Jonathan Paoli

Education is a societal issue, since the school is a microcosm of society, nsays MEC for Education and Youth Development Matome Chiloane in his address to 240 delegates on the status of safety at the province’s schools on Saturday at the Birchwood Hotel in Boksburg.

Violence and incidents of crime have increased at schools, prompting a collaborative effort to stem the tide. An example is that on Friday, a gang failed in their attempt to stop matric learners from writing examinations. The Acting HOD Rufus Mmutlana said while giving a brief background on the state of school safety in Gauteng, which led to the indaba. 

The School Safety Indaba is part of the Safe Schools Campaign, a commitment under the Operation Kgutla Molao – Restore Order
Campaign, which mobilises different stakeholders to safeguard schools against criminal activities, especially during the holidays.

The Indaba evaluated the progress of the campaign so far, developing further interventions for emerging threats and also providing a status update on identified high-risk schools in the province.

Chiloane told stakeholders present at the Indaba that the safety of public schools in Gauteng was paramount and spoke about the interventions that have been implemented at schools across the province.

The school is a microcosm of the larger society, Chiloane said and the context of the challenges faced by learners at the school extended beyond the actual school, and the reflection of society, required an integrated approach involving the contribution of various stakeholders, including parents, families, communities, and NGOs.

The MEC further highlighted the obstacles faced by school safety intervention programmes which undermined their success, including
social challenges brought into the school environment, territorial constraints upon what schools can do, as well as the lack of resources needed to improve the physical side of safety development, namely non- educational staff as well as the implementation of safety technology.

The Director of Psychosocial Support Services Anthony Meyers spoke about learner support systems while inputs from the NGO ChildLine Gauteng, the Teddy Bear Foundation and the SA Depression and Anxiety Group were heard, outlining school-based intervention programmes, early-stage interventions and mental health programmes.

Director of Clinical Services of the Teddy Bear Foundation, Shaheda Omar detailed the current condition of support within schools and said that 42% of children have been exposed to violence, with currently only 127 social workers across the province.

She further highlighted the contextual factors of mental health among learners and said a holistic approach was required. “Poverty doesn’t create abuse, but it does create the conditions under which abuse flourishes,” Omar said.

INSIDE EDUCATION

Johnathan Paoli

University of Cape Town (UCT) council chairperson Norman Arendse has apologised for the governance lapses at the institution, in the wake of damning findings by an independent panel.

Arendse was briefing the Higher Education Portfolio Committee meeting at UCT on Wednesday, following allegations made in an independent panel report implicating former VC Mamokgethi Phakeng and council chairperson, Babalwa Ngonyama, on serious governance failures at the institution.

The chairperson said the council accepted that it did not deal adequately with the issues raised as far back as 2018, when complaints were made to the university’s ombud, and that those involved could have been spared the trauma described by the panel – if it had acted timeously.

READ: Phakeng threatens legal action over ‘damaging and inaccurate’ panel report

The council further apologised to the individuals involved in the investigation that found his predecessor, and former vice chancellor had misled the council about the departure of a former deputy vice-chancellor.

“We indicate our profound regret for not having acted properly and again use this opportunity to apologise unreservedly,” Arendse admitted on behalf of the council.

The council is expected to be meeting this weekend to consider how to best implement the recommendations made by the panel.

UCT appointed a five-member panel late last year to investigate alleged governance issues at the university.

Both Phakeng and Ngonyama have since threatened to approach the Western Cape High Court against the panel’s findings to clear their names.

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EDWIN NAIDU

Matric 2023 pupil Samara Chinnapen from The King’s School in Robin Hills in Randburg reflects on her recently completed matric dance achieved on a budget of less than R1 000. She was taken to the event in a vehicle, which costs R2.75 million.  

Accompanied by handsome chaperone, Bjorn Mhlanga, the stunning Samara, 18, was the belle of the ball.

Daughter of Enver and Linda Chinnapen, Samara told Inside Education all about her matric dance and future plans.

What was the experience like?

It was nothing as I’d expected a matric dance to be. The event had both positive and negative aspects. The downside of the whole experience was the planning, money, and stress of making sure that you had to look good on the night. This was a feeling shared by many other learners. All of this stress is definitely not worth it as you are wearing an outfit for one night, and you are most probably not going to be using it in the future. Although this night shared its negative aspects, it also shared a few positives, like creating memories with the people you’ve been with daily for your whole high school career. Although you may not see them after school, it is a great experience that you will be able to look back on.

How much did the dress cost?

I purchased a dress online as it would be more cost-effective since I’d only use it once. It cost R825. Purchasing or making a dress is based on an individual’s preference and how much they are willing to spend on a dress. My sister Kaylene helped me glamour up for the night without any fuss.

What about the wheels for the night?

Luckily for me, my cousin organised a fantastic car for me. The Mercedes Benz EQS SUV 450. It was a one-of-a-kind car that many people were fascinated by. For me, the car took all my focus as I share a love for them. I do understand the whole entrance with the cars as it is a time to show off and it’s one day of your life.

Was it an experience that it was all cut out to be?

It could’ve been a better experience based on all the stress and preparation that went into it. I felt that the night was overhyped and could’ve been better planned.

Has it distracted you from examinations?

It hasn’t distracted me from my exams as I only began preparing for the dance two weeks before the event.

What did you do after the ball?

I went home after the matric dance and chilled with my parents.

Are you ready for exams?

Yes, I am as it is the last push of my final schooling career, so I want to go out with my best.

What do you want to do next year?

I would like to study animation at the SAE Institute or graphic design at the University of the Witwatersrand.

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EDWIN NAIDU

Acclaimed maths and science place of learning, Mbilwi Secondary School from Venda, Limpopo, won the Solve for Tomorrow school competition at the Birchwood Conference Centre in Johannesburg with an idea that speaks to genuine need in their community.   

The victorious spark from learners is an ambitious plan to fix potholes in their town’s roads using recyclable and sustainable materials – addressing both a societal need and fulfilling their green credentials towards a better planet.

The school, which has had a 100% pass rate for its matric students since 1994, has urged learners to continue to lead the way with distinction.

Teacher Tshifhiwa Tshidzumba said winning the competition will help keep the school’s name on the map.

“We are one of the top schools in the region and have made a habit out of winning, and we are happy to keep it that way. Winning such contests reinforces our status as a great school with a highly competitive edge. We are proud of our learners and their achievements because we don’t enter competitions to add the numbers; we enter to win. When we compete, regardless of the contest or the opponents, we always want to be number one,” said Tshidzumba,

The contest for Grade 10 and 11 learners from underserved communities was announced on 4 October. Learners were encouraged to solve some of the challenges within their communities using Science, Technology, Engineering and Maths (STEM).

Former pupils from Mbilwi Secondary School include the Minister of Small Business Development, Khumbudzo Ntshavheni, and top academic Professor Tshilidzi Marwala, Rector of the United Nations University. The school received a prize of R100,000.

Maphuthaditshaba Secondary from Acornhoek in Mpumalanga came second and won R50,000, and third-placed Umlazi Comprehensive Tech from KwaZulu-Natal won R30,000.

The money will be used for STEM equipment for each school, according to their unique needs. Samsung sweetened the deal by rewarding each learner in the top three teams with a Samsung device.

The schools had to identify problems in their communities that they could solve using STEM. With Samsung helping them with resources and mentors guiding them, they had to conduct research and develop prototypes for their identified challenges.

The winning prototype from Mbilwi is an ambitious plan to fix potholes in their town’s roads using recyclable and sustainable materials, including discarded plastic bottles they collected.

“This project has been a huge part of our lives in the past year, so winning it means a lot to us,” said Igoline Coelho, a Grade 11 learner and member of the team. “We have worked hard as a team as we met every day to put in the work needed to get us over the line and victoriously, so winning is awesome. This win will also encourage other learners in our school to participate in such competitions. We are happy that the competition allowed us to do something good for the environment. Hopefully, it will spark even more interest in others to work on making the environment better for all,” Coelho said.

Leading technology giant Samsung South Africa ran the competition with the State Information Technology Agency (SITA).

Deputy Minister in the Presidency, Pinky Kekana, said in line with efforts to improve the education system, the Department of Basic Education highlighted the importance of increasing the number of schools that focus on critical learning areas such as science, technology, engineering, mathematics, and the arts.

“The skills acquired by the educators and the learners will benefit them beyond this competition,” Kekana said. “We look forward to seeing the inclusion of more schools from underserved communities in South Africa. We are optimistic that some of the solutions from this competition will eventually be implemented, thus putting South Africa on the map, with accompanying job opportunities for the youth.”

Solve for Tomorrow is Samsung’s ambitious effort to increase interest and proficiency in STEM and help the country contribute to the Fourth Industrial Revolution. The competition encourages innovative thinking, creative problem-solving, and teamwork among the learners as they grow and learn important skills that could benefit them greatly in their future careers.

Hlubi Shivanda, Samsung’s Director for Business Innovation Group and Corporate Affairs, said Solve for Tomorrow strives to help equip the youth with various technological, artisanal, and electronic skills. “We are proud to see this group of young people applying their minds to learn and help solve some of their communities’ problems and hope such programmes spark the revolution for positive and sustainable change within communities,” she said.

INSIDE EDUCATIONS

Staff Reporter

With a foreword by one of the country’s eminent voices, the former Public Protector-turned academic, Professor Thuli Madonsela, retired academic Professor Malegapuru Makgoba will tomorrow release his book titled Leadership for Transformation since the Dawn of South Africa’s Democracy.

The book offers a leadership lens for assessing the transition from the racially unjust and socio-economically unsustainable system of colonialism and apartheid, to the constitutionally promised land that should have emerged since the dawn of democracy in 1994.

“The book is Professor Makgoba’s reflection of the transformation experience in South Africa for over 29 years since his return. It was motivated by the downward spiral and crisis in national leadership that characterises South Africa today and the role politics and the media have played in the project. 

“Malegapuru Makgoba’s book titled Leadership for Transformation since the Dawn of South Africa’s Democracy offers a leadership lens for assessing the transition from the racially unjust and socio-economically unsustainable system of colonialism and apartheid, to the constitutionally promised land, that should have emerged since the dawn of democracy in 1994,” says Madonsela.

Madonsela says the book meticulously weaves together Makgoba’s leadership odyssey since returning to South Africa to take up a Deputy Vice-Chancellor position at Wits University 29 years ago, and his experiences and views as a participant observer on leadership in state affairs during the first 29 years of democracy.

“Though charitable and balanced, giving praise where due to the key leaders he selects for assessment being the four presidents and 25 ministers he served under, Makgoba finds the leadership wanting during defining moments,” adds Madonsela.

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Inside Education Reporter

Minister of Higher Education, Science and Innovation, Dr Blade Nzimande, wrote to the Board of the National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS) on the outcomes of the investigations by the Werksmans attorneys relating to BID NO. SCMN022/2021 and related matters and demanded answers.

In the letter to the Board, Nzimande said notwithstanding and given the urgent need to address the challenges currently facing NSFAS, he wrote to the NSFAS Board to communicate his initial response to the report, request some information, and direct the Board to take certain steps immediately to avert further descent into the abyss of the current challenges.

Nzimande also expressed his deep disquiet about the irregularities, mismanagement and poor governance that is revealed in the report and that the findings of the report are of a very serious nature, and need to be taken as such.

“Given the serious and sensitive nature of the report, officials of the department are still studying the report, guided by our legal department, to be in a good stead to advise me on how best comprehensively to respond thereto,” said Minister Nzimande.  

In this regard, the Minister commended the Board for having accepted the report, its findings, and its recommendations. 

“Given the serious nature of the matters that were under investigation however, the question does arise as to what was the role of the board throughout the whole saga. 

“I therefore require a detailed explanation of the role played by the board during the entire process, outlining what information was provided to the board and at what stages of the process, and what approvals were sought from, and given by the Board,” asked Minister Nzimande.

The Minister requested the Board to furnish him with a detailed plan of how they will implement the recommendations of the report, given the very serious risk of instability that it poses to the system, and the inherent implications thereof. 

“I trust that this plan will have considered all options available, and motivated for the best option, with clear timelines, and resource requirements,” said Minister Nzimande.

“Without turning the board into an operational structure, I would like to implore you to work very closely with management, as they implement the organisational turnaround plan that you devised at your last board bosberaad a few weeks ago. 

“This is crucial in ensuring that we strengthen and capacitate the organisation moving forward and ensure that such lapses, as the very serious ones we have seen in the recent past, do not occur again. 

“This must inevitably include close monitoring of the very important service delivery aspects, which include the timeous payment of student allowances, as well as the continued accreditation of student accommodation,” emphasised the Minister.

The Minister also directed the Board to conduct a full investigation into the allegations made by the former NSFAS CEO about the process of issuing off-take agreements. The Board is expected to provide the report to the Minister within the next three weeks.

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Inside Education Correspondent

THE Covid-19 Africa Rapid Grant Fund (CARGF) Reflection and Foresight Convening and the O.R. Tambo Africa Research Chairs Initiative (ORTARChI) Annual Gathering, both monumental meetings that the National Research Foundation (NRF) hosted last week, were a major success in terms of their set objectives. 

The meetings were called to celebrate and showcase the CARGF and ORTARChI initiatives, and provide a space for peer-learning, networking, and the exploration of avenues of collaboration among the participants, the majority of whom are stakeholders in Africa’s science ecosystem. These included both researchers and the participating councils of the Science Granting Councils Initiative in sub-Saharan Africa (SGCI).

CARGF and ORTARChI are two significant multilateral research funding partnerships that the NRF has administered under the auspices of the SGCI since 2020 and 2018 respectively. As a multi-funder and multi-stakeholder initiative, the SGCI partners with public funders of research in 17 African countries to support capacity strengthening with the aim of contributing to research and evidence-based policies for economic and social development.

In his opening address, NRF Chief Executive Officer, Dr Fulufhelo Nelwamondo, said the NRF was delighted to host the gatherings. He stressed that CARGF demonstrated that establishing partnerships across Africa and the world was key.

“Africa’s science community managed to put up CARGF together within a short period following the coronavirus outbreak because partnerships were already established. Partnership is a key word here because it is all about us knowing that we cannot do what we want to do on the continent if we work alone. 

“It’s a question of how we work as a collective team across Africa to ensure that we achieve what probably has not been achieved before,” Dr Nelwamondo added. 

Dr Gugu Moche, Acting Deputy CEO: RIISA, chaired the opening session. She pointed out that the CARGF gathering was an important opportunity to reflect on what was achieved, thereby preparing Africa’s scientists for the next pandemics. 

“As we engage, there are three fundamental questions that we should be answering: what are we doing, why are we doing it and what do we learn from implementation. If you look at those, they speak to the reasons behind our engagements, they speak to our reason for pursuing long-term partnerships, and they speak to whether we are getting the results we thought we would.”

CARGF and ORTARChI were established to fulfil a variety of roles for the benefit of Africa’s science system. Established in May 2020 to support Africa’s response to COVID-19, CARGF funded 73 projects across three strands, i.e. research, science communication and science advice, in 50 institutions from 16 African countries. 

The CARGF was supported by the NRF and the DSI; Canada’s International Development Research Centre (IDRC) and Fonds de Recherché du Québec (FRQ); the Swedish International Development Cooperation Agency (Sida); the United Kingdom’s Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO); the United Kingdom Research and Innovation (UKRI) through the Newton Fund; and SGCI participating councils.

ORTARChI, on the other hand, was established to contribute to the expansion of research and innovation capacities in and for Africa, in alignment with African Union Agenda 2063 and Science, Technology and Innovation Strategy for Africa 2024 (STISA-2024); to contribute to Africa’s global research competitiveness while responding to the continent’s socio-economic needs; and to contribute to Africa’s career pathways for young and mid-career researchers, with a strong research, innovation and human capital development output trajectory.

Ten O.R. Tambo Africa Research Chairs have been awarded across seven countries, namely Botswana, Burkina Faso, Ghana, Mozambique, Tanzania, Uganda, and Zambia since its launch. The NRF and DSI, together with the Oliver and Adelaide Tambo Foundation (OATF), IDRC and SGCI participating councils have partnered to implement the initiative.

Importantly, the initiative honours and promotes the legacy of O.R. Tambo, emulating his values of professional excellence, integrity, inclusiveness, honesty, humility, and respect for human dignity. The late Oliver Tambo is recognised for his lifelong dedication to the struggle against apartheid. He criss-crossed Africa and the world as a longtime leader of the African National Congress in pursuit of freedom and equality. ORTARChI recognises Mr Tambo’s science background.

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