By Nkhensani Chauke 

Gauteng education MEC Matome Chiloane says he is seriously concerned about the suspected food poisoning of children in the province, following 25 learners falling ill after consuming snacks purchased from vendors outside MshuluzaneMayisela Primary School in Zithobeni, Bronkhorstspruit, on Thursday.

The incident was reported after the learners came down with stomach cramps and were itchy just 30 minutes after consuming the snacks.

Department spokesperson Steve Mabona said emergency services transported the learners to medical facilities for treatment.

“Two learners were taken to private medical facilities by their parents, and one learner remains at Zithobeni Clinic, where they are still under medical observation. The condition of the remaining learner is being closely monitored,” he said

Mabona said the law enforcement and health officials would investigate the incident to determine the safety of the products sold by vendors, and to ensure that it did not happen again.

The MEC has stressed on the importance of ensuring that learners only consume safe food.

“We urge parents, guardians and schools to be vigilant. Our priority is the health and safety of our children, and we wish the affected learners a full and speedy recovery,” he said in a statement.

There have been a number of suspected food poisoning of children in Gauteng in recent months. Six friends, who were in primary school, died in Naledi in Soweto after purchasing chips from a spaza shop.

And a couple of days ago, a suspected food poisoning incident involving 47 learners

from Rapelego Primary School in New Eersterust, Hammanskraal, prompted medical attention across multiple hospitals in the area.

Inside Education

By Johnathan Paoli

Premier Thamsanqa Ntuli has expressed confidence and determination over the readiness of KwaZulu-Natal for the upcoming 2024 National Senior Certificate (NSC) examinations.

With just days to go before the exams commence, the province is prepared to support 172,433 full-time and 34,986 part-time candidates as they approach this critical milestone in their education.

During his address on Thursday in Durban, Ntuliemphasised the significance of the exams, saying they not only represented a test of knowledge, but were a culmination of years of hard work and the aspirations of families across the province.

“As our learners prepare to sit behind the desk, they will be carrying the dreams, hopes and prayers of entire families,” he said.

The premier expressed his confidence in the education department led by MEC Sipho Hlomuka.

“We can say with no hesitation that our province is combat-ready to administer the 2024 NSC examinations,” Ntuli said.

He attributed this readiness to the meticulous planning and groundwork laid throughout the academic year, building on the successes of the Class of 2023, which achieved a pass rate of 86%, making KZN the second-best performing province in the country.

To improve upon last year’s results, the department developed a comprehensive 2024 academic improvement plan, aiming for a minimum pass rate of 90%.

This involved tailored strategies from each of the province’s 12 districts, particularly targeting schools that previously scored below 40%.

Ntuli highlighted various initiatives undertaken to prepare learners, including a winter classes programme that ran from late June to early July, accommodating nearly 99,000 learners across 1,001 centres.

These sessions focused on curriculum coverage, revision and effective study methods.

Furthermore, additional support has been provided through weekend tuition sessions and spring boot camps targeting subjects where learners historically faced challenges.

Ntuli said the department has also conducted monitoring visits to ensure that the academic improvement plan was effectively implemented in all districts.

In discussing the logistics of the examination process, Ntuli outlined the scale of the operation: 120 question papers will be printed, totalling around 30 million copies, and 27 morning and 27 afternoon sessions will take place across various examination centres.

The distribution of materials will occur through 13 nodal points and 103 collection centres. Marking is set to commence at the beginning of December.

Emphasising the importance of integrity in the examination process, Ntuli assured that stringent measures were in place to prevent irregularities, including inspections of printing facilities.

He also announced that all matriculants would sign a pledge on Friday, committing to uphold the credibility of the examination process.

Ntuli expressed his gratitude to educators, parents and all stakeholders for their dedication and support leading up to the exams.

He acknowledged the collaborative efforts of the provincial legislature and the Basic Education Department and concluded with a message of encouragement for the Class of 2024.

“Do your best and you will certainly deliver the best performance in the 2024 NSC examination,” the premier said.

INSIDE EDUCATION

By Johnathan Paoli

The Standing Committee on Public Accounts (Scopa) has voiced its disappointment regarding the National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS) and its ongoing challenges in providing complete financial statements to Parliament.

This issue has persisted for several years, with significant delays attributed to poor compliance from universities and TVET colleges.

Higher Education Minister Nobuhle Nkabane has highlighted that only 50 out of 76 institutions submitted the necessary information for the 2023 academic year, further delaying NSFAS’s annual report.

Nkabane emphasised her intention to penalise institutions that failed to provide critical data.

“I’m going to write to universities and TVET institutions and advise them that I intend to impose penalties on those who withhold critical data from NSFAS,” she saidon Tuesday.

The financial health of the NSFAS has come under scrutiny, especially amid a backdrop of escalating costs related to private student accommodation.

Nkabane noted that the government currently spentapproximately R20 billion annually on private accommodation, a figure deemed unsustainable given budget constraints.

“We need to come up with a strategy or review our model regarding private student accommodation,” she said.

The NSFAS’s 2022/23 financial report is expected to be tabled in Parliament a year later than mandated, while the 2023/24 report is due to be submitted to the Auditor-General by the end of October.

NSFAS administrator Freeman Nomvalo assured that next year’s financial report would be on time.

“The biggest part of the preparation will be completed by December 2023,” he said.

The meeting also addressed ongoing investigations by the Special Investigating Unit (SIU) into corruption and maladministration within higher education institutions.

The SIU has reportedly recovered R857 million as a result of these investigations, with R477 million returned directly to the NSFAS.

The recouped capital largely relates to unallocated funds linked to students who either changed institutions or deregistered.

Despite some improvements, including the termination of staff implicated in misconduct, Scopa members expressed concern over systemic inefficiencies within the scheme.

Nkabane expressed her doubts about functionality, referencing issues such as deceased learners receiving benefits and discrepancies in identity number registrations.

The briefing highlighted that NSFAS had met only nine out of its 39 performance targets, raising alarm among committee members.

The fund’s adverse audit findings were primarily due to issues like double dipping, students funded for multiple institutions simultaneously and lapses in data submission.

In an effort to enhance oversight, Nkabane announced plans to appoint a new NSFAS board and establish regional offices in KwaZulu-Natal, Gauteng, and the Eastern Cape, along with mobile offices at various higher education institutions.

As the country grapples with high youth unemployment rates, the full functionality of NSFAS is seen as crucial to fostering a skilled workforce capable of driving economic growth.

The ongoing challenges, however, cast a shadow over the scheme’s ability to fulfill its mandate.

The minister concluded by reiterating the importance of a stable NSFAS.

“A stable NSF will produce a labour force with critical skills to assist our economic growth and help us become a capable developmental state,” she said.

With pressure mounting from both Parliament and the public, the NSFAS faces an uphill battle to restore confidence in its operations and ensure that the vital financial aid reaches the students who need it most.

INSIDE EDUCATION

By Johnathan Paoli

A suspected food poisoning incident involving 47 primary school learners from Rapelego Primary School in New Eersterust, Hammanskraal, has prompted medical attention across multiple hospitals in the area.

Gauteng health department spokesperson Motalatale Modiba confirmed that the children, aged between 9 and 14, received treatment at Jubilee Hospital, Odi Hospital, Tshwane District Hospital and Dr George Mukhari Academic Hospital.

The majority of the affected learners were discharged from the hospitals by Tuesday.

However, as of the latest updates, four children remain hospitalised, with one receiving care at a private facility.

The incident reportedly began when Grade 5 learners consumed chocolates that were purchased from another student.

While the chocolates had an expiry date of June 2024, the consumption led to gastrointestinal distress among the children, with some also experiencing breathing difficulties.

In response to the incident, Modiba has issued a public advisory emphasising the importance of food safety.

He urged parents and caregivers to be vigilant about the proper handling of both perishable and non-perishable food items.

“While the chocolates may have appeared safe due to their expiry date, it is crucial to remember that expired food should not be consumed, regardless of its appearance,” Modiba said.

He highlighted the significance of hand hygiene, advising the public to wash hands thoroughly before handling food and after using the bathroom to prevent cross-contamination.

As investigations continue into the circumstances surrounding this incident, health officials are urging the community to remain cautious and proactive about food safety practices.

Modiba said his department was monitoring the health of the remaining learners and has committed to providing further updates as necessary.

There have been a number of suspected food poisoning of children in Gauteng in recent months. Six friends, who were in primary school, died in Naledi in Soweto after purchasing chips from a spaza shop.

Five of them were buried last week, and the sixth child, seven-year-old Katleho Olifant who later died in hospital, will be buried over the weekend.

The government is still attempting to get a handle on all the cases.

Basic Education Minister Siviwe Gwarube said last week that she had received briefings from provinces regarding the food poisonings, and the incidents appeared to be isolated.

While her counterpart in The Presidency, Khumbudzo Ntshavheni called on South Africans to stop supporting spaza shops owned illegally by foreigners who she accused of selling poisonous food that claimed the lives of innocent children.

INSIDE EDUCATION

By Johnathan Paoli

There are significant operational challenges in the National Skills Fund (NSF), according to the Higher Education and Training Department.

Briefing the Standing Committee on Public Accounts (Scopa), the department said they included issues around administration and skills development.

While Scopa chair Songezo Zibi welcomed the presentations from Higher Education Minister Nobuhle Nkabane and director-general Nkosinathi Sishi on the NSF’s latest annual rep[ort, he said cooperation was essential to address the challenges plaguing the fund.

The NSF, which has been probed by the Special Investigating Unit, only achieved nine of the 39 performance indicators for the year.

“It is important for us to work together over the next few years, to get to a point where the department and entities facilitate millions more going through the Post-School Education and Training (PSET) sector, that they are skilled and employed, in order to contribute to the economy of the country,” Zibi said.

Sishi told the meeting that performance across its three key programmes was uneven, with three out of 12 indicators met for administration, only one out of 24 achieved in terms of skills development funding, and 5 out 13 indicators were reached for PSET system improvement funding.

He said the challenges were largely attributed to inadequate integrated systems, capacity constraints and delays in project approvals.

In terms of financial highlights, Sishi said the NSF reported a revenue of R4.484 billion, which was slightly below budget expectations by 1.3%.

Expenditure saw a significant 51% increase, primarily driven by new initiatives in work-integrated learning and artisan development.

However, the NSF underspent on its budget, with skills development expenditure totalling R1.784 billion, which was 68% below the planned R4.9 billion.

Sishi explained that the underspending was linked to delays in project approvals and contracting processes.

The accumulated surplus increased by 26.79% to R3.2 billion, reflecting underutilised funds.

Sishi said that despite the glaring problems, the NSF remained committed to optimising its financial resources to better fund its programmes.

In relation to governance and compliance, the DG confirmed that the NSF maintained a qualified audit opinion with a notable reduction in material findings compared to previous years.

However, he said following the audit, there had been no new reports of irregular or fruitless expenditure.

He said the fund had implemented a comprehensive audit action plan to enhance operational effectiveness and address prior findings.

Despite these efforts, capacity constraints and insufficient project monitoring remained issues, prompting the NSF to focus on critical appointments and improved project management.

The DG said the NSF had established a structured approach to managing employee misconduct, with procedures in place for investigations and disciplinary actions.

Some past offences included a refund of R486,115 related to fruitless and wasteful expenditure, and ongoing disciplinary actions against three officials, with hearings scheduled for the end of the month.

In addition, Sishi said forensic investigations revealed significant financial irregularities, leading to the suspension of several officials and a concurrent criminal investigation by the Hawks, which was still ongoing.

The report underscored the urgent need for capacity improvements and more efficient processes in skills development initiatives.

While revenue and surplus figures showed positive growth, Sishi admitted that the organisation faced ongoing challenges that must be addressed to fulfill its mandate effectively.

“With a focus on enhancing compliance and operational efficiency, the NSF is working towards a more robust framework for skills development across the country,” he said.

The minister echoed the sentiment and said she remained determined to turn the NSF around.

“We are committed to ensuring accountability and transparency in the NSF, thus my priority revolves around accountability on all levels,” Nkabane said.

The minister said both her department and NSF were actively establishing more effective corrective measures and capacity building to enhance its efficiency in supporting skills development.

INSIDE EDUCATION

By Johnathan Paoli

It is full steam ahead this week as the education department wraps up its preparations for the National Senior Certificate (NSC) exams, with matric learners telling Inside Education they are living in suspense.

Arguably the most important exams they have faced so far, Grade 12 learners will write their finals from Monday to 27 November.

According to the Basic Education Department, it is prepared for the exams and aims to surpass last year’s 82.9% pass rate.

A total of 727,121 full-time and 155,215 part-time candidates are registered to write.

Education officials are focused on ensuring that the security of the 162 approved exam question papers, assigning 55,053 markers to oversee assessments across 6,334 public schools and 575 independent centres.

“We are confident that we have implemented effective strategies to support our learners, especially given the disruptions caused by the Covid-19 pandemic,” Basic Education Minister Siviwe Gwarube recently told a portfolio committee meeting.

On Friday, Umalusi, which is the quality assurance body overseeing the exams, approved the writing of the end of year examinations. It has confirmed that all question papers have been moderated and approved, while emphasising the importance of maintaining integrity throughout the examination process.

This week will see matric learners signing pledges to uphold the NSC examination Code of Conduct across the country, while provinces like KwaZulu-Natal will hold a “prayer weekend”. Faith-based organisations and churches have been requested by the provincial education department to pray for the Class of 2024 and matric learners have been asked to attend services in their school uniform.

Amidst all the preparations and ceremonies, the atmosphere among pupils is a mix of excitement and anxiety. Learners from various schools have shared their experiences and strategies for tackling the exams.

Gomolemo Kadiege from Bokamoso Secondary School in Tembisa expressed her apprehension.

“I’m actually not ready for the exams; I’m scared,” she told Inside Education.

Despite developing a structured study timetable, she said found the workload daunting, but hoped to pursue mechanical engineering while gaining work experience.

In contrast, Nkhensani Khosa from Kaalfontein Secondary School in Ebony Park exuded confidence.

“Yes, I am ready,” she said.

Khosa said she had engaged in extra classes and effectively managed her time, aspiring to continue her education at a tertiary institution.

Sizwe Khumalo from Illinge High School in Vosloorus shared his readiness, emphasising the importance of utilising previous question papers and seeking help from teachers.

“I have found that some topics I do not understand clearly,” he said.

His goal is to study firefighting at a private college.

Khumalo’s fellow pupil, Ntokozo Mashego views the exams as “a key to my future,” having established a focused study routine.

While learners like Musa Shebangu and Betty Bongusa have expressed their  determination to achieve their goals, highlighting the support they received from peers and teachers.

Their aim is successful matric results that will open doors to further education or immediate employment.

With diverse experiences and ambitions, these learners are not only preparing for exams, but are also laying the groundwork for their future careers.

With preparations in full swing, the Basic Education Department remains committed to creating a credible examination environment, ensuring every learner is supported as they navigate this critical phase of their education.

INSIDE EDUCATION

By Johnathan Paoli

The Gauteng education department is gearing up for the 2024 National Senior Certificate (NSC) exams, which are starting in a week’s time.

Education MEC Matome Chiloane told reporters on Monday that the department had implemented a range of support systems and security measures to assist candidates.

Speaking at Edenvale Secondary School, he said his department’s focus was on ensuring the exams were conducted with credibility, integrity and efficiency.

A total of 189,693 candidates are registered for this year’s exams, which is a slight decrease of 0.78% from 2023.

This includes 136,051 full-time and 53,642 part-time/repeater candidates. The department has set up 1035 exam centres, including 669 public ones.

Chiloane said that in light of the Class of 2023 performing commendably, achieving an 85.4% pass rate and the highest number of Bachelor passes since 1996, this positive trend was expected to continue.

He said stringent measures had been introduced to prevent cheating, including the use of advanced scanners and the banning of cellphones and smart devices during exams.

“Disruptive behaviour can lead to immediate removal from the examination, while dishonesty could result in nullified results and a ban from future exams. Candidates are required to sign a pledge committing to uphold the NSC Examination Code of
Conduct,” the MEC said.

A pledge ceremony led by the MEC is scheduled for Friday.

He said that throughout the year, the Secondary School Improvement Programme has provided extra tutoring and lessons for matriculants. It has included residential camps and partnerships with educational organisations like Sci-Bono, which enhances learning through innovative technologies.

The MEC confirmed that his department was opening registrations for candidates wishing to rewrite subjects in the June 2025 examinations, with applications closing on 7 February next year.

Chiloane also gave an update on the 2025 online admission placements for Grade 1 and Grade 8 learners, which began last month.

A total of 199,492 applicants have been placed, accounting for approximately 61.22% of total applicants with complete applications.

Specifically, 103,446 Grade 1 learners and 96,046 Grade 8 learners have secured placements.

Despite this progress, there are still 126,366 unplaced applicants; with 53,960 for Grade 1 and 72,406 for Grade 8.

Chiloane said the department was actively managing high-demand schools, where some have already reached full capacity.

“The department is committed to expanding school infrastructure, having approved the construction of nearly 3800 additional classrooms over the past five years,” he said.

He said an online platform would open on 11 December for late and incomplete applications.

INSIDE EDUCATION

By Johnathan Paoli

In an exciting finale to the 2024 CAF African Schools Football Championship, South Africa emerged victorious in both the boys’ and girls’ categories, securing their spots at the upcoming continental finals.

The tournament, which was held over the weekend, saw the country solidify its remarkable record. The finals were also a qualifying match for the Council of Southern Africa Football Associations.

In the boys’ final, South Africa faced a tense battle against Zambia, which ended in a 1-1 draw after regulation time.

The match, hosted in Walvis Bay, Namibia, proceeded to penalties, where South Africa emerged victorious, winning 4-2.

The girls’ final featured a thrilling clash against Malawi.

Despite an early goal from Malawi’s Rejoice Silungwe, South Africa quickly responded, with competition top scorer Leonay Kock netting two goals and Lethuthando Mthembu adding another, leading to a 3-1 victory.

This win not only retained their title, but also highlighted the country’s resilience, having conceded their first goal of the tournament.

This achievement marks the third consecutive year that South Africa has claimed both titles.

Earlier this year, the girls’ team also secured the African championship in Zanzibar, further emphasising their status as a powerhouse in school-level football.

Zambia’s Tenani Simfukwe was honoured as the Player of the Tournament for the Boys competition, while Malawi’s Okester Kanyenda took home the Golden Boot for scoring four goals.

Zambia’s William Zulu earned the Golden Glove for his outstanding goalkeeping, while South Africa was recognised with the Fair Play award.

In the girls’ competition, Kock not only won the Golden Boot for her impressive tally of 11 goals, but also claimed the Player of the Tournament award.

Mia Heneke from South Africa was named the tournament’s best goalkeeper, contributing significantly to her team’s defensive strength.

Gauteng education MEC Matome Chiloane welcomed the wins on Monday, expressing pride at the country’s top school footballers.

“I am beyond proud of these young athletes for their determination and spirit. South Africa’s future in sport is in great hands. Congratulations, Team SA!” Chiloane said.

INSIDE EDUCATION

By Edwin Naidu

Gauteng education MEC Matome Chiloane must feel like the Grim Reaper. 

Weekly, he expresses sorrow over the death of one learner too many. 

Throughout 2024, children have perished in horrific vehicle accidents and incidents of suicide, and currently six children have succumbed to suspected food poisoning. 

Inevitably, Chiloane is the bearer of bad news. 

The deaths of children under a democratic system, which is meant to nurture and ensure a better life for all, shows that for all the beautiful words and subscription to international conventions, it means nothing without delivery. 

On Sunday, a Grade 1 learner from Karabo Primary School, who had been recovering in ICU following the tragic suspected food poisoning incident in Naledi, Soweto, a week before, died. On the same day, there was the mass funeral of the five other learners who lost their lives in the same suspected food poisoning incident.

As expected, Chiloane conveyed sympathies to the family and school community. How does one explain to these parents what happened to their children? It should not end with Chiloane. 

The Bill of Rights, Section 28, outlines children’s rights, including access to food, shelter and healthcare. The child standing at the robot shows that this promise is not being honoured.  

Children are entitled to be protected from abuse, neglect, maltreatment and degradation. Ongoing abuse of children, rapes and murders show failure in this regard too. 

South Africa’s leaders are failing to meet the promises in the Constitution. A severe lack of accountability seems to match the corruption rot rooted in South Africa.

It does not help when the justice system allows frivolous corruption cases to be challenged for years without crooked people being put behind bars. 

When the authorities find nothing wrong with a president keeping money under the mattress in contravention of exchange control regulations, one cannot believe in justice for all.

The crooked and corrupt seem to have a licence to chill with someone as ineffective at the helm as ShamilaBatohi, the National Director of Public Prosecutions. And we haven’t started on the former president’s legal shenanigans driven by everyone’s favourite blustering advocate who blows hot air but never wins cases. 

Therefore, one has no faith in empty words on paper when the crooks escape without impunity while children are dying in our beloved country. 

To his credit, Chiloane cannot do more than issue statements with crocodile tears. But at least he cares, shows empathy, and sometimes gets lawyers to probe incidents of wrongdoing in the schooling system. He gets things done. 

But when children die, it becomes a national problem. As the custodian of all South Africans, by design, not necessarily choice, it is incumbent on President Cyril Ramaphosa to find out why children get a raw deal in South Africa. What is the government doing to honour its commitments in respect of children in the Constitution?

Under the fiery Barney Pityana and committed Jody Kollapen, the South African Human Rights Commission took steps to monitor government delivery on human rights. Unfortunately, their departure has weakened the human rights policing of government in South Africa. 

With human wrongs dominating society, one would have expected the commission to visit Naledi and establish why children are dying.

It has a children’s unit, and Unicef funds its website. Still,all the feel-good stuff is public relations when the body established to support constitutional democracy does notbreak its silence when children are dying. 

While the victims of crime transcend race, most children killed in taxi accidents, through food poisoning, falling into pit latrine toilets, drowning in drains, and the list can go on, are Black. What is the government doing? 

One cannot help but feel that the lives of Black children do not matter. 

Edwin Naidu is the Editor of Inside Education.

INSIDE EDUCATION

By Johnathan Paoli

The guidelines to help matric learners prepare for the National Senior Certificate (NSC) can be accessed here.

The booklet by the Basic Education Department and the Second Chance Matric Support Programme outlines the exam timetable and offers strategic guidance for students facing their final assessments.

By familiarising themselves with this information, learners can mentally prepare for the challenges ahead.

It stresses the importance of developing both a broad study plan and targeted preparations for each individual paper.

Also, after recognising a previous trend where learners struggled with source-based questions, the guidelines provide practice strategies and tips for managing exam day effectively.

As the prospective matriculants embark on this important journey, the recommendations stand as a vital tool to guide them towards success in their upcoming exams,

https://insideeducation.co.za/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/Matric-guidline-2024.pdf

INSIDE EDUCATION