Lerato Mbhiza

A Grade 1 girl learner from Mandlethu Primary School in Tsakane, Brakpan, died after allegedly consuming biscuits from a local spaza shop. The incident took place on Tuesday. 

It is alleged that the learner began experiencing health complications in class just before break at 11h00, and started vomiting a few minutes later. 

The learner’s parents were contacted immediately to come to the school, while emergency services were also alerted to provide necessary medical assistance.

The learner was certified dead by paramedics upon arrival. 

Gauteng Education MEC Matome Chiloane said the parents confirmed that the child had consumed biscuits which were bought from a local spaza shop owned by foreign nationals. 

 He added that Police are investigating circumstances surrounding this incident. 

“Our Psycho-Social Support Unit will be deployed tomorrow, on Wednesday, 7 February 2024, to provide trauma support and counseling to all affected individuals. 

“We are deeply saddened by this unfortunate incident. We plead with parents to be vigilant concerning the edible goods that their children consume. We call upon law enforcement agencies and municipalities to be more stringent on compliance matters related to spaza shop products. Indeed, we wish to extend our sincerest condolences to the family and the school community at large,” said Chiloane.

INSIDE EDUCATION

ANDREW WILKS

Millions of people across Turkey on Tuesday mourned the loss of more than 53,000 friends, loved ones and neighbors in the country’s catastrophic earthquake a year ago.

To mark what it calls the “Disaster of the Century,” the government arranged a series of events to commemorate the one-year anniversary of the disaster in southern Turkey.

In Antakya, the capital of the southern province of Hatay, angry crowds jostled with police as officials were led to the commemorations. Mayor Lutfu Savas was greeted with chants calling for him to resign, while Health Minister Fahrettin Koca was jeered and booed as he gave a speech.

Amid the fog by the Orontes River, people chanted “Can anyone hear me?” — echoing the voices of those buried under the rubble a year ago — and ”We won’t forget, we won’t forgive.”

After a moment of silence at 4:17 a.m. to mark the time the quake struck, carnations were tossed into the river in an act of remembrance and a local orchestra played a song to honor the victims.

Hatay, which lies between the Mediterranean Sea and the Syrian border, was the worst affected of the 11 southern provinces hit by the 7.8 magnitude quake. Including the 6,000 people killed in neighboring Syria, the quake left more than 59,000 dead.

Crowds in Adiyaman held a silent march, passing a clock tower that has shown the time of the earthquake for the past year.

President Recep Tayyip Erdogan will be in Kahramanmaras, the earthquake’s epicenter, to inspect the work being done to rebuild the city and rehouse thousands of people who remain in tents and pre-fabricated containers.

He also will take part in handing over completed homes to survivors, and then spend the rest of the week touring other cities in the earthquake zone.

In a social media post, the president said the loss from the disaster “continues to burn our hearts as fresh as the first day,” adding: “Thank God, our nation has successfully passed this painful and historical test.”

Opposition politicians are also visiting the region, with the Republican People’s Party leader Ozgur Ozel attending the commemorations in Hatay before traveling to Gaziantep and Kahramanmaras.

Schools were closed for the day in many of the earthquake-affected porvinces. In Malatya, the governor banned any marches or other public displays outside officially sanctioned events for three days.

AP

Inside Education Reporter

Gauteng Education MEC Matome Chiloane has been saddened by the death of a pupil in a tragic bus accident on 1 February where the Grade 6 learner from Modiselle Primary School in Ga-Rankuwa tragically lost his life because of the scholar transport.

The tragic incident occurred on Thursday afternoon as learners were being transported home after school. It is alleged that the learner fell from the scholar bus and the rear wheels went over him, resulting in him losing his life. The police are currently investigating the circumstances surrounding this incident.

The Gauteng Department of Education Psycho-Social Support Team visited the scene of the incident and subsequently the learner’s family.

Chiloane sent his condolences to the family and called on the scholar transport drivers to be vigilant in doing their work.

“Indeed, this is terribly saddening news. Scholar Transport is an initiative that forms part of our critical interventions to alleviate pressure from parents. As such, we expect our learners to be safely transported from home to school and back home. We call upon drivers to be extra vigilant of learner’s safety. We wish to convey our deepest condolences to the family and the school community,” said MEC Chiloane.

This was the second high-profile incident in the new school term involving Gauteng schools.

Last Monday Chiloane visited Laerskool Queenswood to introduce Nchupetsang Inc Attorneys, which has been appointed to investigate the circumstances surrounding the death of Grade 7 learner Latoya Temilton alleged to have died in a drowning incident.

Meshack Nchupetsang, head of the attorney, outlined the terms of reference that will lead the investigation. At the forefront is consulting and interviewing all relevant stakeholders involved, he said.

These include learners, teachers, the principal, School Governing Body members, the School Management Team and the family.

The law firm will also visit Wag ‘n Bietjie Resort in Witkoppen, the venue of the excursion, to interview personnel there, inspect the scene, and review CCTV footage. More so, the law firm will interact with police to review post mortem results, and interact with the family of the learner, particularly on allegations that have been circulating publicly.

The firm is scheduled to complete their investigation in 7 days, after which the recommendations provided from their findings will be strictly implemented by the department.

“The MEC was unable to present the law firm to the family as they are still away in Mpumalanga following funeral proceedings. However, the department will facilitate necessary engagements between the family and the law firm as they are integral to this investigation, and need to be afforded the respect they deserve in this matter.

“The school has assured their full cooperation in this investigation, which is crucial to determine allegations and circumstances surrounding this incident. As the department, we wish to prevent incidents of this nature from occurring in the future,” said MEC Chiloane

“We are devastated by this tragic loss. We convey our sincerest condolences to the bereaved family and school community at large. We are hopeful an independent investigation into this incident will assist to determine what exactly occurred,” said MEC Chiloane.

INSIDE EDUCATION

Inside Education Reporter

Former University of Cape Town (UCT) Council Chair, Babalwa Ngonyama, has condemned UCT – in particular members of the UCT Council – for its threatening and intimidating attacks on her and anyone affiliated to her, calling out its corporate bullying and inhumane, persecutor approach.

This is in response to a letter sent by UCT’s Joint Investment Committee (JIC) and Chair of Council, Norman Arendse, to Camissa Asset Management (Camissa), in which Ngonyama business, Sinayo, holds a vested interest.

The letter implies threats of the withdrawal of investment funds placed by the JIC with Camissa, because dividends received by Ngonyama through Sinayo’s shareholding could be used to fund the legal battle Ngonyama is pursuing against UCT.

Camissa manages R60 billion in assets, with R291 million assets under management placed by the JIC. With an impressive 21-year track record, the strong investment house, as referred to in the letter has performed exceptionally well and won numerous awards.

Ngonyama says the unwarranted targeting by UCT has been aimed not only at her, but also her family, friends and fellow business directors and associates too, and now also direct and indirect benefactors of the JIC or Retirement Fund.

“What is most concerning is the implied use of the JIC and Retirement Funds by UCT as a platform to pursue political agendas. The JIC and the Retirement Fund is expected to operate independently through its independent committees and board of trustees.

“It is crucial to emphasise that the funds allocated to the JIC, through bequests in wills, are intended for developmental purposes, devoid of predetermined and speculative political vendettas. This principle extends to the management of the Retirement Fund of the employees as well.”

Ngonyama says the insinuation that the litigation against UCT could influence or utilise the dividends that may result from the funds managed by Camissa, directly or indirectly through her company, is “not only unfounded but once again targets me with an objective of ensuring that I cannot proceed with the legal battle against UCT”.

Ngonyama previously served on the Board of Camissa and others, but resigned in November 2023 due to the alleged unlawful exploitative pressure exerted on her – and the boards of companies on which she served – on multiple fronts by members of the UCT Council.

“UCT’s threats, intimidation, attempts at sabotage and invasion of my personal business relationships is tantamount to covert bullying and psychological intimidation,” said Ngonyama.

“The ongoing legal dispute with UCT is entirely separate from the operations of my business and its shareholding in Camissa Asset Management,” says Ngonyama. “UCT has requested through numerous channels that I drop the case against them, and now its efforts to cut-off revenue sources further demonstrates the concern they have with the process that was followed.”

Ngonyama says she will continue to reject and challenge UCT and the report of the panel, as its findings and recommendations against her “were based on one-sided, unproven and unchallenged allegations. The process that was followed was unfair and infringed on my rights to dignity to be heard in a fair, transparent and impartial process.”

“Instead of filing the required information at the Western Cape High Court so that the court can rule on the fairness of the process, the UCT has chosen to attack me personally in a hope of destroying my reputation on all fronts.

“The assassination of my character is the ultimate goal as this satisfies the political grandstanding that is being perpetuated by various factions within UCT. I dismiss the recent bullying by UCT Council members and look forward to the outcome of the High Court,” says Ngonyama.

“I remain committed to upholding UCT’s ongoing positive influence in higher education as I did throughout my tenure as Council Chair, even as I find myself compelled to advocate for a just resolution in my defense. My aspiration extends beyond addressing the present challenges to also safeguarding the integrity of UCT and preserving its reputation as a pillar of academic excellence,” says Ngonyama.

Sello Moloko, Chairman – Joint Investment Committee, wrote to the CEO Roland Greaver on 12 December expressing concern that Ngonyama being a shareholder in Camissa was currently pursuing litigation against the University of Cape Town.

“While the JIC has chosen not to penalise Camissa solely based on this issue, we believe it is important to highlight our concerns and seek your response. We are particularly concerned about the possibility of the University indirectly funding this litigation through the dividends and return on investment received from Camissa,” wrote Moloko.

Therefore, the JIC requests that Camissa provide a formal response addressing the following points:

– How Camissa intends to ensure that University funds are not being used to support litigation against the University.

– Camissa’s position on the ongoing litigation and its potential impact on the relationship between Camissa and the University.

– Concrete steps Camissa will take to address the JIC’s concerns and demonstrate its commitment to ethical business practices.

“The JIC values its relationship with Camissa and acknowledges your firm’s strong track record as an investment house. However, the current situation presents a significant challenge for our continued partnership. The JIC remains committed to fulfilling its fiduciary duty and ensuring the responsible management of the University’s assets. While we currently see no fundamental reason to withdraw our funds from Camissa, we believe resolving this matter is crucial for maintaining a strong and ethical relationship between our institutions.”

INSIDE EDUCATION

Inside Education Reporter

Leshata Secondary School’s Tshilidzi Ramudzuli Ravhutulu has earned a coveted place to study Actuarial Science at the University of the Witwatersrand in 2024 on the back of an incredible set of matric results.

With five distinctions, including 96% for Maths and 98% for Physical Science, 18-year-old Tshilidzi attributes much of his success to the Engen Maths and Science School he attended at Zakariyya Park in 2023.

“The EMSS programme not only helped me with exam preparation, but an added benefit was the study notes and stationery. I was also grateful for the academic help as well as the emotional support, which made it easier to cope with the academic stress,” comments the Orange Farm resident.

Inspired by Aristotle’s philosophy that excellence is a result of high intention, sincere effort, and intelligent execution, Tshilidzi offers valuable advice to this year’s matric learners, encouraging them to believe in themselves and their dreams.

“Always work hard and consistently. Matric is a tough year,” says Tshilidzi, who lost his father at age 12, which meant his mother became the sole breadwinner for him and his three siblings.

Attending classes every Saturday at the EMSS at Zakariyya Park, Tshilidzi reflects on a tough first term of matric, expressing his gratitude for the support of his family and finding solace in his love of music during stressful times.

Excited about the future, Tshilidzi aspires to qualify as an actuary and dreams of owning his own insurance company, showcasing his determination to succeed against all odds.

The Engen Maths and Science School programme has been running for over 35 years and proudly helps nurture talented young South Africans like Tshilidzi by providing free supplementary education to over 1 500 learners annually at 10 centres across South Africa.

These centres are in Cape Town (classes are held at Cape Peninsula University of Technology and Manzombotho High), the Eastern Cape (in East London, Cala, and Gqeberha), Johannesburg (Zakariyya Park), and KwaZulu-Natal (at Fairvale High School, Ganges High School, Hillview High School, and Umlazi Commercial High School).

Engen’s CSI Manager, Olwethu Mdabula, emphasises the programme’s focus on gateway subjects—mathematics, English, and science—to help address the country’s skills shortage and contribute to economic growth.

Mdabula explains that EMSS aims to unlock the potential of talented young learners, providing them with the resources and guidance needed to achieve academic excellence and pursue tertiary education.

Recent Department of Basic Education data indicates improvements in pass rates for mathematics and physical science. However, the limited number of learners achieving the essential 60% minimum mark in maths and science for university entrance to engineering, commerce and science degrees underscores the vital role played by EMSS in supporting young talent, especially in STEM subjects.

“EMSS is dedicated to transforming the lives of young learners, who often face severe socio-economic challenges, by bridging educational gaps, and empowering them to reach their full potential,” comments Mdabula.

As a company, Engen champions the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), including SDG 4 – Quality Education, which aims to ensure inclusive and equitable quality education and promote lifelong learning opportunities for all.

“Engen is keenly aware that access to quality education and gender equality is everybody’s business, and that it owes it to its employees, customers, and broader society to make every effort to drive positive change,” adds Mdabula.

“It is Engen’s ultimate reward to help set talented people up to pursue stimulating careers that won’t only benefit them personally, but also their families and the broader economy of South Africa.”

Engen is incredibly proud of all EMSS learners who completed matric in 2023.

Engen is hosting a series of awards ceremonies in February at EMSS centres across South Africa where the programme’s Grade 10-12 learners will be honoured, and the top achievers named.

Tshilidzi’s story is a testament to the impact of EMSS in shaping young minds and contributing to South Africa’s growth.

Engen’s dedication to creating a diverse and vibrant workforce aligns with its goal of setting talented individuals on paths that benefit not only them but also their families and the broader economy.

INSIDE EDUCATION

Sports Reporter

THE University of the Western Cape’s (UWC) women’s football team continues to make a significant impact on the South African sports scene, being nominated to represent the country in a continental competition this year.

UWC has been selected to fly the South African flag in the 2024 COSAFA (Council of Southern African Football Associations) Champions League. This competition brings together the champions of each SADC (Southern African Development Community) country, vying for top honours. 

The top two teams from this tournament will advance to the CAF (Confederation of African Football) Champions League, where the ultimate title of the best team in Africa is at stake.
 
Mamelodi Sundowns (South Africa) are holding champions for both competitions but will only compete in the CAF Champions League this season. Hence, UWC, after finishing second in the Hollywoodbets Super League in 2023, has been nominated to participate in the COSAFA Champions League.
 
The COSAFA Champions League generally takes place in August in Durban over a week, and the winners proceed to the CAF Champions League in September, usually hosted in Morocco.
 
UWC Director of Sport Mandla Gagayi said the nomination represents an excellent opportunity for UWC Sport to extend its footprint. It will also serve as a positive recruitment tool for the University.
 
“This further widens opportunities for our students to display their talent at a high level where there are opportunities for professional contracts. It also bears testimony to our sport transformation endeavours, where we give women opportunities to participate in sport at the highest levels possible,” said Gagayi.

INSIDE EDUCATION

Inside Education Correspondent

The National Department of Sport, Arts and Culture (DSAC) in collaboration with Nwala Writers are set to spotlight the joy of Reading through #READLOUDSA on World Read Aloud Day, an annual internationally celebrated literary day!

In celebration of World Read Aloud Day (WRAD), to be held on 7 February 2024, DSAC and Nwala Writers are proud to host #READLOUDSA. This is an immersive platform for reading and sharing of literary works, promoting the magic of storytelling through dynamic reading sessions and literacy advocacy online.

The aim is to advocate the transformational impact that reading can have on families and communities, from schoolchildren to seniors. Participants will discover new tales and perspectives across the country, highlighting diverse literary voices while facilitating the power of togetherness, preservation of our languages, and ultimately our heritage.

In this year’s Read Aloud celebration, #READLOUDSA seeks to encourage the nation to interact with diverse literary works as we build a cohesive and progressive nation. Reading and book clubs established by DSAC across the country will also share their reflections as they participate and engage in this initiative. Organisations and all book lovers passionate about literacy are encouraged to host their own #READLOUDSA sessions and share photos/videos using the hashtag to support local efforts during this global celebration. Photos and quotes are encouraged under #READLOUDSA.

As World Read Aloud Day continues to gain popularity, it reminds us that reading deserves consistent enthusiasm all year round for continued impact. By digitally showcasing our country’s thriving community of literary talent, the initiative also aims to motivate new audiences across generations to embrace the educational and connective power of reading. The #READLOUDSA initiative nurtures grass-roots literacy development by advocating the sharing of literacy with others.

Join #READLOUDSA on World Read Aloud Day on 7 February!

INSIDE EDUCATION