhlungu in Cape Town last week.

He said the autonomy of universities had been eroded, and tertiary institutions were struggling with heavy bureaucratic demands placed on them – ironically, by a democratic government.

Buhlungu was delivering the 57th TB Davie Memorial Lecture at the University of Cape Town (UCT) last Wednesday. Davie, who led the university from 1948 until he died in 1955, is remembered as a fearless defender of the principles of academic freedom, and this legacy continues in the memorial lecture series.

After joining the University of Fort Hare from UCT on 1 February 2017, the Prof said wonders whether accepted a poisoned chalice at UFH?

“However, the six and a half years that I have spent at the helm of the University of Fort Hare have provided me with invaluable insights on issues of academic freedom and its handmaiden, institutional autonomy,” he said.

When he joined in 2017, Fort Hare was an unstable and fragile with power structures that generally did not put a premium on matters of academic freedom and autonomy.

Some of the manifestations of the fragility, he noted, were frequent and often violent student and staff strikes, a weak resource base, a skyrocketing student debt, deeply ingrained cultures of ungovernability and advanced levels of breakdown of governance.

“The magnitude of the task I faced was summed up to me by an alumnus who observed, “I think you have a good vision for Fort Hare. Unfortunately, you do not have an executive team”. Deep down, I knew he was right. But I also knew that taking short cuts was not an option.”

In the second week after his arrival, Buhlungu said a strike erupted in one of the campuses and crippled teaching, learning, administration and other operations for seven weeks.

“In that context, debates about academic freedom seemed to be the least of concerns to most. For some the main concern was to extract more concessions from the institutions, all of which had no bearing on academic freedom, while for me and others the task was to negotiate a truce that would ensure that at least teaching, learning and other operations were restored and the institution stabilized,” he said.

In the years that followed the cycles of instability – almost always violent – and negotiation to restore order repeated themselves over and over. “Running Fort Hare seemed like mission impossible!”

Buhlungu said the university he inherited suffered severe resource constraints, but it was not the poorest in the country.

Lack of resources and untenable conditions for staff and students rank among universities being the most common triggers of unrest and instability. “I did not have much insight into the web of vested interests lurking in the shadows every time there is unrest and protest action. Many participants are known to the university authorities, the media and the public.”

However, he said that many others operate behind the scenes using money and promises of positions of power and positions to ensure that the institution is in perpetual crisis.

“In other words, it is common for legitimate grievances to be turned into weapons against the university and its administrators, regardless of the reputational harm that such chaos causes.”

One of the paradoxes of the democratic dispensation for higher education, according to Buhlungu was the growing bureaucratic burden on universities. “Although there are very good reasons for keeping universities accountable, the amount of reporting has two main implications. The one is that the report imposes a huge administrative burden on institutions to produce reports, many of which still need to be read or processed after submission.”

Buhlungu added that It is not uncommon to receive requests for information previously provided in the form of statutory submissions, such as the Annual Report submitted in June each year.

Add to these requests for submissions to other bodies such as the Portfolio Committee, the Public Protector, the Commission for Gender Equality, the Human Rights Commission, etc. It is worth noting that virtually none of these requests have been about academic freedom or autonomy of the university.

The second implication he added was that increased demands for reports is that it can be a Trojan Horse for micromanagement and, therefore, incursions into institutional autonomy. “It has happened that a group of students who are not happy with their course marks will write to the national department, and the following week, a request for a report will land on my desk. There are numerous more serious cases one can cite.”

He said that the increased reporting and accountability mechanisms, necessary as some of these are, have yet to help the cause of academic freedom and university autonomy.

INSIDE EDUCATION

Staff Reporter

Higher Education Resource Service – South Africa (HERS-SA) is pleased to announce the finalists for the 2023 inaugural Higher Education Women Leaders Awards (HEWLA) to be held at the DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel, Woodstock, Cape Town, on the 7th of September 2023.

The awards recognise the achievements of South African women in Higher Education who lead, inspire, and motivate those in and outside their institutions to be more and do more. It is aimed to inspire and attract new leadership talent to the sector, thus creating role models, advancing gender transformation and creating visibility for higher education women leaders in South Africa.

According to HERS-SA Director, Brightness Mangolothi, this year marks HERS-SA’s 20th anniversary.
“We believe that this is the best way to celebrate what has been achieved to steer gender transformation in higher education. We received 218 nominations, which is a huge number for an inaugural award. The calibre of women nominated is a testament to the fact that we have women who can hold the reins of power,” she said.

HERS-SA is a self-sustaining non-profit organisation (NPO), which was founded in September 2003. The not-for-profit is dedicated to women’s advancement and leadership development in the Higher Education sector.

Master of Ceremony for the awards is Olwethu Nodada, a Speaker, Radio host and Entrepreneur. The keynote speaker is Prof. Refilwe Nancy Phaswana-Mafuya, a world-respected scholar.

The finalists of the seven 2023 HEWLA categories are:
WOMEN IN HUMANITIES AND SOCIAL SCIENCES
Prof Catherine Botha (University of Johannesburg)
Prof Satsope Maoto (University of Limpopo)
Prof Ylva Rodny-Gumede (University of Johannesburg)
Prof Nicolette Roman (University of the Western Cape)
Prof Brenda Schmahmann (University of Johannesburg)

WOMEN IN STEM
Prof Nosisi Feza (University of Venda)
Prof Kulsum Kondiah (University of Johannesburg)
Prof Salome Maswime (University of Cape Town)
Prof Philiswa Nosizo Nomngongo (University of Johannesburg)
Prof Nonhlangabezo Mabuba (University of Johannesburg)

EMERGING YOUNG WOMEN LEADERS
Dr Sisanda Nkoala (Cape Peninsula University of Technology)
Dr Nombulelo Sepeng (University of Pretoria)
Prof Mahloro Hope Serepa-Dlamini (University of Johannesburg)
Prof. Fortunate Tintswalo Silinda (University of South Africa)
Prof Mari van de Vyver (Stellenbosch University)

LIFETIME ACHIEVER
Prof Heidi Abrahamse (University of Johannesburg)
Prof Kim Berman (University of Johannesburg)
Prof Nosisi Feza (University of Venda)
Prof Michele Miller (Stellenbosch University)
Prof Shireen Motala (University of Johannesburg)

HUMANITARIAN
Prof Kulsum Kondiah (University of Johannesburg)
Mrs Melany Lotter (University of Johannesburg)
Dr Ndivhuwo Luruli (University of Johannesburg)
Prof Tembisa Ngqondi (Cape Peninsula University of Technology)
Prof Boitumelo Diale (University of Johannesburg)

TRAILBLAZER
Prof Nosisi Feza (University of Venda)
Prof Maria Frahm-Arp (University of Johannesburg)
Prof Beatrice Opeolu (Cape Peninsula University of Technology)
Prof Vivienne Lawack (University of the Western Cape)
Prof Rachael Jesika Singh (University of Limpopo)

WOMEN IN ACADEMIC ADMINISTRATION
Dr Rakeshnie Ramoutar-Prieschl (University of Pretoria)
Dr Dianna Moodley (Durban University of Technology)
Prof Jose Frantz (University of the Western Cape)
Dr Maria Madiope (Walter Sisulu University)
Mrs Kediemetse Lucia Mokotsi (Vaal University of Technology)
HERS-SA would like to congratulate the finalists.

Tickets can still be bought at Quicket

INSIDE EDUCATION

Johnathan Paoli

IN addition to the growing voices against the Basic Education Laws Amendment Bill (Bela Bill), the ACDP on Thursday opposed a motion of desirability in its final day of deliberations before the Portfolio Committee on Basic Education, concerning the introduction of the contentious bill.

Three main clauses were of particular significance to resistance against the bill, namely clause 27 which deals with the merger and closure of small schools; clause 37 which deals with homeschooling; and clause 41 which grants the Minister more authority over the policy regarding learner pregnancy.

In terms of clause 37, due to the apparent lack of knowledge concerning homeschoolers, calls were made to the Department of Basic Education (DBE) for a comprehensive Social Environmental Impact Assessment to be undertaken, that is specifically focused on homeschooling.

“What is however clear is that the number of consultations cited did little to improve the Department’s own understanding of homeschoolers – if consultations were effective, a proposal that would satisfy both stakeholders could have been developed and included in this Bill,” African Christian Democratic Party  MP Marie Suker said.

In addition, Suker said that the explicit mention of countries in which homeschooling has been outlawed by the Parliamentary Legal Services, during deliberations had the effect of shaming the alternative form of education and instilled fears that the state is clearly attempting to curb the amount of homeschoolers through stricter controls and making it financially unsustainable.

In terms of clause 27, the ACDP held that in order to effectively combat the poverty and inequality of South Africa, the government should be strengthening the funding of rural education programmes in order to keep small schools open.

The granting of Ministerial authority to intervene in terms of learner pregnancy (clause 41) clearly goes against the ACDP grain in light of their ardent support of the right of parents as well as school governing bodies (SGBs) to determine how their children should be educated, in other words, keeping the door open for a conservative control over pubescent bodily autonomy and reproductive health.

“The implementation of clause 27 would escalate the closure of hundreds of schools in rural communities across the country leading to emotional alienation, and anxiety in children who, at a very young age, must go to hostels far from their communities,” Suker said.

In conclusion, the ACDP said that the bill would overload the state with even more financial and bureaucratic responsibilities, effectively creating a bloated system and called for the introduction of stipends to SGBs in order to more adequately support and maintain what is trying to be achieved at a grassroots level.

INSIDE EDUCATION

Phuti Mosomane

IN the past few weeks, several allegations were levelled against Andile Nongogo, the Chief Executive Officer of the National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS), while he was the head of the Services Sector Education and Training Authority.

Nongogo has been placed on special leaving pending an investigation by NSFAS. He will be replaced by Masile Ramorwesi, who will act as Chief Executive Officer.

But damning new claims over Nongogo’s stewardship, including interference in awarding of tenders, have emerged at the weekend have emerged following a probe launched in 2022 by the civil society movement, Organisation Undoing Tax Abuse (OUTA). OUTA had investigated and found Nongogo had presided over shenanigans while he headed the Services Seta and this practices may have followed him in his role at NSFAS.

His conduct was said to be “unacceptable in awarding bids at NSFAS”.

In a statement, NSFAS said that while the Board recognises that, in the main, the allegations stem from activities in another organisation, it views them in a very serious light.

The statement added that NSFAS runs close to a R50-billion budget, which services young people from poor and working-class backgrounds. This is no small task, as it impacts skill development and, consequently, the economic development of our nation. The Board believes that public trust is paramount in executing this responsibility.

“In the interest of the image of NSFAS, the Board has resolved to investigate the allegations with a particular focus on the Direct Payment project. During the course of the investigation, the Chief Executive Officer will be on leave of absence. The Chief Financial Officer, Mr Masile Ramorwesi, will act as Chief Executive Officer until further notice.”

The Board wishes to reiterate that this investigation in no pronouncement of guilt against the CEO, but an objective effort to determine the veracity of the allegations.

Ernest Khosa, Board Chair said: “The Board commits itself to transformation and clean governance at NSFAS and will ensure that any activities that defeat the purpose of serving students from poor and working-class backgrounds are addressed decisively”.

It all began to unravel in February 2023, when OUTA reported on the findings of its investigation into NSFAS: claiming that NSFAS hired service providers without them having the required banking licences to pay out student allowances at excessive rates relative to the market.

NSFAS also hired a business which provided cloth masks to National Treasury in 2020 to work on an ICT contract and has rented an expensive head office space while slashing the subsidies for student accommodation.

In June 2023, OUTA laid a criminal complaint of corruption against Nongogo, one of his former colleagues at the Services SETA and two Services SETA service providers.
The criminal complaints relate to the over-inflation of a specific tender awarded to Five Star on 22 August 2016. It is alleged that Five Star over-inflated their bid for the branding of a tender box by a whopping 8 000%, or at least R292 000.

On 4 August 2023, OUTA reported that Nongogo had signed off on an overpriced branding campaign that cost taxpayers R37 million while he was Services SETA CEO. This included a branded T-shirt at R4 600, R44 000 for a branded umbrella, R980 for a coaster, and R668 200 to print 100 copies of the SSETA Annual Performance Plan.

On 8 August 2023, OUTA published an updated report on its NSFAS investigation. Despite NSFAS’s refusal to provide OUTA with tender information requested through PAIA during 2022, this information was gathered.

This report details the differences between the current tender that was awarded to Coinvest Africa, Tenet Technology, Ezaga Holdings and Norraco Corporation and the two tenders for a similar service (direct payment of student allowances) which was cancelled.

One of OUTAs findings is that the cancelled tenders had 20 mandatory requirements that had to be met by service providers, while the current tender has only five mandatory requirements. The requirement for a banking licence was changed to having a banking licence OR a sponsor bank OR an affiliation with a bank, opening the backdoor for bidders not registered as financial service providers (FSPs) to submit bids. As such, the appointed service providers were awarded a tender without being FSPs.

INSIDE EDUCATION

Staff Reporter

In continuing to remember Uyinene Mrwetyana and many others who lost their lives due to sexual and gender-based violence (SGBV), the University of Cape Town (UCT) will gather in support of a unity walk organised by the Uyinene Mrwetyana Foundation on Saturday, 26 August 2023.

One of UCT’s bleakest moments was when first-year student Uyinene Mrwetyana went to the post office in Claremont to pick up a parcel and was brutally raped and murdered by a male post office worker on 24 August 2019.

UCT will join the unity walk to commemorate and celebrate the life of Uyinene, a beacon of hope and inspiration whose tragic passing shook campus and forever changed lives of family and friends.

Deputy Vice-Chancellor: Transformation, Student Affairs and Social Responsiveness, Professor Elelwani Ramugondo, said: “The month of August is not only for the country to celebrate women. During this month, we are also reminded of – and we intensify our efforts in – confronting sexual and gender-based violence.

“As a university, we put every effort toward creating an environment on and around campus where students and colleagues can feel safe, against the background of SGBV as a broader societal scourge.”

The walk theme is “United Against GBVF (gender-based violence and femicide)”.

Ramugondo added: “Beyond commemorating Uyinene’s life, the walk will show support for everyone affected by SGBV as we stand as a unified community with students and staff from the Western Cape in the commitment to eradicate SGBV.”

The walk will start at Roscommon Residence at 09:00 and proceed to Clareinch Post Office.

Ramugondo remembered Uyinene as a young student whose life was characterised by determination, intelligence and a passion for positive change.

“As a student at UCT, she demonstrated exceptional academic prowess, an unwavering commitment to her studies, and an infectious enthusiasm for life. Her vibrant spirit, warm heart and compassionate nature made her a beloved member of our campus family. To honour her legacy, UCT created the Uyinene Mrwetyana Scholarship in the Faculty of Humanities.

“Let us remember Uyinene as not just a victim of violence but as a champion for humanity, equality and justice. Let her life inspire us to strive for a society where everyone feels safe, valued and heard,” said Ramugondo.

INSIDE EDUCATION

Staff Reporter

THE Basic Education Laws Amendment (BELA) Bill wants to amend the South African Schools Act (SASA), 84 of 1996 and the Educators Employment Act (EEA), 76 of 1998 to address sexual misconduct by educators.

It was recommended that section 17(1)(c) be amended to read that an educator must be dismissed if he or she is found guilty of sexual harassment, sexual assault, rape or statutory rape of a learner.

Such an explicit identification of the different forms of serious misconduct will provide clarity and provide necessary guidance in these cases.

It was also necessary to clarify the definitions of misconduct and serious misconduct in a manner that aligns with the Constitution, the Children’s Act, and existing sexual offences laws.

Recommends were that the law should be amended not to allow teachers who are appealing a decision of educator sexual misconduct against them to continue teaching.

Instead, educators whose matters are on appeal must be placed on paid suspension and only be allowed to work with children once the appeal is finalised.

Where an educator resigns whilst under investigation for sexual misconduct or while suspended and before the disciplinary process is completed, they must be deemed dismissed. The legislative framework should be amended to provide that, where an educator who is under investigation for educator sexual misconduct seeks employment at a different school, information on the allegations should be provided to the school.

Schools must share the outcome of disciplinary proceedings with the Provincial Education Departments (PEDs) and the South African Council for Educators (SACE), regardless of the perceived seriousness of the allegation of educator sexual misconduct.

INSIDE EDUCATION

Lerato Mbhiza

THE Limpopo Education MEC Mavhungu Lerule-Ramakhanya has dispatched social workers to the Mpirwabirwa Secondary School in Mokopane following the death of a Grade 12 learner.

Spokesperson Mike Maringa said the team will offer psycho-social support to the pupils and staff at the school after a fight during a school camp resulted in the death of Willem Ngoepe.

Lerule-Ramakhanya has since sent a message of condolences to the Ngoepe family following the sudden death of their son.

Maringa said Ngoepe died on Friday after he was allegedly hit on the head with an object by another learner at the matric school camp in the school premises.

“The incident happened at Mpirwabirwa Secondary School on Thursday evening and the learner succumbed to injuries the following day,” he said.

The matter has been reported to police.

INSIDE EDUCATION