Staff Reporter 

Matric is a major rite of passage for South African children where thirteen wide-ranging and diverse years of schooling are suddenly distilled into one, all-important National Senior Certificate. Pass/Fail.  With or without university exemption. 

Getting Matric results is a sudden contraction and a drastic reduction of everything school has been to you that can feel quite brutal, especially when you don’t get the results you hoped for.  

Parents, teachers and learners commonly regard Matric as the high-stakes ticket to one’s future.  Get a good Matric, and you’ll go far.  But if your Matric turns out to be a misstep, then you face untold struggles.  

You have been warned about the severe lack of opportunities.  You have a strong sense that you will stare failure in the face, perhaps for your lifetime.  It’s no wonder that every year, waiting for Matric results takes such a heavy toll on teen and family mental well-being.

According to Counseling Psychologist, Dr Lauren Martin, who is also the Deputy Dean at SACAP (the South African College of Applied Psychology) waiting for Matric results and processing them when they are published in January is a rich opportunity for parents to model and support the development of grit and resilience.  

She says, “Parents may need to do some reflection on their assumptions and attitudes to effectively support their teen over this time.  If you have heavily invested in the idea that the Matric certificate shapes everything going forward, then you might be adding stress.  

The exams are done, and what we need to be focused on is moving forward.  It’s important to know that there is not one person whose entire future was defined by their Matric marks.  It’s true that Matric results may shape the opportunities you can access.  

“You will need a Matric with a Bachelor’s pass for university studies, and you may need a minimum percentage in certain subjects to find a place on certain educational programs. Falling short in these requirements can feel devastating, and therefore it’s important to shift the focus to looking more broadly at choices and considering other pathways.  

“This flexibility is so important because we want to avoid the rigidity in thinking and fear of shame or punishment that can lead to our teens leaning towards drastic measures in the face of disappointing Matric results.”

It can help for parents to be aware of the alternative pathways. For instance, it is possible for learners who failed a maximum of two Matric subjects to apply to sit for supplementary exams.  There is also a matric upgrade process for learners who passed subjects but didn’t get the marks they needed.  

Accredited Higher Certificate education programs are an effective route for learners who did not achieve a Bachelor’s pass.  These are typically one-year courses that can improve a student’s readiness for tertiary education, make up for a matric without a Bachelor’s pass and enhance critical skills for success not only in their upcoming studies but in their future work lives.  

SACAP’s Academic Dean, Dr Jaclyn Lotter says, “Open communication with your teen is key during this tense period of waiting for, and then receiving Matric results.  It’s important to create a safe space for your child to express their thoughts and feelings, and to listen with full attention and without judgement.  

“You may find it necessary to help manage expectations.  It’s natural for teens to have high expectations of themselves, however some may be fearful, pessimistic and anxious.  It’s important to emphasize that success is not solely defined by academic achievement, to discuss different pathways to success and shed light on the fact that there are numerous routes to achieving goals in life.  

“We develop vital life skills during times when everything doesn’t go our way.  We learn perseverance and use problem-solving skills, and we increase our capacity to be resilient and agile. Parents can help to encourage the exploration of other options and provide reassurance that one setback doesn’t define their child’s future.” 

Pathways such as SACAP’s accredited Higher Certificate programs can very well be the conduit to real and long-lasting success in life in that they help to build self-awareness, key interpersonal skills, and provide a solid grounding in work-related skills.  In 2024, SACAP offers three one-year, Higher Certificate programs set in an Applied Psychology framework that are available online or on-campus:

1. The Higher Certificate in Counseling and Communication Skills offers practical, work-related skills training that is relevant to students interested in people-centered careers across all sectors from business to education and health sciences.

2. The Higher Certificate in Business Management is a vocational training program that is a stepping stone into either further tertiary studies or an entry-level position in business fields.

3. The Higher Certificate in Human Resources Management is similarly focused on work readiness for junior positions while also focused on industry-oriented content that can serve as a bridge to further studies.

Dr Martin concludes, “The key features of SACAP’s Higher Certificate qualifications is that they offer essential industry-specific knowledge as well as insight into human behaviour and a better understanding of people.  This empowers young people to develop their capacities for self-management and self-mastery, which are abilities that are highly valued in the modern world of work.”

To apply at SACAP, visit www.sacap.edu.za

Teens and parents in crisis can contact:

SADAG (South African Depression and Anxiety Group) – Chat online with a counselor 7 days a week from 9am – 4pm via the Cipla WhatsApp Chat Line 076 882 2775. SMS 31393 or 32312 and a counselor will call you back – available 7 days a week, 24 hours a day.

The Counseling Hub – Book a session:  021 462 3902 or   067 235 0019 or Email: info@counsellinghub.org.za

LifeLine South Africa – 24 hours / 7 days per week National Counselling Line 0861-322-322.

INSIDE EDUCATION

Inside Education Reporter

In times of rapid, constant transformation and unprecedented challenges that demand urgent solutions, the call for innovation and creative thinking skills in 21st Century workplaces has never been more resounding. As industries shift towards adaptability and agility, the ability to nurture creativity in the younger generation becomes a vital investment in the workforce of tomorrow.

Mark Anderson, principal and co-founder of Koa Academy, underscores the pivotal role of creative thinking in today’s fast-paced world: “Education must keep pace with the rate of change we see in the world and meaningfully reflect and address real-world needs. 

“Adaptability and innovative solutions are already paramount across all fields of human endeavour, and therefore, supporting children in developing their creative thinking skills is not just an educational ideal—it is a strategic necessity that will shape the leaders and problem solvers of the next generation. Both educators and parents play a vital role in championing learning and an upbringing that prioritises cultivating vital soft skills such as creativity.”

Shifting the Spotlight on Creativity

To truly harness the power of creativity, there needs to be a shift in mindset regarding what creativity is and how it manifests in the modern world. Traditionally, creativity has been strongly associated with the arts and natural talent for artistic endeavours. 

This led to the misconception that creativity could only be intentionally developed in the art classroom, music room, dance group, or drama club. 

However, creativity and creative thinking are critical components in Mathematics and Science, accounting, business studies, and entrepreneurship education. Moreover, it’s essential to emphasise that innovative thinking and skills are not innate; they are cultivated through experiences and in conducive environments. With the right opportunities, all children can develop creative skills.

Traditional Schooling vs. Creativity

Traditional schooling can inadvertently inhibit creativity in several ways:

1. Assessment Practices: Traditional tests and exams often prioritise memorisation, discouraging creative thinking by focusing on finding a single correct answer. Innovative approaches are needed to encourage ambiguity, critical thinking, and problem-solving.

2. Subject Silos: Early specialisation in subjects limits creativity by compartmentalising knowledge. Promoting interdisciplinary connections can encourage innovative thinking.

3. Prioritizing Hard Skills: Traditional education prioritises hard skills over soft skills, such as creativity. A critical shift is needed to regard soft skills, including creativity, as foundational skills that should be developed across all subjects.

Nurturing Creativity: A Collaborative Effort

Parents and teachers can play a crucial role in nurturing creativity in children. Here are eight ways to foster creativity:

1. Encourage Curiosity: Foster curiosity by asking open-ended questions, engaging in debates, and exploring new knowledge and experiences. Adults rekindling their curiosity can positively impact children.

2. Embrace Boredom: Allow children the space to think creatively by resisting the urge to provide instant stimulation. Boredom can spark imaginative thinking and problem-solving.

3. Solve Problems Creatively: Teach children to break down complex problems into manageable parts and creatively solve them step by step.

4. Nurture Passions: Support and encourage children’s interests, allowing them to develop soft skills associated with creativity as they explore their passions.

5. Reframe Failure: Shift the perspective on failure from an obstacle to an opportunity for reflection and growth.

6. Engineer the Environment: Create conducive physical spaces that enhance creativity through natural light, controlled sound, and flexible, personalised tools.

7. Intentional Discipline: Structure time for creative thinking or play, treating creativity as a muscle that benefits from intentional exercise.

8. Seek Diversity: Exposure to diverse experiences helps individuals see things from different perspectives, fostering new associations and connections.

In conclusion, nurturing creativity in the 21st century requires a collaborative effort between educators and parents. By redefining the role of creativity in education and implementing strategies to foster creative thinking, we can prepare the next generation of leaders and problem solvers to thrive in an ever-changing world.

INSIDE EDUCATION

Lerato Mbhiza

THE Department of Higher Education and Training has announced that it has created a R3.8 billion fund within the National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS) aimed at assisting the country’s “missing middle” students. 

According to an announcement made by the department’s minister, Blade Nzimande, the new Comprehensive Student Funding Model introduces measures to support a wider-ranging category of students including those who are currently not supported by the NSFAS bursary and funding policy. 

Nzimande made the announcement in Pretoria on Sunday, as he briefed the media on the implementation of the first phase of the Comprehensive Student Funding Model. 

This new category is for students whose families have a total income of more than R350,000, but not more than R600,000 per annum. 

Previously, NSFAS funding was only available to households falling in the low-income category (R350,000 p/a). Between 2019 and 2022, NSFAS disbursed R123 billion worth of loans for 2,918,624 beneficiaries. 

According to the most recently conducted National Income Dynamic Study, it is estimated that 85.6% of all households fall in the low-income category, and 11% of households fall into the missing middle category. 

This newly-introduced category by NSFAS “will ensure that the missing middle students will now be able to access financial support from the government in the form of a loan to pursue their studies,” said Nzimande. 

The Comprehensive Student Funding Model would be implemented in phases. The first and current phase (2024 – 2025) allocates a total of R3.8 billion. R1.5 billion is from the National Skills Fund (NSF), and R2.3 billion is from the Sector Education and Training Authorities (Setas). 

“This amount will fund 47% of the missing middle students, that is, 31,884 of the estimated 68,446 missing middle students,” said Nzimande.

In addition Nzimande appointed Professor Lourens Van Staden as acting chairperson of NSFAS to stand in for Ernest Khosa, who has taken a leave of absence. His announcement comes amid calls for his own resignation following allegations of corruption and maladministration. 

Khosa has taken a 30-day leave of absence while the board investigates allegations that he defrauded the institution by taking kickbacks from service providers. 

The allegations were leveled by the Organisation Undoing Tax Abuse (OUTA), which also linked Nzimande to the alleged kickbacks. Khosa and Nzimande have both denied they took kickbacks. 

Van Staden is a former vice-chancellor of Tshwane University of Technology and in 2022 was appointed as administrator of the troubled Mangosuthu University of Technology in KwaZulu-Natal.

NSFAS has been embroiled in controversy over the past year following its move to appoint service providers to disburse funds directly to students. CEO Andile Nongogo was fired in October following investigations into claims he had a conflict of interest in appointing the service providers. 

INSIDE POLITICS

Johnathan Paoli

THE Competition Commission has confirmed that it has received hundreds of complaints from parents over the high price of school uniforms.

The National Association of School Governing Bodies has also called for schools to buy their children’s school uniforms wherever they can afford them, with spokesperson Matakanye Matakanye saying that uniforms must not be exclusively bought from one shop.

Matakanye said that the association was against ‘evergreen contracts’ between schools and particular suppliers instead calling for the need for parents to buy according to their budget.

Principal Analyst in the Advocacy Department at the Competition Commission Betty Mkatshwa said that every year they were inundated with calls from parents about this issue and it has been ongoing for some time.

She said that when schools have an exclusive arrangement with one supplier, this allows the supplier to change the quality and price of products without having to worry about competing.

Legal Officer at the Federation of Governing Bodies of SA Schools Juané van der Merwe said that it was not necessary to have so many unique and branded uniform pieces, as this was contributing to the lack of competition.

Van der Merwe said that it should be investigated whether young children really required wearing blazers, as this was usually the most expensive piece of the uniform.

In 2021, the Competition Commission agreed that schools should abandon exclusivity with uniform suppliers.

The CC’s Karabo Mataung said that they were clear that no specific targeting of schools would take place, but that schools should not think that if they continue with this behaviour, they would not face prosecution.

Motaung said that parents who are still finding themselves forced to buy from schools or specific suppliers are welcome to lodge complaints with the commission.

The commission has previously called for guidelines promoting healthy competition among school suppliers, such as generic school uniforms that are available from many suppliers, schools to appoint more than one supplier to give parents options, exclusivity to be limited to items that the school regards as necessary to get from preselected suppliers, and exclusive agreements to last between three and five years.

Mataung said that competition between suppliers of school uniforms was important because it benefits both parents and other businesses, allowed new businesses to enter the market, and encouraged firms to offer lower prices and better-quality products.

The commission maintained that this would contribute to economic growth by creating jobs and increasing consumer choice, among other benefits.

INSIDE EDUCATION

Lerato Mbhiza

THE Labour Court has dismissed the application by former National Student Financial Aid Scheme (Nsfas) CEO Andile Nongogo to have his sacking declared unlawful and void.

Acting judge Maletsatsi Mahalelo ruled on Monday that whereas the NSFAS disciplinary policy governs, formalises and standardises the disciplinary process for all employees to ensure they are treated fairly and consistently, there seemed to be a conflict between Nongogo’s employment contract and the disciplinary code.

In October, the Nsfas board terminated Nongogo’s contract after investigating allegations related to the appointment of direct payment service providers. This decision came after Nongogo was placed on special leave in August amid controversies surrounding the scheme’s direct payment contract. The Labour Court has dismissed his application to declare his sacking unlawful and invalid

Judge MB Mahalelo also dismissed with costs Nongogo’s application to strike out certain paragraphs contained in the Werksman Attorney’s report.

OUTA’s Investigations Manager, Rudie Heyneke said, “We are quite disappointed. The way that the minister responded, but one thing we can say is that the minister made a call to us saying listen, come forward with all your information…it is time now to put all your information on the table and we’re ready and happy to meet with the minister to discuss whatever he wants to know from us.

I think you know these recordings were just the last straw that broke the camel’s back, and everybody has said this is enough; we want the minister to be investigated by law enforcement.”

INSIDE POLITICS 

Staff Reporter

Amid growing calls jfor his axing, the Minister of Higher Education, Science and Innovation, Prof Blade Nzimande has broken his silence on corruption allegations against him contained in a leaked report by the civil society movement, Organisation Undoing Tax Abuse (OUTA).

“The Minister wishes to reject the malicious allegations contained in the leaked OUTA report and further reassures the public that he never used any money from any of Department’s entities for the purpose of funding the South African Communist Party (SACP),” said a statement.

The Minister views the allegations contained in this leaked report as reckless and largely based on gossip, intended to undermine a smooth start to the 2024 academic year.

Furthermore, given the damaging allegations continued in this report the Minister reserves his right to take the necessary legal action against OUTA, which called on Nzimande to resign over his role in alleged bribery claims.
“The Minister wishes to reaffirm his and the Department’s commitment to clean governance within the Department and its entities.

The Minister remains focused on the immediate task of preparing for the start of the 2024 academic year and calls upon all our Post-School Education and Training stakeholders not to be distracted but to focus on the start of the academic year.”

But the South African Union of Students, the Democratic Alliance, and the Activists and Citizens Forum, called for action against Nzimande.

Chantel King, the DA Shadow Minister of Higher Education, Science, and Innovation, called on President Ramaphosa to sack Nzimande from his duties as Minister and lodge an investigation into his alleged involvement with NSFAS syphoned funds. 

“The President must also use his power to suspend NSFAS board chairperson Mr. Khosa from having any involvement with state funds.”

OUTA’s release of voice recording between two meetings between Mr. Khosa, Mr. Thulas Ntumba a service provider and an anonymous individual revealed a corrupt patronage system who is only focused on diverting funds away from students.

These recordings revealed how a third party was informed of NSFAS dealings around the issue of former CEO Andile Nongogo and the instruction given to Mr. Khosa by Mr. Ntumba to enrol the services of Werksman’s attorneys to investigate allegations against Mr. Nongogo to control the situation. 

It also revealed how Mr. Ntumba and associates paid for SACP’s congress and kickbacks to Mr. Khosa and the Minister.

These voice recordings give a glimpse into corruption at NSFAS under the current board chairperson who is controlled by a syndicate whose tentacles stretch to SETA’s funds as well.

“Minister Nzimande’s war room to tackle challenges at the start of the academic year is therefore nothing more than a smoke screen to divert attention away from the fact that more than 20 000 students still have not been onboarded,” King said.

“Minister Blade and NSFAS board chairperson are tainted, and they must be investigated and fired with immediate effect, notwithstanding criminal charges laid against them as this is nothing less than NSFAS capture 2.0! Students and the higher education sector at large are vital to produce educated and skilled
individuals for the economic progression of the country. The DA will ensure that the reports released by OUTA, and any criminal charges or investigations lodged, will be thoroughly investigated and those found responsible be appropriately sanctioned and/or imprisoned.”

INSIDE EDUCATION 

Lerato Mbhiza

Higher Education and Training Minister Blade Nzimande has refuted allegations that he received kickbacks from service providers that were awarded multi million-rand tenders by the National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS).

Nzimande was speaking at a media briefing at the GCIS offices in Pretoria in response to allegations of corruption within NSFAS leveled against him by the civil society organisation.

The tenders were awarded to the companies in order for them to administer direct payments to students.

Nzimande said he has never received money from any of the service providers or any other entities falling under the Department of Higher Education and Training.

“Firstly, I wish to once again assure the South African public that, as minister of higher education, science and innovation I have never used any money from any of my department’s entities for the purpose of funding the SACP, as maliciously suggested in the Outa’s [Organisation Undoing Tax Abuse] report.

“Nor have I received any personal kickbacks from any of the service providers to NSFAS or any of the other entities falling under my departments.

“I therefore wish to dismiss this baseless insinuation by OUTA and some organisations including some sections of the media, that I as minister was involved in some form of corruption at NSFAS.

“These are all lies that emanate from a malicious fightback campaign. My conscience is clear, and I have nothing to hide or fear.”

Nzimande said the allegations against him and Khosa “are part of a fightback campaign that is linked to success and measures I have taken to fight corruption and ensure clean governance at NSFAS.

“This campaign includes threats to the life and person of the NSFAS chairperson.

“It is our view therefore that the leaked recordings are part of a nefarious fightback campaign that is meant to undermine and frustrate the decision of the NSFAS board to start with the legal proceedings to terminate the contracts of these four direct payment solution service providers, as recommended by the Werksmans report.

“And I’ve also voluntarily decided that I am going to subject myself to the relevant legal processes and ethics bodies of the African National Congress, its integrity committee, and the South African Communist Party, its central ethics commission, ” he said. 

Outa has alleged that Nzimande, the South African Communist Party (SACP) and NSFAS board chair, Khosa received millions of rands from service providers awarded multi-million rand tenders to administer direct payments to students.

Meanwhile, DA leader John Steenhuisen said the party plans to lay criminal charges against Nzimande for the corruption allegations leveled against him.

Steenhuisen said the party also plans to brief its legal team to declare the NSFAS board delinquent.

However, the South African Communist Party (SACP) has supported Nzimande who is the party’s chairperson and has rejected the Outa allegations.

In a statement SACP said it has never approached or delegated any person

“to approach any entity, public or private, to request funds illegitimately. We both reject and denounce the allegation that the NSFAS funded the Party with the contempt it deserves.

“The SACP has never received any funding in return of any favour anywhere,

and any person or entity who will make the attempt to approach the Party with such

funding support will face the full might of the law the SACP will lay a criminal charge against that person or entity”.

The statement added that a legitimate investigation upholds the fundamental principle of justice, “audi alteram partem, meaning listen to the other side, before you can reach conclusions. Any exercise, including by a non-governmental organisation, that violates this fundamental principle is not an investigation but something else.

“The opportunist party of overwhelmingly white leaders in an overwhelmingly black population, the DA, is using the non-governmental organisation OUTA’s utterances and the untested allegation as its electioneering agenda”. 

INSIDE EDUCATION

INSIDE EDUCATION REPORTER

THE direction to be considered in transforming the landscape of education in Africa, especially the need for innovative strategies such as integrating technology into education and revising curricula, is imperative said the Minister of Basic Education, Angie Motshekga, when sharing her insights at a high-level conference on decolonisation in Johannesburg.

“These strategies can help bridge gaps exposed by recent crises and align with broader Sustainable Development Goals. It is a call to action to rethink and restructure educational frameworks in an equitable, inclusive and forward-thinking manner. By standing together and
pooling our resources and expertise, we can recover from current setbacks and build stronger, more enduring educational foundations for future generations in Africa,” she said.

Motshekga added that the journey towards building resilient education systems begins with a focus on Early Childhood Education (ECE). “According to the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF), investing in Early Childhood Development (ECD) is highly efficient and effective for achieving equitable, sustainable growth,” she said.

Motshekga was speaking at the 10th Education International Africa Regional (EIRAF) Conference held at the Sandton Convention Centre in Johannesburg last month.

The Conference, which is a platform for the South African Government to share recent developments in the Basic Education Sector, as well as future plans around education reform, was attended by President Cyril Ramaphosa, accompanied by Basic Education Deputy Minister, Dr
Reginah Mhaule, with delegates from across the African continent.

Also present were Gauteng MEC for Education, Matome Chiloane; Executive Mayor of Johannesburg, Cllr Kabelo Gwamanda; Education International President, Susan Hopgood; Education International General-Secretary, Dr David Edwards; Education International African
Region Chairperson, Dr Christian Addai-Poku; Education International Africa Director, Dr Dennis Sinyolo; the President of the South African Democratic Teacher Union (SADTU), Magope Maphila; and SADTU General-Secretary, Mungwena Maluleka.

During the Conference, participants were afforded an opportunity to share common goals in terms of transforming and strengthening education systems in Africa under the theme, “Standing Together for Resilient Education Systems in Times of Crisis”.

Deputy Minister Mhaule stated that education systems should be robust enough to maintain continuity of learning in the face of adversity, yet sufficiently agile to evolve in response to new challenges and opportunities.

“This balance between steadfastness and adaptability is crucial in ensuring that our education systems can survive and thrive in times of crises.

In our deliberations, we must factor the educational aspirations that are articulated as guiding pillars of UNESCO’s Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) 2030; as well as the African Union’s Continental Education Strategy for Africa, 2016-2025. These two frameworks are intended to reorient education systems of the world to meet the knowledge; competencies; skills; innovations; and creativity for a changing world, whilst promoting sustainable development.”

In his address, President Ramaphosa said that the decolonisation of education on the African continent has been long overdue. “The discussions at this Conference, focusing on tackling racism; decolonising education and promoting democracy; human rights; and trade union rights, are vital. We must challenge colonial theories and practices to build resilient education systems that are centred on African perspectives and experiences.

This requires a shift away from a Eurocentric worldview to embrace a more diverse and inclusive perspective. We must acknowledge and value the knowledge systems of all people and integrate them into our curricula and knowledge selection processes. The responsibility to nurture and defend the right to education extends to all spheres of society.”

President Ramaphosa considers education as the cornerstone upon which societies build their future. “Through education, we cultivate respect for human rights, the rule of law and the principles of democracy. As the work of the UN High-Level Panel on the Teaching Profession demonstrates, the adaptation of education systems to a rapidly changing world is one of the most important tasks facing us. This panel draws expertise from diverse stakeholders, including

ministers of education; labour representatives; teacher unions; and civil society organisations. It underscores the importance of educators’ voices in finding solutions to educational challenges.”

The President added that educators play a fundamental and irreplaceable role in shaping societies, and their insights are invaluable in the quest for sustainable solutions. Curriculum reform that responds to the changing world of work is another vital task.

“In South Africa, we are on the brink of significant educational reform with the implementation of the Coding and Robotics curriculum from Grade R to Grade 9. This initiative is part of our broader strategy to integrate STEM subjects into our education system. By doing so, we aim to equip our learners with the digital skills necessary to thrive in a fast-paced world. Labour movements, civil society organisations and non-governmental organisations in the educational sphere must collaborate to protect this critical space. Through such partnerships, we can prepare our learners to be active, informed citizens in democratic societies. The role of organisations such as Education International are vital. As advocates for quality education, your mission is to ensure inclusive and equitable learning opportunities for all,” concluded the President.

INSIDE EDUCATION

Staff Reporter

THE Graduate Institute of Financial Sciences (GIFS) is leading the charge to save South Africa’s financial services sector from state capture, and possible long-term collapse. GIFS is challenging the Insurance Sector Education and Training Authority (INSETA), which appears to be ignoring its mandate to ‘grow the pool and quality of critical and scarce skills within the insurance sector.’

The work of thousands of professionals is now under threat, with the INSETA holding back 192 GIFS students’ full completion certificates, and those of 555 others who have completed skills programmes or achieved part-qualifications, some dating back to 2020. Hundreds more learners from other institutions are similarly affected.

Despite numerous requests, the training authority has failed to produce the certification, putting peoples’ jobs at risk. Worse still, it often unfairly blames the institutions when students complain.

A wider concern within the financial services sector is that the Skills Development Levy (which companies pay towards upskilling their staff) is growing annually, yet learnership funding has been reduced year-on-year. Employers who raise questions around the reduced funding and INSETA’s poor service delivery are seemingly victimised by having their funding further cut.

On 17 October 2023, GIFS wrote to the Public Protector to intervene, expressing concern that the INSETA was riddled with corruption. Despite it being framed as a neutral regulatory body, GIFS had also uncovered evidence that the INSETA was deliberately streaming prospective learners to one favoured learning institution whose educational practices have been called into question.

GIFS’ decision to tackle these issues head-on, has resulted in the INSETA launching a brazen public campaign to discredit GIFS, and drive it out of business, despite the educational institution’s crucial role in training the majority of South Africa’s insurance professionals. After the institute had closed its offices for the end-of-year holiday on 14 December 2023, the INSETA sent GIFS a letter at 5:38pm,
informing it of its immediate de-accreditation as a Skills Development Provider.

The move came as a shock to the respected, international award-winning educational institution, which has trained thousands of students from corporate South Africa in the last 18-years. GIFS programmes form part of the National Qualifications Framework and are approved by the South African Qualifications Authority.

In addition, the INSETA itself had awarded GIFS Full Accreditation status up to June 2024 in line with its practice of awarding certification annually.

But GIFS has risen to the INSETA’s challenge, turning to the courts to restore its accreditation. In an urgent High Court interdict on Thursday, 4 January 2024, GIFS’ legal counsel accused the INSETA of corporate bullying and victimisation. They argued that the INSETA’s withdrawal of GIFS’ accreditation was based on a GIFS fraud investigation report it compiled just over 2-years-ago, now under review in the courts. GIFS maintains the report is fraught with trumped-up allegations, overt bias, glaring irregularities and multiple procedural flaws, and has only held off on its legal review as the INSETA had renewed its accreditation after the report was finalised in 2021.

In view of this, the court ordered the INSETA:
To reinstate GIFS’ full accreditation within 24-hours;
To immediately withdraw all unlawful notifications the INSETA had distributed to industry stakeholders informing them of GIFS’s de-accreditation;
To reassure the public on its INSETA website and via e-mail of the full restoration of GIFS’
accreditation, and;
To pay the costs of GIFS’ legal counsel.

Unfortunately, the INSETA has ignored the court order.GIFS lists this as an example of the INSETA’s bad faith and says it cannot rule out that its December 14th de-accreditation stems from having reported the INSETA to the Public Protector, and to oversight body, the Quality Council for Trade and Occupations (QCTO), for incompetence over the certification delays. By December, the Public Protector had already confirmed to GIFS that it had asked INSETA for its response to the GIFS corruption allegations.

Still, GIFS CEO, Kershen Pillay, says the court’s finding is not just a victory for GIFS, but the entire financial services sector. “The impact of the INSETA’s conduct extends well beyond the effects on one educational institution and its learners. Thousands of accredited students have been left without proof of their qualifications and risk losing their livelihoods, while the unqualified, in possession of their fraudulent certificates, are allowed to dole out dodgy financial advice.”

Pillay goes on to say, “This represents the hollowing out of the country’s financial services industry, as has already occurred in many other South African sectors due to corruption and incompetence.”

There will be serious repercussions for those buying homes, motor vehicles, life- and short-term insurance, for pensioners and many others who will be forced to deal with individuals wholly unqualified to be advising clients on critical matters of personal finance. We, at GIFS, are therefore committed to playing our role in ensuring that ethical standards are respected and upheld in the financial services industry and that members of the public are protected.” Pillay is concerned that the QCTO has remained alarmingly silent in the face of the INSETA’s questionable conduct. “We again appeal to the QCTO to please exercise its oversight duty and intervene to help us save the
industry,” Pillay said.

INSIDE EDUCATION

Staff Reporter

The University of Cape Town (UCT) has placed 31st in the world and top in Africa in Shanghai Ranking’s Global Ranking of Sport Science Schools and Departments. UCT jumped up 18 places from 49th position in the 2022 ranking to 31st in 2023.

First published in 2016, this ranking highlights the performance of more than 300 universities, among which 15 are now sports universities and 285 have sport-related units. Of these, 42 universities have more than one sport-related institution or unit.

“UCT has long been an international leader in the field of sport science, and many elite athletes owe their success at least partly to innovations pioneered by our researchers,” said Professor Sue Harrison, deputy vice-chancellor for Research and Internationalisation.

“We owe our impressive standing in this ranking to this committed team of researchers, scientists, and eager postgraduates at the Research Centre for Health through Physical Activity, Lifestyle and Sport (HPALS),” Professor Harrison added.  “At the same time, HPALS is increasingly focused on its work with communities, addressing the many non-communicable diseases that arise from lack of access to physical activity and a healthy diet. This type of work is generally not reflected in rankings but is equally important.”
 
“UCT has long been an international leader in the field of sports science, and many elite athletes owe their success at least partly to innovations pioneered by our researchers.”

The ranking’s 2023 methodology assesses universities according to several indicators, including papers indexed in Web of Science (10%), total citations (20%), citations per paper (30%), papers published in the top 25% of journals (30%), and the percentage of papers with international co-authorship (10%).

“We are fortunate to collaborate with outstanding colleagues, locally, nationally, and globally. We are a small, committed, and passionate group of researchers who strive to make a difference in human health, mobility and performance,” said Professor Vicki Lambert, the outgoing director of HPALS.

In 2023, UCT performed strongly once again and is leading in Africa in all five major world university rankings: Times Higher Education (THE) World University Rankings, Quacquarelli Symonds (QS) World University Rankings, the Center for World University Rankings (CWUR), the Shanghai Ranking’s Academic Ranking of World Universities (ARWU) and the US News & World Report Best Global Universities Rankings.

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