Staff Reporter

Basic Education Minister, Angie Motshekga, joined local and international government representatives at the Chinese Embassy in Pretoria on 5 March 2024, to bid farewell to Ambassador Chen Xiaodong and his wife, Madame Zhang Bin. 

The farewell reception was organised by the Chinese Government to honour the sterling work done by the ambassador in strengthening the bilateral relations between South Africa and the People’s Republic of China.

Sharing the highlights on the bilateral relations between South Africa and the People’s Republic of China, the Director for the International Relations at the Department of Basic Education (DBE), Ms Hleki Mabunda, said that South Africa and China have thriving bilateral relations, which were pillared by a 2010 Declaration, in which China was declared South Africa’s strategic partner through the Beijing Declaration on the Establishment of a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership. 

“One of the pillars of the strategy is the People-to-people Exchanges and Cooperation. In response to the strategic mandate, South Africa and China signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on Cooperation in the Field of Basic Education. The MoU was signed in March 2013, during a Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa (BRICS) Summit in South Africa held in Durban. The DBE and the Chinese Ministry of Education further signed an Implementation plan on the MoU on 24 February 2014, in Beijing, China.  

Both parties cemented the partnership in various programmes, including the Chinese Language Teaching in South Africa and the Exchanges and Visit Programmes. 

The Chinese Language Teaching in South Africa saw Mandarin being introduced as an elective foreign language in the South African school’s curriculum as early as 2016, with a view to build more understanding, alleviate cultural barriers, and strengthen people to people relations between the two countries.

Since 2018, the Department has been hosting Chinese language advisors at the DBE (periodically contracted by the Chinese government) to promote Chinese language and culture in public schools. The DBE also welcomed a new Chinese Language subject advisor during March 2023.

“Through   the Exchanges and Visit Programmes, several official visits, exchanges, and study 

Minister Motshekga said that, through the partnership, both parties gained insights and shared best practice in various fields including education, health, and culture. 

“Ambassador Chen Xiaodong said that his stay in South Africa has been fulfilling and thanked the South African Government for making it possible for China to invest in the transformation of people’s lives for the better: I therefore encourage the South African Government to provide the same support to my successor who will be resuming his duty as the Chinese Ambassador to South Africa”.

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Higher Education Writer

A staggering 250 000 learners drop out of school in South Africa, with 81% of Grade 4 learners proven for not being able to read for understanding.

“An educational crisis calls for an efficient solution and Buddyz on the Move is that solution.” That is how Ms Qetello Baloyi, a final year BSc Environmental and Resource Studies student at the University of Limpopo, opened her business pitch at the 2023 Entrepreneurship Intervarsity finals last December.

Baloyi, who hails from Polokwane, said Buddyz on the Move offers a threefold after-school education solution. “We offer drama, dance, poetry and music; interactive activities such as spelling bee, debate, public speaking and reading and a tutoring service in a social learning space that allows learners to take their education into their own hands.”

Her company, Baloyi said, provides after-school empowerment of young people.  While offering traditional after-school support, Buddyz on the Move is unique in that it aims to save parents time, money and effort.

“Our services are available on social media and in contact. We operate from garages, churches, schools, and creches. Where you find a buddy team member, you find a centre allowing us to access a broader group of people in the community, who can afford the fees, and those who can’t.”

She added that learners in government schools did not have access to extramural activities. Buddyz on the Move takes learners to concerts and on trips. “We use a value creation framework to measure our learners’ programmes, which we share with parents.

“Over the past 10 months we have managed to raise over R1m in stipend payments for our team members from the Department of Social Development. Our revenues have increased from R14 000 to R24 000 a month, with R18 000 funding our expenses, leaving us with R6 000 profit.”

Baloyi said in the past year, they worked with 960 learners.

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Staff Reporter

The Director-General of the Department of Science and Innovation, Dr Phil Mjwara, has been honoured for his visionary leadership in promoting science in South Africa and abroad.

Dr Mjwara received the Presidential Award during the annual South African Medical Research Council (SAMRC) Merit Awards in Cape Town, on Thursday 7 March.  With 18 years of service as Director-General, Dr Mjwara was lauded for having significantly contributed to the South African national system of innovation (NSI).

Through these awards, the SAMRC acknowledges outstanding contributions to health research and recognises individuals who have demonstrated exceptional scientific acumen or made innovative strides in addressing public health challenges, potentially influencing policy to enhance the well-being of all South Africans.

Dr Mjwara holds a BSc, MSc and PhD from the University of the Witwatersrand.  His academic career includes serving as Professor of Science and Technology Policy at the University of Pretoria, and physics lectureships at the universities of the Witwatersrand, South Africa, and Fort Hare.

Speaking at the awards ceremony, SAMRC President Prof. Glenda Gray said Dr Mjwara had built a strong legacy in the country.  

In the late 1990s, Dr Mjwara led South Africa’s first national Science and Technology Foresight Exercise, which laid the foundation for the NSI.  He is highly regarded in various global forums, not least as a senior member of the UNESCO International Basic Sciences Programme or the Square Kilometre Array Observatory Council.

Dr Mjwara also helped to formulate the STI Decadal Plan, which has elevated STI to the presidential level, with the first Presidential Plenary held last year.  

This Decadal Plan focuses on using STI to address societal challenges and highlights the importance of health research in the STI environment in South Africa, said Prof. Gray.

“Dr Mjwara has set the vision for all policy development in the science and technology sector in South Africa.  He saw the need to create sustainable programmes, infrastructure and human capacity to ensure that South Africa achieves excellence in critical areas of science and technology,” said Prof. Gray.

The SAMRC also honoured the DSI’s Director for Health Innovation, Glaudina Loots, with a special award for her support and leadership in health research in the country. Loots is responsible for the implementation of the health components of the Bio-economy Strategy for South Africa.

She has been instrumental in the creation of the Strategic Health Innovation Partnerships initiative at the SAMRC, which funds and manages innovation projects focused on the development of new drugs, treatments, vaccines, medical devices, and prevention strategies.

Prof. Gray said medical research remains fundamental for transformation, innovation, and collaboration in advancing scientific discovery.  

“Celebrating medical research excellence not only honours the achievements of researchers but also inspires progress, fosters collaboration, and enhances the overall impact of scientific advancements on global health and well-being,” she said.

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Inside Education Reporter

Basic Education Director-General, Mathanzima Mweli, has continued with the monitoring and support programme of the Sanitation Appropriate for Education (SAFE) construction sites as part of the Batch 4 Projects in the Eastern Cape Province.

Mweli monitored 102 schools in three Education Districts to ensure that deadlines are met and Implementing Agents complete projects timeously. The focus last week has been on projects allocated to the National Education Collaboration Trust (NECT) Implementing Agent.

The DG led a team of various experts in Education planning development and implementation; Finance and Accounting; Engineers; Quantity Surveyors; Architects and Project Managers to accomplish this huge task to ensure that the DBE fulfills its role of monitoring and support. 

Weather conditions were fair, and the team navigated bad terrains on days one and two to monitor 26 and 24 schools respectively. On day three, the team managed to monitor 23 projects and on Thursday and Friday, 24 and 5 were monitored respectively.

Most projects have reached practical completion but have errors, omissions and poor workmanship which need urgent attention, Mweli said.

However,  innovation will be key to salvage some of the challenges that are affecting the quality of some of the projects. The report will be shared with NECT officials for a remedial plan to urgently address the aforementioned.

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Lerato Mbhiza

THE National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS) has commended the cooperation from all universities and Student Representative Councils (SRCs) who ensured that the February allowance payment was implemented seamlessly.

This follows a media briefing held on Monday where NSFAS reported that universities would be facilitating the payment of allowances for the months of February and March 2024.

In a statement issued over the weekend, NSFAS reported that 25 out of 26 universities have paid the February allowances, as per their commitment dates.

The allowances paid include the book, accommodation, transport, food, and personal care allowances.

“The University of South Africa (UNISA) is finalising the process of determining allowances based on the number of modules registered by students. All the universities will also be handling the payment of March allowance,” NSFAS said.

The scheme reminded institutions to allow direct payment service providers to conduct the process of onboarding students, while they continue with payments.

Universities are also reminded that direct payments of allowances for the 2024 academic year will commence in April 2024.

“The process of the payment of allowances to Technical Vocational Education and Training (TVET) colleges commenced on 6 March 2024 and NSFAS will provide further details on these processes within the forthcoming week,” NSFAS said.

NSFAS has called on institutions, both universities and TVET colleges, and students who have not been onboarded on the NSFAS portal to do so immediately, as this is a requirement to ensure that accommodation allowances are paid without any delays.

“Failure to onboard students will result in delays in the payment of accommodation allowances. Accommodation providers are therefore requested to ensure that leases that are generated through the portal are signed by all students in their residences,” NSFAS said.

The scheme also reiterated that it does not have any arrangements with unaccredited accommodation providers.

“NSFAS is against any form of corruption and bribery that is alleged to be taking place in some institutions, between accrediting agents, accommodation providers, officials responsible for accommodation in institutions, and student leaders.

“This will not be tolerated….the scheme will work with law enforcement agencies to investigate all these reported cases of corruption. NSFAS will conduct sting operations in institutions to ensure that students are not further exploited,” NSFAS warned.

The scheme encouraged students and members of the public to report any suspected fraud to NSFAS through the whistleblowing hotline Vuvuzela. The toll free number is 0860 247 653 or they can SMS Call-back to 30916.

NSFAS warned it will not take lightly any security compromise from the accommodation providers and will always hold property owners accountable for the safety of students in their properties.

On students’ transport, NSFAS reminded accommodation providers who are within a 5km radius and above of their responsibility to provide transport to students to their respective campuses and back.

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Johnathan Paoli

The South African Human Rights Commission (SAHRC) has called for the immediate reform of the country’s school uniform and appearance policies and recommended the abolishment of prescribed underwear for girls, as well as removing any hair policies that differentiate between male and female pupils.

The commission briefed the Basic Education portfolio committee on Tuesday following its inquiry into school uniforms and the over-regulating of appearances and told Parliament that it noted an increase in reports of alleged over-regulation of the school uniform and appearances of learners.

The commission launched an investigation and held an inquiry in Gqeberha in the Eastern Cape before presenting its findings to the committee, with the province’s head Dr Eileen Carter saying the complaints highlighted bias rooted in Eurocentric norms and that natural hairstyles should never be considered an offence.

“We are calling on the national department to immediately abolish any hair policies differentiating between male and female learners eliminating these discriminatory practices related to afros, braids or natural hairstyles chosen by specific learners,” Carter said.

Carter said that in terms of school uniforms they found that in certain circumstances school uniform and appearance policies infringed on a learner’s right to dignity through the enforcing of binary uniform policies.

The SAHRC raised concerns about the financial burden of school uniforms on families. While the DBE cannot directly cap uniform prices (as that falls under the Competition Commission’s domain), it is open to reviewing the necessity of different summer and winter uniforms, as well as special uniforms for grade 12 learners in some cases.

The SAHRC also highlighted issues related to the “over-regulation” of appearances at schools. This includes rules around hair, especially where certain racial, gender, and cultural groups are disproportionately affected.

The DBE acknowledged that learner appearance guidelines need to be updated and revised to respect students’ rights and said that it was working on guidelines for the socio-educational inclusion of diverse sexual orientation, gender identity, expression, and sex characteristics (SOGIESC) in schools, which will address uniform-related matters

In 2021, the Competition Tribunal ruled against exclusive deals and anti-competitive practices related to school uniforms. Schools can no longer compel parents to buy uniforms from a specific supplier, and uniforms should be as generic as possible, obtainable from multiple suppliers

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By Prof Nontembeko Bila

In the grand narrative of human history, the battle against mental disorders has seen notable progress. Yet, as we think back to the Middle Ages, with its pervasive ignorance and often barbaric treatment of those afflicted with mental disorders, it becomes clear that our contemporary world is still grappling with a crisis of mental health.

Today, amid the complexities and demands of modern existence, individuals worldwide face a myriad of challenges – from childhood traumas to poverty, social isolation, discrimination and stigma – all exacerbated by global pandemics, disasters and wars.

These challenges manifest in various psychological conditions that profoundly impact how individuals think, feel, and behave.

Despite advances in understanding and treatment, many of these conditions persist undiagnosed, acting as significant barriers to emotional, psychological and social well-being. Although we have moved beyond the Middle Ages’ view of mental disorders as a divine punishment, the stigma and inequities in mental healthcare persist across the globe.

The World Health Organisation’s Comprehensive Mental Health Action Plan 2013 – 2030 outlines global efforts, yet the statistics remain staggering. Around 450 million people struggle with mental disorders, with one in eight individuals living with a mental disorder. Suicide attempts are 20 times more frequent than fatalities. Despite the immense burden, mental health receives a disproportionately small allocation of healthcare budgets, with limited access to specialists, particularly in middle-income countries.

The ongoing global crisis around mental health issues presents an important opportunity to advocate for ubuntu as a solution. Ubuntu, deeply rooted in African culture and philosophy, holds profound wisdom that can offer an alternative approach.

As I champion ubuntu as a solution from Africa to the global mental health crisis, I’m reminded of a quote from American memoirist and poet Maya Angelou, who once said: “When you learn, teach; when you get, give.”

Africa has long embraced ubuntu, a profound philosophical and ethical concept deeply ingrained in South African culture. Originating from African languages, ubuntu broadly translates to “humanity towards others” or “I am because we are”.

It is high time we share this invaluable ethos with the world, offering it as an alternative solution to the challenges of mental illness.

With its roots firmly planted in African tradition, the ubuntu philosophy presents a holistic perspective on mental health. It underscores the interconnectedness of individuals, emphasising that personal well-being is intricately linked to the welfare of the community.

By nurturing strong social bonds and fostering communal support, ubuntu creates an environment that is conducive to positive mental health outcomes. Unlike approaches that prioritise individualism, ubuntu places emphasis on relationships and communal harmony, thereby cultivating a supportive social fabric that contributes significantly to emotional well-being.

Unlike Western individualistic approaches, ubuntu prioritises relationships and communal harmony. It recognises that individual well-being is inseparable from community welfare, and emphasises the importance of strong social bonds and communal support in fostering positive mental health outcomes. In a world where personal achievements often overshadow collective well-being, ubuntu reminds us of the significance of harmonious relationships, mutual support and a shared sense of belonging.

Communities that are rooted in ubuntu principles foster a supportive social environment that promotes emotional well-being. They provide robust social support networks that give individuals a profound sense of belonging, and act as buffers against stress and isolation.

Ubuntu-driven communities counteract the loneliness epidemic by encouraging regular social interactions and shared experiences that actively promote psychological well-being.

Moreover, ubuntu fosters a sense of collective efficacy, where community members believe in collaborative goal achievement. Shared cultural values create an environment that mitigates the impact of cultural stressors on mental health. In ubuntu-driven communities, individuals have opportunities to actively contribute, fostering a sense of purpose and accomplishment that positively impacts self-esteem and mental well-being.

Importantly, ubuntu can play a pivotal role in reducing the stigma associated with mental health issues within communities. Its core principles of interconnectedness, shared humanity and collective responsibility lay the foundation for understanding, empathy and acceptance. Ubuntu promotes open dialogue, normalising discussions about mental health and encouraging individuals to share their experiences openly. By emphasising shared humanity, Ubuntu challenges the “us versus them” mentality often associated with mental health stigma, and fosters a culture of empathy and compassion.

In ubuntu-driven communities, mental health is not seen solely as an individual concern, but as a shared responsibility for the welfare of all members. By actively creating mentally healthy environments and challenging stigma, ubuntu empowers communities to support one another in times of need. As Africa leads the way in championing ubuntu principles, it has the opportunity to offer invaluable lessons to the global community. By embracing ubuntu and its emphasis on interconnectedness, communal support and collective responsibility, we can pave the way for a more compassionate, understanding and mentally healthy world for all.

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Dr Selorm Dorvlo

Technological advances have literally made food available at our fingertips. With just one click, we can order groceries and meals and have them delivered to our doorstep within minutes. This is because of the time and effort engineers have invested in technology.

It’s amazing to think about how much has changed since our ancestors had to focus on hunting and gathering food for survival. Today, engineers have revolutionised our world. The challenge we face now is beyond finding food for today.

The effects of climate change mean that we now need to find ways to secure food and other resources for future generations. Engineers have a critical role to play in collaborating with other stakeholders to develop innovative and sustainable solutions.

It’s essential to have solutions that consider different perspectives and approaches. A multidisciplinary approach can help us to address the various issues we face and find solutions that work for everyone.

Today marks World Engineering Day with the theme: “Engineering Solutions for a Sustainable World”. The United Nations proclaimed the 4 March as World Engineering Day to raise awareness about the role of engineering in modern life. This is a timely reminder for engineers to collaborate beyond their discipline towards solutions that benefit people and the planet.

The importance of collaboration

The pursuit of landing on the moon has led to significant advancements in telecommunications throughout the years. This important milestone was a collaborative effort that involved the hard work of thousands of people, including engineers, scientists and communication experts.

In 2019, with the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, researchers and industry stakeholders worldwide joined forces to create a vaccine and a system to distribute vaccines promptly across the globe.

While the scientists developed the vaccines, engineers designed the mechanisms to mass produce the vaccines and transport them safely. This illustrates and emphasises the importance of collaboration in addressing the world’s most pressing needs.

Inclusive food systems are key

Food is central to our daily lives and is influenced by various factors. Political instability can affect food availability, food price increases can influence the type of food we eat, and climate change can control how much revenue farmers can generate from the agriculture sector.

Food is interlinked and interacts with many factors – that is why researchers have emphasised the importance of looking at food as a system. This helps to understand the different aspects that influence food security, health, people’s livelihoods and the environment.

Food systems vary significantly due to political instability, weather variability, cultural norms, and religious beliefs. However, because food systems are so intricately interlinked, food systems that exist in one region can affect another region’s systems. For example, in 2022, it was projected that the war in Ukraine could lead to food price increases in South Africa.

Improving how our food systems function requires collaboration across disciplines with a variety of experts and actors. Different perspectives and approaches must be taken into account to ensure that everyone can access enough healthy food without damaging the planet.

Collaborative solutions in action

FSNet-Africa projects are an example of collaborative solutions. FSNet-Africa is a collaborative project aimed at strengthening researchers’ capacities to conduct food systems research and translate evidence into implementable policy solutions. The projects involve the expertise of professionals from various fields, including engineers, social scientists, agricultural experts, developmental organisations, policy advocacy groups, and farmers.

One of the projects aims to relieve smallholder farmers from the back-breaking pain they often endure during their agricultural production activities. It evaluates field properties and helps farmers determine the most appropriate machines to use for various functions. This reduces physical labour, supports environmental sustainability and can ultimately increase farmers’ yields and improve their income.

The project also proposes the most financially suitable approaches for farmers to access the machinery they need. Through collaboration with visual artists, this project was summarised into an animated video for effective communication with the appropriate audience.

The team collaborated with farmers to design a mobile app that would put critical information on fertilizer application in the farmers’ hands. The system can also be used for irrigation water scheduling and has versatile applicability. This project highlights the importance of solutions created in partnership with stakeholders.

Innovation alone is not enough

The examples above illustrate that engineers have a fundamental role to play in ending hunger. Collaboration can be complex because teams often comprise diverse individuals and experts who must work together to solve problems. However, effective collaboration and teamwork are necessary to develop efficient solutions due to the complexities of food systems and their interactions with society.

By Dr Selorm Dorvlo, a professional engineer specialising in agricultural mechanisation and lectures at the University of Ghana. He is currently an Early Career research fellow at the ARUA Centre of Excellence in Sustainable Food Systems, funded by ARUA-Carnegie Corporation.

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