By Lungile Ntimba 

An 18-year-old suspect has been taken in for questioning in connection with the rape of five matric learners from a school in the Mqhekezweni Administrative area in the Eastern Cape.

Police spokesperson Lieutenant-Colonel Siphokazi Mawisa said on Thursday that the investigation would determine whether he would be charged or released.

Eastern Cape police commissioner Lieutenant General Nomthetheli Mene said the police were working around the clock to ensure that the suspects were brought to book.

He said the provincial head of the Family Violence, Child Protection and Sexual Offences unit had assembled a team to investigate and apprehend the perpetrators.

Meanwhile, the Eastern Cape education department told Inside Education that the learners were in a place of safety and counselling was being provided.

Spokesperson Vuyiseka Mboxela said that despite the traumatic event, the pupils had opted to continue writing their National Senior Certificate exams.

“… what they are giving the department as a choice, is that they are wanting to write. And, therefore, we are obligated as a department to respect that wish and make sure that we deliver as such. 

“What is currently happening is that they are in a place of safety, they are being given psychosocial support and also… tutors to help them in revision as they are doing Grade 12,” she said.

“Options that they had was one, not to write the papers that were left for them and write them in the following year, or just re-register for the entire year and go back to class. And then the third option was for them to segment their writing, that is if they would have been left with four subjects, they could write two subjects next year and two subjects the other year.

“But what they decided was to just write because they don’t want to miss the year 2024.”

The rapes have sent shockwaves throughout the country, with President Cyril Ramaphosa condemningthis incident of gender-based violence and saying it targeted learners in a critical phase of their young lives and educational journey.

INSIDE EDUCATION

By Johnathan Paoli

Despite budget constraints, the Medium-Term Budget Policy Statement has made additional money available to the education departments, with much of it focusing on infrastructure development.

Finance Minister Enoch Godongwana has committed to addressing critical infrastructure concerns in the sector, including student housing.

He announced on Wednesday that the government was making a concerted effort to increase the pool of funders to diversify public infrastructure financing through new mechanisms and instruments.

This would include building student housing at six higher education institutions across the country.

Higher Education and Training minister Nobuhle Nkabane said on Thursday that the investment was important as it not only provided students with a physical space to reside, but also fostered a conducive environment for academic achievement.

“This allocation demonstrates a forward-looking approach from the National Treasury,” she said.

Nkabane further reassured students and educational institutions that her department was actively collaborating with the National Student Financial Aid Scheme to streamline the accommodation accreditation process.

This partnership aims to ensure that no student is excluded from accessing necessary housing support due to bureaucratic inefficiencies.

The minister acknowledged the broader economic challenges facing the nation, but expressed confidence that through these strategic investments, there would be sustained improvements in essential areas, including infrastructure development and student support services.

Basic Education Minister Siviwe Gwarube highlighted the overall allocations made toward the education sector in the MTBPS, which included a total of R376 million aimed at improving and maintaining educational infrastructure.

The announced adjustments make R20 million available for the provision of workbooks, while R35 million will address the sector’s pressing school infrastructure needs.

In addition, the minister has allocated around R251 million for the Rapid School Building Programme in the Western Cape, which aims to build more accessible and resilient spaces for learning and play, using rapidly scalable construction methods tailored to the needs of local communities.

The minister said the funding would allow for the continued building of new schools and expanding the number of school places available in areas with larger class sizes and a high demand for placement.

An additional R70 million has also been made available to repair school infrastructure damaged by floods.

“While the allocations represent steps in the right direction, the budget pressures faced by provincial education departments continue to pose a significant threat to the delivery of quality education. These pressures have been years in the making due to progressive budget cuts, economic stagnation, and fiscal mismanagement across government,” Gwarube said in a statement.

She said that ultimately education was the foundation of a thriving economy, equipping young people with the skills necessary to become qualified and ultimately contribute to the economy.

“It must, therefore, feature as a critical area of intervention in the coming 2025/26 budget allocations by the National Treasury.”

The minister said in the lead-up to the 20025/26 budget, her department would continue to engage Godongwana on the budget pressures in basic education.

INSIDE EDUCATION

By Johannah Malogadihlare

Some of the highest rates of depression and anxiety are reported amongst construction workers, and a paradigm shift is imperative for the industry to realise that psychological wellbeing is just as important as physical wellbeing, according to the Nelson Mandela University.

“The construction industry is among the most accident-prone industries, and among the leading industries with the highest rates of depression and anxiety compared to other industries,” said Dr Mohlomi Raliile and Prof. John Smallwood.

They said that it was also among the leading industries with the highest prevalence of suicide amongst its workforce, at 52.5 per 100,000 for men in contrast to 19.4 per 100,000 for the general male population.

“While this is the case, the focus has primarily been on safety and physical wellbeing.

“Although it is unclear what causes mental ill health among the construction workforce, it is evident that it is triggered by several stressors occurring both at work and outside the workplace environment,” they said in a statement.

The theme for Mental World Health Day earlier this month was: “It is Time to Prioritise Mental Health in the Workplace.”

The two academics said that despite the industry’s inherent demands and challenges, there was a notable lack of systematic understanding and targeted interventions to address mental health issues in the South Africa’s construction industry.

“External factors may result from social, political and economic factors that affect organisational homeostasis, while micro factors could result from poor organisational culture, conflicting role demands, role pressures, trauma, life changes, work overload/underload, job uncertainty, payments, cash flow, lack of work-life balance and personal issues,” they said.

Stress factors were economic, social, work overload and personal issues that could all impact mental health.

“Despite the unknown risk factors, the pathomechanism of mental ill health is intricate and still not fully understood, as it involves a combination of generic, biological and environmental factors,” Smallwood and Raliile said.

Although the percentage of those affected by depression in the construction sector were unknown, they said statistics estimated that one in six people in South Africa suffered from depression, anxiety and substance abuse.

However, it was still important to speak about the issues of mental health in the industry.

“This requires a shift in culture, and a collaborative effort between the employer, the workers, the public and primary health practitioners. Some of the immediate solutions could be achieved through mental health literacy and identification of symptoms in the form of stressors in the workplace,” the academics said.

Financial management programmes and employee assistant programmes could also be drawn up to educate workers struggling with mental health issues.

October is both Careers in Construction Month and Mental Health Awareness Month.

INSIDE EDUCATION

By Johnathan Paoli

Parliament’s Basic Education Portfolio Committee has urged provincial education departments to reconsider plans to reduce teacher numbers in response to budget cuts, emphasising the need to prioritise student outcomes over fiscal constraints.

During a meeting with representatives from the Northern Cape and Western Cape education departments, the committee expressed serious concerns following a recent oversight visit to the provinces.

Committee chair Joy Maimela highlighted on Tuesday that senior officials, including heads of departments and MECs, were absent during the visits, which limited the committee’s ability to address pressing issues at that time.

The Western Cape has announced that it will reduce its educator workforce by 2407 positions, primarily affecting contract teachers whose contracts will not be renewed.

However, the department reassured the committee that no permanent educators would be retrenched.

Instead, a skills matching exercise would be implemented to accommodate those affected.

Maimela raised alarms about the potential consequences of such reductions, particularly the anticipated rise in the learner-to-teacher ratio.

“We are concerned that a greater focus is being placed on budget rather than on our learners,” she said.

The committee also requested detailed information on which schools and subjects would be impacted by these cuts.

In response to the committee’s concerns, the Northern Cape confirmed there would be no loss of teaching posts for 663 teachers not covered by the current budget.

A consensus was reached to explore alternative cost-cutting measures, such as the cancellation of non-essential projects, to preserve teaching positions.

Further discussions included the committee’s commitment to promoting social cohesion and addressing issues of racism within schools.

Maimela emphasised the importance of inclusivity in education, pointing out that language policies and application formed in certain schools were exclusionary, particularly those available only in Afrikaans.

The committee also sought clarity on the late placement of learners within the Western Cape, as conflicting reports had emerged during prior oversight visits.

Other critical issues discussed included the availability of textbooks in schools and the impact of high municipal accounts on education budgets.

“Not all issues raised were fully addressed, and we will send follow up questions to ensure our oversight responsibilities are met,” Maimela said.

She said the committee remained committed to advocating for the educational needs of students and ensuring that budgetary constraints did not compromise the quality of education provided.

INSIDE EDUCATION

By Johnathan Paoli

The protest march against the Basic Education Laws Amendment (Bela) Act scheduled for early next month is now expected to proceed to Freedom Park in Pretoria, following a successful appeal to Sports, Arts and Culture Minister Gayton McKenzie.

Initially, the management of the national heritage site denied access for the march, but after intervention from chairperson of the Solidarity Movement, Flip Buys, permission was granted.

The march, organised by the Solidarity Movement, AfriForum, and the Support Centre for Schools, aims to protest against contentious sections of the Bela legislation that alter language and admissions policies in schools.

Marchers will gather at the Voortrekker Monument on 5 November and proceed to Freedom Park to deliver a memorandum to the Presidency and the Government of National Unity.

Buys expressed his gratitude to the minister on Tuesday for his quick response.

“Political resistance to our fight against Bela is nothing new and we naturally expected challenges leading up to this march. We are pleased that the minister has responded positively to our call for peaceful protest, as is our constitutional right,” Buys said in a statement.

He said the protest route, known as “Reconciliation Road,” symbolised the unity and diversity of the groups involved.

Thousands have already registered to participate in the march, which has garnered support from a broad coalition of organisations, political parties and concerned parents advocating for the preservation of mother tongue education.

Buys emphasised the significance of the diverse support for the protest, indicating that resistance to the legislation was more widespread than authorities might believe.

“We will continue to negotiate on this important matter, but it is crucial for the government to see the broad base of support behind our cause,” he said.

The protest is expected to draw significant attention and underscores the discontent over education policies perceived as undermining local governance in schools.

INSIDE EDUCATION

By Johannah Malogadihlare

Heavy rain has damaged 30 schools in the Bohlabela education district in Mpumalanga. The storms also claimed the lives of four people and injured 40 people.

While the Basic Education Department said on X that learners from Godide High School in Bushbuckridge had to write their matric exams in a church hall, the department’s Elijah Mhlanga denied that classrooms used for exams were damaged.

“Exams were not disrupted, classrooms [were] not damaged [and] were used for exams,” he told Inside Education.

He also said no Grade 12 learners were hurt in the storms.

More than 30 schools were reported to be damaged between Sunday and Monday, with 10 high schools severely damaged as a result of the rain and wind.

Basic Education Minister Dr Reginah Mhaule said Monday’s exams went on as planned despite the damage caused.

“The classrooms of the lower grades, which had not been affected, were used in some schools but most of all, we appreciate the kind of gesture of our churches who have offered their buildings to be used for exam purposes,” Mhaule said.

Meanwhile, the rainfall also damaged houses in the district’s villages.

Bohlabela also experienced power supply cuts and some of its roads were inaccessible.

“An assessment of the damage will be conducted, but it could be hampered by the persistent rain,” said Mhlanga.

“We will work with other government departments and local government to continue to monitor the situation and support affected families,” said Mhaule

The deputy minister urged communities to report any damage and pay attention to weather warnings.

INSIDE EDUCATION

By Edwin Naidu

South Africa talks the talk when it comes to upholding the Constitution and rule of law.

But it seems that only a few unheralded citizens walk the talk. Many others whose fingers have been caught in the cookie jar parade as arbiters of justice.

Former Constitutional Court Justice Edwin Cameron did not hide the details around the powerful persona of rogue rapist Thabo Bester during his imprisonment in Mangaung.

While Correctional Services never divulged much on anything, the former inspecting judge, Cameron, shared details about goings-on in a parliamentary briefing, explaining how powerful Bester had been before bars. 

Democracy is better served when leaders like Cameron don’t shy away from the truth. South Africans in power could learn from this man.

Those in the ivory towers of learning should take a leaf from his book. Chancellors of tertiary institutions usually act in a ceremonial role, endorsing the institution’s they are appointed to watch over, without any power.

Cameron, who is the Chancellor of Stellenbosch University, is cognizant of this. However, in pursuit of the truth, he has always been committed to openness in the public interest.

Hence his decision to take the legal route to allow the courts to decide on governance breaches by the leadership of Stellenbosch University.

On the surface, it seems as if they certainly operate as in the old South Africa, unphased by criticism, unbothered by the lack of diversity, and no repercussions for former vice-chancellor Prof. Wim de Villiers who was in the news last year for nepotism. A little rap on the knuckles was all he got.

At the weekend, Cameron’s affidavit around the controversies at the university’s Wilgenhof Residence claims that de Villiers and chairperson of council, Nicky Newton-King, changed the contents of an independent investigation into alleged misdeeds at the residence.

Cameron’s affidavit exposes serious governance issues claiming that De Villiers and Newton-King fraudulently conspired to change the content into alleged misdeeds at the Wilgenhof men’s residence, and withheld information about the changes from the university’s council when it took a decision on the way forward.

Just some of the misdeeds reportedly include so-called punishment rooms and photographs of initiations practices dating back many years ago

Newton-King, a former CEO of the JSE, should have known better than be linked to a decision to doctor a report. This is a public institution. What would people have to say about her commitment to governance and ethics. She ought to stand down.

At the very least she ought to have read De Villiers the riot act, instead of enabling him to do as he pleased.

The Minister of Higher Education and Training, Dr Nobuhle Nkabane, who is currently in Brazil, needs to intervene over another lapse in governance at Stellenbosch.

While Cameroon says a court must decide on the merits of the report, the minister must lay down the rules as part of the regulations for universities to ensure governance is strengthened.

Universities, like Stellenbosch, pay lip-service to governance, and in fact, transformation is masked by the strategic appointments of people beyond reproach like Prof. Thuli Madonsela and Prof. Jonathan Jansen.

They have several key senior Black academics on the staff. But the decision-making around this debacle suggests that the “old white boys and girls” club is strong at Stellenbosch.

One need not look further than their communications team – they cannot find black professionals to sell the voice of the university. I was appalled that they appointed a hospital medical spokesman as head of communications. Perhaps, that is why it is easy to doctor the narrative.

While there is some excellent research coming out of the institution, and unless I’m mistaken, Stellenbosch University seems like a sick place. 

Edwin Naidu is Editor of Inside Education.

INSIDE EDUCATION

By Johnathan Paoli

The 2024 St David’s Marist Inanda Hoops Classic Challenge wrapped up on Sunday evening, marking what many are calling the most successful event in its seven-year history.

Despite interruptions from heavy rain cloud cover, the festival culminated in exciting basketball finals that showcased the skills of young athletes from across the region.

In a thrilling first-ever U12 final, St Peter’s Boys Prep School emerged victorious against The Ridge.

While Saheti School secured third place.

The U15 final featured the host team, St David’s, battling it out against St Alban’s in a nail-biting contest.

After an hour-long weather delay, St David’s edged out St Alban’s 35-33, maintaining their unbeaten streak throughout the tournament.

Lelentle Nthlokwa of St David’s was awarded the U15 Most Valuable Player (MVP) for his outstanding performance, including leading in steals and rebounds.

The U19 championship showcased St Stithians College and St John’s in an electrifying match before a capacity crowd.

St Stithians triumphed 35-25, with Benedict Agammouh earning the U19 MVP title after scoring the most points in the tournament.

At the post-tournament prize giving ceremony, individual accolades were awarded, celebrating exceptional performances across the board.

As the curtain fell on this year’s challenge, all eyes are now on next year’s event, where young athletes will again gather to showcase their talents and foster a spirit of sportsmanship.

With a rich mix of competition, camaraderie, and community, the event continues to be a cornerstone of youth sports in Johannesburg.

INSIDE EDUCATION

By Johnathan Paoli

Tensions are growing amongst unions over the Basic Education Laws Amendment (Bela) Act, with the new conflict resolution unit of the Government of National Unity set to sit for a third time this week to iron out difference, including those in the contentious legislation.

In some of the latest developments, over 50 Afrikaans organisations and more than 70 schools have declared that they will gather at Freedom Park in Pretoria, despite the venue application being rejected.

They are opposed to two clauses in the Bill that limit the decision-making powers of school governing bodies on admissions and language policies.

This weekend, the SA Democratic Teachers’ Union,which represents over two-thirds of educators in the country, warned that that progressive laws could not “be at the mercy of the DA and its deployee, the Minister of Basic Education”.

It demanded that the outstanding two clauses be signed into law now.

“We… call upon the Minister of Basic Education, MECs and the Department of Education, School Governing Bodies and school management to implement the signed Act in its entirety… with immediate effect. The suspension of the clauses was unlawful and must just be ignored. 

“Admission policies and language were used to deny many to access some schools. They cannot be allowed to continue 30 years post the democratic breakthrough,” said Satdtu’s secretariat.

“We call upon Cosas (Congress of SA Students) and all progressive organisations to stand firm on the Act and prepare for a mother of all battles against white supremacy in this country.”

Trade union Solidarity and civil rights group AfriForumhave been at the forefront of fighting the legislation.

Asked for comment on Tuesday, Solidarity CEO Dirk Hermann told Inside Education that there were different negotiation processes.

“The first is at Nedlac between Solidarity, the Department of Basic Education and the Presidency. It will continue next week. The second is within the Government of National Unity, and it will resume this coming Wednesday,” Hermann said.

“The third is negotiations between the Solidarity Movement and the various political parties of the Government of National Unity. This will continue for the next two weeks. On 5 November, there is a massive march against Bela from the Voortrekker Monument to Freedom Park. Tensions are building from all sides as the three-month period expires on 13 December.”

Solidarity has called on Sports, Arts and Culture Minister Gayton McKenzie to intervene and ask Freedom Park to reconsider its decision.

As preparations for the protest continue, both sides are poised for a critical moment in South Africa’s educational landscape, with the outcome likely to shape future policies and community relations.

INSIDE EDUCATION

By Lungile Ntimba 

South African Young Academy of Science (SAYAS) has expanded its expertise by enlisting biomedical sciences lecturer Caitlin Uren into its ranks.

SAYAS was founded in 2011 and it aims to be the voice of young scientists across the country, fostering opportunities to influence policy decisions, promoting science awareness and engaging in educational activities for research and development. 

Caitlen Uren, who is a lecturer at Stellenbosch University, regarded her SAYAS membership as an opportunity to play a broader role in improving communities.

Uren is currently conducting research on tuberculosis (TB) pharmacokinetics with an aim to improve treatment outcomes in patients across Africa.

“In addition to my pharmacokinetics work, we are also interested in quantifying latent TB infection in the Northern Cape with the goal of better understanding the genetic and non-genetic factors that lead to progression from latent TB infection to active TB infection.

“Associated with that, we are running a training and outreach initiative in the area on general TB awareness, understanding the signs and symptoms of TB, risk factors, TB diagnostics and TB treatment,” she said.

The university said other outreach events in the province included meetings with high school students on Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) subjects leading up to tertiary education.

Uren said practical activities were arranged to get students interested in biological sciences.

“Genetics is quite a broad field, but no matter what aspect of genetics you are looking into, you are likely to either directly or indirectly positively influence an individual’s life.

“It is this potential to benefit an individual or society that attracted me to genetics,” she added.

Uren emphasised that Africa was under-represented in biomedical and in pharmacokinetics research particularly, to the extent that the continent had been disadvantaged.

“There is therefore room for improvement – not only in terms of the extent and breadth of research in the are – but in the capacity for us to help patients achieve a positive treatment outcome without any serious adverse side-effects. I think it’s an area that can have the greatest impact,” she said.

INSIDE EDUCATION