Six teenagers go on trial Monday in Paris for their alleged roles in the beheading of a teacher who showed caricatures of the prophet of Islam to his class, a killing that led authorities to reaffirm France’s cherished rights of expression and secularism.

Samuel Paty, a history and geography teacher, was killed on Oct. 16, 2020, near his school in a northwest Paris suburb by an 18-year-old of Chechen origin who had become radicalized. The attacker was in turn shot dead by police.

Paty’s name was disclosed on social media after a class debate on free expression during which he showed caricatures published by the satirical newspaper Charlie Hebdo, which triggered a newsroom massacre by extremists in January 2015.

The defendants arrived Monday morning at the Paris court, their faces hidden behind masks and hoods, accompanied by their families. The media are not allowed to disclose their identity.

Among those going on trial, a teenage girl, who was 13 at the time, is accused of making false allegations for wrongly saying that Paty had asked Muslim students to raise their hands and leave the classroom before he showed the cartoons. She later told investigators she had lied. She was not in the classroom that day and Paty did not make such a request, the investigation has shown.

Five other students of Paty’s school, then 14 and 15, are facing charges of criminal conspiracy with the aim of preparing aggravated violence to be committed.

They are accused of having waited for Paty for several hours until he left the school and of having identified him to the killer in exchange for promises of payments of 300-350 euros ($348-$406).

The investigation established that the attacker knew the name of the teacher and the address of his school, but he did not have the means to identify him.

The lawyer for one of the defendants, Antoine Ory, said his client is “tormented by remorse and very much afraid of the confrontation with Mr. Paty’s family.” He said the teenager ”obviously didn’t know about the criminal plan” of the killer, Abdoullakh Anzorov, a Moscow-born Chechen refugee.

Ory said his client since then had “difficult” times, changed school and friends and now sees the trial as an opportunity to turn the page.

All six teenagers are facing 2 1/2-year in prison. The trial is scheduled to end on Dec. 8.

Louis Cailliez, the lawyer for Paty’s sister, Mickaëlle, said she wants “to understand the real causes” that led the students to commit something irreparable. He pointed to the “fatal combination of little acts of cowardice, big lies, calumnies, arrangements, complicity and help without which Samuel Paty would still be alive.”

“Without the denunciation, there would be no visibility (on the social media), without visibility, there would be no crime,” he said.

Eight other adults are to be sent to trial later. They include the father of the teenage girl charged with false allegations. At the time, he had posted videos on social media that called for mobilization against the teacher.

A radical Islamic activist who helped him disseminate the virulent messages naming Paty has also been charged.

The trial comes six weeks after a teacher was fatally stabbed and three other people injured in a school attack by a former student suspected of Islamic radicalization. The killing in a context of global tensions over the Israel-Hamas war led French authorities to deploy 7,000 additional soldiers across the country to bolster security and vigilance.

AP

Inside Education Reporter

South Africans are struggling to afford a healthy diet – loadshedding has pushed up living costs, particularly in the food production value chain, and this is putting tremendous daily pressure on the citizens. 

According to the due of Dr Christine Taljaard-Krugell from the North-West University’s (NWU) Centre of Excellence for Nutrition and Prof Waldo Krugell from the NWU’s Faculty of Economic and Management Sciences, who combined the fields of dietetics and economics for their analysis, food price inflation has skyrocketed in South Africa and around the world. 

“The facts are well documented. Russia’s invasion of Ukraine caused the initial spike in the price of food commodities such as wheat and sunflower oil. Adverse weather conditions in the Americas kept the price of maize high. 

“In South Africa, the mitigation of load shedding increased costs and pushed up prices throughout the food production value chain. At the same time, economic growth stagnated and employment opportunities and incomes failed to keep pace with inflation. 

“The proportion of the population unable to afford a healthy diet, fell across all income groups. Finding solutions to these challenges requires a multidisciplinary approach.”

Dr Taljaard-Krugell also notes that South Africa is in the midst of a nutrition transition as people migrate from rural to urban areas: “These people are less active and consume more processed foods. At the same time, big grocers and fast-food retail chains are expanding into rural and township malls. 

“The result is the double burden of malnutrition, where undernutrition and overnutrition coexist in the same community, household and even person. Yet, a healthy diet is the key to reducing the incidence of noncommunicable diseases.”

She also says it is imperative that nutrition experts play an educational role in communities as to best equip them with the knowledge to navigate nutritional needs and financial constraints: “Expert advice plays an important role in educating the public about healthy and thrifty meal plans using the South African Food Based Dietary Guidelines (SA-FBDGs). At the NWU, dietetics students are trained with this focus on prevention in mind. 

“In their fourth year of study, their internship includes service at community clinics. Community education is about behaviour change through healthy conversations about food and diet.”

According to Prof Krugell, economists and agricultural economics specialists at the NWU are trying to address the issues at a sectoral and macro level. He states: “Food prices are not only determined by supply and demand, but also by policies and politics. 

“South African research shows that grants have made a clear contribution to reducing hunger. In fact, one study shows that the old-age grant improves food security and dietary diversity of rural households. 

“Some individuals use the money for small-scale production and benefit from having more food. Others use the money to buy a greater diversity of food, improving the quality of their diet.” 

INSIDE EDUCATION

Staff Reporter

SAP reaffirmed its commitment to youth skills in South Africa by profiling its SAP Educate to Employ initiative, and public-private partnership with UNICEF and government at an event in Johannesburg recently.

The event showcased the SAP Educate to Employ initiative which aims to educate youth aged 16–24 years on soft skills, foundational knowledge and SAP skills using the student zone on the SAP Learning site, where students can learn about the latest SAP solutions for free to kickstart their career. 

The initiative forms part of SAP’s global commitment to supporting UNICEF’s Generation Unlimited (GenU), a public-private-youth-partnership that aims to deliver innovative solutions to challenges youth face around the world. 

In the region, the partnership is aimed at helping young people in Nigeria, Kenya and South Africa gain skills for employment, with 100 youth forming part of the initial intake in South Africa.

“Skilling our youth to meaningfully participate in the digital economy is essential to an equality-centric and prosperous nation. We welcome SAP’s continued investment into skills development for the youth and extend our congratulations to UNICEF and SAP on their partnership. 

“The South African government is encouraged by the initiative, and we look forward to supporting efforts to scale the SAP Educate to Employ initiative,” said Pinky Kekana, Deputy Minister in The Presidency for Planning, Monitoring and Evaluation

The admission of the first 100 participants was announced at the event, a competitive set of students selected from a pool of 18,000 applicants across the continent who will receive fully remote learning over a six- to twelve-month period, with the aim of joining the SAP ecosystem as a young professional upon completion of the course. 

Anele Chulayo, an SAP Educate to Employ candidate, commented: “I have been passionate about coding since high school and the possibility of creating apps and technology that can make a difference to young people from all walks of life. 

“I applied for SAP Educate to Employ in August this year and am delighted to have been selected as part of their programme.  The programme is already underway and I’m excited to be learning new things every day including programming language and web development.  

“I believe in the power of technology to do good and make a positive impact and difference in people’s lives, regardless of background.”

Kholiwe Makhohliso, Managing Director at SAP Southern Africa, said: “Upskilling and mobilising Africa’s youth population is one of the defining challenges of our time. To build a prosperous future for all, we must urgently address one of South Africa and the continent’s greatest challenges – youth unemployment – which affects a disproportionate number of African youths. 

“We are proud to introduce a new Corporate Social Responsibility initiative – SAP Educate to Employ in South Africa as a demand-driven job creation initiative that empowers youth with vital skills, knowledge, attitudes and values to build their competencies for the 21st century digital economy.”

The initiative builds on SAP’s other extensive youth skills development initiatives throughout Africa, including Africa Code Week, which has trained nearly 14 million African youth in basic coding skills, and SAP Young Professional Program, which has equipped nearly 2000 youth in Africa with work-ready SAP skills and certification as well as direct job placements.

SAP and UNICEF first joined forces in support of GenU in 2019 launching in India, Turkey and Vietnam. The partnership was further extended in 2022 with a $4.55 million over three years investment focused on impacting youth in Kenya, Nigeria, the Philippines and South Africa and has since generated opportunities for over 7.6 million adolescents through inclusive and innovative skills development programs. 

The initiative launched in South Africa at a time when youth unemployment is at a peak. More than half of South Africa’s youth are currently unemployed. Without concerted effort by public- and private-sector role-players, South Africa will not reap the benefits of its substantial youth skills pool.

Christine Muhigana, UNICEF Representative in South Africa, says: “To remain competitive in a dynamic and changing job market, youth need access to work-relevant skills and training opportunities. 

“Through our partnership with SAP and working closely with key public sector role-players, we believe that this initiative can potentially make a lasting positive impact on youth job prospects in South Africa and beyond.”

INSIDE EDUCATION

Inside Education Reporter

South Africa is facing three key challenges: energy shortages, water scarcity, and the lack of skills in digitalisation. 

To address this triple challenge, the African Rainbow Minerals (ARM), has sponsored a Postdoctoral Fellowship Programme to support research into water, energy and digitalisation in the Faculty of Engineering and the Built Environment at the University of the Witwatersrand (Wits).

The collaboration between African Rainbow Minerals (“ARM”) and the Faculty of Engineering and the Built Environment at Wits University aims to develop the high-level skills required to address these issues. Energy

Dr Patrice Motsepe, Founder and Executive Chairman of African Rainbow Minerals (ARM), a Wits University alumnus and recipient of an honorary doctorate degree, said: “ARM is proud to partner with Wits University which is a globally respected academic institution. 

“Partnering with South African institutions of higher learning is paramount in our pursuit of knowledge, innovation, skills, and sustainable development. Public-private partnerships are crucial in addressing the socio-economic and environmental challenges confronting our communities and country. 

“ARM works with several top universities across South Africa, supporting young people from undergraduate to postgraduate studies, helping them to realise their dreams. Some of these students come from communities neighbouring our mining operations. 

“We also contribute to the development and upliftment of poor rural and urban communities in South Africa by educating students from these communities.”

The ARM Postgraduate Fellowship Programme at Wits University aims to develop and sharpen a critical mass of skills in South Africa through supporting a new cohort of postdoctoral fellows who will specialise in Water Resource Management, Digitalisation, and work towards a Just Energy Transition. ARM will sponsor a R20 million endowment, which will be invested in perpetuity. 

“We recognise the importance of digital transformation in the mining industry, and the necessity to develop the critical skills needed to advance our economy,” says Prof. Zeblon Vilakazi (FRS), Vice-Chancellor and Principal of Wits University. 

“This investment is firmly located in the Wits University Mining Precinct and dovetails with our broader initiatives in quantum computing, fintech and innovation. We are confident that through more private sector partnerships like the ARM Postgraduate Fellowship Programme, Wits University can help make a real difference in developing the critical skills and research needed to secure the long-term sustainability of the mining industry.”

Prof. Thokozani Majozi, the Dean of the Faculty of Engineering and the Built Environment adds: “The Faculty recognises the urgency of transitioning to a more sustainable and just energy system. Research and promotion of accessible, affordable, and socio-economically just renewable energy solutions are our top priorities. 

“Water is a critical resource, and we aim to contribute to the sustainable management of water resources through research, education, increased awareness and community engagement. This includes addressing challenges related to water scarcity, pollution, and climate change.”

Phillip Tobias, Chief Executive Officer of ARM said: “The ARM Postdoctoral Fellowship Programme is a testament to our commitment to addressing critical challenges in water, energy, and digitalisation facing our business and the country as a whole. 

“This initiative is about creating a pipeline of future critical skills that will cater for future business needs. We believe that through this collaboration, we can make a significant impact and leave a lasting legacy that will provide innovative and sustainable solutions that will benefit not only the mining industry but broader South African society as well.” 

INSIDE EDUCATION

Inside Education Reporter

Basic Education Minister Angie Motshekga, formed part of the delegation of the President of South Africa, Mr Cyril Ramaphosa’s State Visit to Doha in Qatar, that took place on 15 November 2023. 

Minister Motshekga was supported by the Director-General of Basic Education, Mr Mathanzima Mweli.

The State Visit to Qatar was aimed at reaffirming the close and historic political ties between the two countries, underpinned by solidarity, mutually beneficial partnership and people to people cooperation. 

The State Visit also served to strengthen bilateral relations between the two countries in various areas of priority.

In this regard, Minister Motshekga and the Minister of Education and Higher Education of the State of Qatar, Her Excellency Ms Buthaina bint Ali Al-Nuaimi, signed a bilateral agreement in the field of basic education. 

The bilateral agreement will serve to strengthen cooperation in various areas of basic education, including teacher development; curriculum development; assessment; school management; and mutually beneficial exchanges among experts, student delegations and school sports teams.

Minister Motshekga and Minister Buthaina bint Ali Al-Nuaimi committed to conduct further bilateral exchanges between the two Ministries, to ensure active implementation of the newly signed bilateral agreement. In this regard, DG Mr Mathanzima Mweli will engage his counterpart in the Qatari Ministry of Education and Higher Education to commence discussions and conclude a time-based plan that will guide the implementation of the bilateral agreement.

INSIDE EDUCATION

Sports Reporter

A blustery wind greeted the more than 100 golf players who gathered for a day of sport and charity at the University of the Western Cape’s (UWC) Cape Town Golf Day recently.

The event, hosted by the University’s Department for Institutional Advancement at the King David Golf Club in Mowbray, brought together avid golfers, local business people and philanthropists – all aiming to raise funds for the #AccesstoSuccess campaign.

The campaign focuses on providing much-needed funding to students performing well academically but with historic debt that makes it impossible for them to graduate and join the world of work..

In its 47th year, the support every year at both the Johannesburg and Cape Town Golf Days is overwhelming, says Vera Adams, Manager of Donor Relations and Fundraising.

She said this year’s event was especially poignant as it honoured Melissa Maans, long-term coordinator of the UWC golf days who passed away unexpectedly on 13 October 2023.

Beyond the competitive swings, the main objective of the day was fundraising. Through entry fees, donations and sponsorships, the event successfully raised R242 000, surpassing the previous year’s records.
 
The business sector continues to play an important role, with Pro Events as the Platinum sponsor for the Golf Day. Edward Beeka, Head of Operations at Pro Events, said: “We are proud of our distinct culture and strongly embedded ethical values with an uncompromising commitment to transforming society. We have embarked on collaborative initiatives with UWC to promote equality and opportunities for greater inclusivity.”
 
The Primary Sponsors were Securitas. 

Vera also thanked the various sponsors for the waterholes and the numerous prizes that were donated. As the sun set on a day filled with good sportsmanship, laughter and generosity, UWC Rector and Vice-Chancellor, Professor Tyrone Pretorius, expressed his extreme gratitude to all participants and sponsors. 

An exciting prize giving culminated in an impromptu auction with some vigorous bidding. Louis Mkhethoni, CEO of Securitas, issued a call to establish “The Melissa Maans Memorial Fund” and for all proceeds of the auction to go to the fund, which will support students. 

He also committed R3000 towards the fund. A special thank you goes to Imas Finance, who sponsored the Golf Day commemorative T-shirt.

This year’s champions were Jaftha Benjamin and Baldwin Kock from SA Quantum.

INSIDE EDUCATION

Inside Education Correspondent

THE Plastic Changemakers programme, which aims to teach primary-school children on the environmental impacts of plastic pollution, was recently launched in Cape Town by the Breteau Foundation. 

The Breteau Foundation aims to inspire and empower over 1 million primary school children around the world to act against plastic pollution in their homes and communities. 

Mona Ewees Mkumatela, regional development manager for the Breteau Foundation in South Africa, says the programme has already seen significant take-up from education practitioners, community organisations and NPOs. 

“Since we launched the programme in October, we have had extremely positive feedback from our partners across sectors,” she says. “This is very encouraging for us. We rely heavily on others to help us in our quest to reach one million children across the world and turn them into ambassadors for change in the plastics pollution space.”

Bruce Probyn, Chairman of the Western Cape Education Council, says engaging today’s learners requires a shift away from traditional teaching methods. 

“We need to think differently about the way we interest and excite pupils,” he says. “The days of ‘chalk and talk’ are fading. They’re being replaced by a need for innovative, engaging approaches.”

Probyn’s long-term vision for the programme is optimistic. 

“I envision that if the Plastic Changemakers programme becomes deeply embedded over time, it could lead to litter-free schools, which, in turn, would influence the surrounding communities.”

Probyn highlights the importance of a clear plan, well-thought-out steps, and consistent support. 

“We collaborate with foundation phase colleagues who are actively engaged in approximately 18 schools, where multidisciplinary teaching is being implemented,” he says. “In this context, the Plastic Changemakers programme has a unique and valuable role to fulfil.”

The programme has also raised interest among local community organisations, including the Bonteheuwel Training Skills Squad (BTS). 

Zaironesa Karriem, the driving force behind BTS, says, “It’s not just about training and life skills; it’s about cultivating a sense of exploration, adventure, and fun.”

BTS serves three high schools and 14 primary schools in Bonteheuwel and aims to engage all these institutions in the initiative.

“Our motivation is rooted in the desire to reshape the perspectives of young individuals. We aim to provide our learners with a practical understanding of how what is often perceived as waste and pollution can, in fact, hold the potential for creating sustainable opportunities,” says Karriem. 

“By exposing learners to initiatives like the Plastic Changemakers programme, BTS aims to instil seeds of change, nurturing values that the children can carry with them into the world as responsible ambassadors.”

Karriem says the programme engages children in a relatable and tactile way.

“It’s about bridging the gap between classroom theory and real-world practice, ensuring that every child’s inherent creativity finds expression. It’s also about building confidence and nurturing skills that, with ongoing support, will evolve into positive action.”

Jocelyn Anderson, Sustainable Schools Programme Manager at environmental education organisation, Nature Connect, says the Plastic Changemakers programme is the perfect addition to Nature Connect’s online library of quality, curriculum-aligned resources to support teaching and learning in schools.

“What sets it apart is its ability to engage youth actively in environmental action,” she adds. “It provides students with opportunities to take real steps towards caring for the environment, instilling in them a sense of agency and empowerment.

“It cultivates a sense of agency in both teachers and learners, motivating them to actively participate in nature conservation efforts.”

Anderson says her hope is to include the Plastic Changemakers programme in teacher training workshops, events, and immersive education experiences. 

“Specifically, we are looking at incorporating the programme into our initiatives designed to raise awareness about plastic pollution, such as our beach clean-ups and in-school lessons. 

“We will also be adding the programme materials to our online resource library for teachers to access.”

For more information visit https://breteaufoundation.org/. 

INSIDE EDUCATION

Edwin Naidu

THE University of Cape Town (UCT) interim Vice-Chancellor Emeritus Professor Daya Reddy has marked 250 days in office and reflecting on this period, he has emphasised the need to continue restoring stability within the university and acknowledged the UCT community’s resilience and commitment to keeping things on track.

Reddy, who previously mentioned that he was ‘extracted’ from peaceful retirement to take up the role earlier this year, explained what persuaded him to step into the challenging role.

“The approach to me came completely out of the blue. But it didn’t take me too long to decide that I would agree. I’d had conversations with various colleagues, some of whom were quite persuasive. I’d had such a long association with the university and was very concerned about the direction of events… Once I’d recovered my composure, I chatted with my wife, Shaada. 

“That was the big thing because it was clear that this decision would turn our lives upside down. So, once she assured me of her support for me to make myself available, and I thought through the implications, it was clear to me that I should do this.”

Reddy pointed out some of what has been the most significant challenges of his first 250 days in office.

“It had been put to me formally and informally that what the university needed, more than anything else, was to ensure that the institution functioned in stable circumstances and in a stable environment. 

“Broadly, I saw that as my number one goal: to ensure that we had a stable, well-functioning executive, including the deans and the executive directors, and that everything stayed on course, particularly our academic activities, i.e. teaching and research,” said Reddy. 

In the 250 days under his leadership, the university has recorded several standout success stories.

“Research is high on the list of activities and accomplishments that we can feel happy and proud about. There have been several research achievements that have been very well reported on internally and beyond. The academic programmes and activities have also proceeded well. 

“We hosted a huge set of graduation ceremonies in late March and celebrated 5 400 graduates. In July, we capped 104 PhD graduates and awarded four honorary doctorates. And that was so affirming. It was a concrete expression of the fact that our students have done well; that things have been on track. 

“Another highlight is that during this period we’ve received some significant donations. I mention these as success stories because, after everything that has been said about UCT and after all the upheavals here, we have a very clear expression of confidence in and support for the university. And that augurs well for the future.”

Having served in the UCT executive leadership before as Dean of Science and stints as acting DVC, the experience gained in those roles have been useful for Reddy in these 250 days.

“I served for seven years as a dean, and in many ways, a deanship could be considered as a microcosm of the vice-chancellorship. I say this in light of our devolved structure, as a result of which deans have responsibilities that go beyond the academic and include finance, human resources, physical planning, and so on. In the case of the VC, in a simplistic way, that is the case as well. But the degree of complexity, the scale, the demands of the position, are just something altogether different!” 

In addition, there is the level of complexity that derives from the external environment, with the VC having a range of responsibilities pertaining to other stakeholders such as the Ministry of Higher Education, Science and Innovation, Universities South Africa, civil society, the business sector, alumni and donors. 

“UCT is a huge community of just under 30 000 students and 5 000 staff. It’s like a town. What I do find slightly frustrating is the limited extent to which I’m able to get out there and chat with colleagues and students. I try to do as much of that as I can. But it feels to me that I’m not seeing enough of my colleagues and our students, and I continue to work on that,” he said. 

Reddy added that 250 days was a good period to reflect on. “First, I’m certain now – not that there was any doubt in my mind – of what a good, fine, strong institution UCT is; an institution that has been through a rocky time. 

“There is an almost contradictory way of looking at all of this in the sense that we talk about the fragility of academic institutions and the fragility of the institution’s staff during periods of turmoil, and that is so. But at the same time, I’ve had good reason to reflect on the resilience of the institution and its people. And it’s because of that that we are where we are now. 

“The staff have done a great job under difficult conditions, and we must recognise the impact that this has had on their well-being, their health and their ability to function effectively. But they have come through. 

“I’m asked very often about how things are going, and in my responses l indicate that most of the time I’m enjoying myself. And I’m happy to be doing this and I do find it rewarding. Part of the reason for that is the collegiality that I have experienced [and] the wonderful support from colleagues, right across the university,” remarked Reddy. 

The university has commenced the process of appointing a substantive VC, and Reddy looks forward to its conclusion as it would signal his return to retirement. 

“When I stepped in as VC (interim), I did have various commitments, and put some on hold. Some I could not, and I had to see those commitments through, which has not been easy. But it worked out. 

“I hold various positions on boards, advisory boards and so on, both in the country and internationally, and I’ve retained those. I look forward to devoting more time to those activities. 

“I’m also looking forward to getting back to some of my research activities. And I’d like to spend some time just staring at a blank diary, to remind myself what that looks like! And functioning without a routine, spending more time with my family,” he concluded. 

INSIDE EDUCATION

Lerato Mbhiza

A Gauteng Education Department official was shot at while driving along the Chris Hani Road and Golden Highway intersection on Thursday afternoon and spokesperson Steve Mabona said the official from the Johannesburg south district – who oversees learning and training support material – survived the “unfortunate” shooting incident.

“According to information at our disposal, the male official from our Johannesburg south district, overseeing learning and teaching support material, was in his vehicle at the Chris Hani Road and Golden Highway intersection when he was suddenly shot by an unidentified assailant.

“Immediate medical attention was provided, and we are relieved to report that the official is currently in a stable condition and receiving medical attention at a local facility.

“We extend our heartfelt wishes for the speedy recovery of our colleague and assure the family that we will provide the necessary support during this challenging time,” Mabona said.

Gauteng Education MEC Matome Chiloane said that while the motive is unknown, it is worrisome that an official can be targeted and shot at in that manner. 

“We wish to call upon law enforcement agencies to bring the perpetrators to book. Anyone who might have information regarding this incident is encouraged to share the same with the police. We wish our employee a speedy recovery”. 

INSIDE EDUCATION