By Lungile Ntimba 

Matric learners who are feeling overwhelmed as they prepare for their final exams have been urged to reach out to their teachers and schools for support.

Western Cape Education MEC David Maynier said help was available and the department would do everything it could to support Grade 12 learners.

“We appeal to the public to support our matrics: the countdown to the exams is a stressful period for matric learners, and they need to be given the best possible opportunity to achieve their goals without any added anxiety,” he said in a statement.

“This will also be an anxious time for our matric teachers, who have supported our learners throughout the year. We thank them for the many hours they have put into preparing matric learners for the final stretch.”

The department has arranged various eLearning resources for matriculants preparing for their final exams.

“We collated a variety of eLearning resources specifically for our matrics on our ePortal, including video lessons, past papers, study tips and revision notes.” he said.

Maynier emphasised that over the school holidays, matriculants across the province would be attending Spring School to revise their work and prepare for the exams.

“Matric learners will have the opportunity to attend walk-in classes at their school, or at a hub with learners from several schools attending. The Eden and Central Karoo and West Coast Education Districts will also host residential camps for some of their learners,” he said.

Last year the Western Cape achieved an 81.5% pass rate, which was an increase of 0.1% from the previous year.

By Johnathan Paoli

The administrator of the National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS), Freeman Nomvalo, is confident in the scheme’s transformation and improved operations to assist students in achieving tertiary education.

In an interview with Inside Education, following the launch of the NSFAS Online Application platform for 2025 last week, Nomvalo addressed concerns over the functioning of the scheme.

Nomvalo said that pending any decision’s by Higher Education Minister Nobuhle Nkabane, his job was to ensure that the transition was facilitated smoothly.

He said, through technology, the post-school education and training sector could facilitate the effective access to education.

“It’s absolutely critical, and now it’s creating access to students who come from disadvantaged backgrounds to access funding for their education as well as the information that is necessary for them to do so,” he said.

Nomvalo said that the scheme intended to publish information concerning statistics and other concerns to the public on a monthly basis going forward.

On the cancellation of the NSFAS headquarters in Cape Town, where it was paying almost R2 million a month, Nomvalo said things would change.

In light of the need to make the scheme more accessible to students across the country, there was a shift in terms of prioritising the central location of the scheme.

“With the change of operations at NSFAS, we are trying to create accessibility to the students where they are. You do need capacity and access here, so that is the context surrounding that matter,” he said.

This follows Nkabane announcing at the launch that the appointment of the new NSFAS board was nearing completion.

Nkabane said 13 of the 18-member board would be appointed by her, while the remaining five would be selected by board members and the CEO.

She said the application period for board positions has officially closed, with focus now shifting to choosing appropriately qualified candidates.

The minister highlighted the urgent need to acquire skilled individuals to the board and said only candidates with a master’s degree and experience in law, financing, engineering or governance would be considered.

“We want people who are going to bring skills and value to those institutions, and we have upped the bar,” Nkabane said.

The new board is expected to face significant challenges in addressing the scheme’s capacity deficiencies and ensuring effective support for prospective students.

The minister expressed optimism that the appointment of a capable board would assist NSFAS in delivering on its mandate of providing accessible and equitable education.

The NSFAS anticipates over 1,4 million applications for the next academic year.

INSIDE EDUCATION

By Thapelo Molefe

The South African Democratic Teachers’ Union (Sadtu) has condemned the brutal killing of a principal in KwaBhaca in the Eastern Cape and called on communities to ensure that schools are protected.

“As the union, we are extremely concerned about the rising incidents of attacks on teachers in their line of duty. The wanton criminality that is engulfing the country is also rearing its ugly head in our schools, targeting teachers and learners,” Sadtu Eastern Cape secretary Ntame Malibongwe said.

The union held a press conference on Tuesday where it demanded swift action from the police to arrest those who had killed Zakhele Primary School principal Mphakamisi Nciweni.

He was reportedly shot last week, in view of the school community, after a man entered the school premises and demanded a R50,000 “protection fee”, which was refused.

Malibongwe said demands for protection fees were not uncommon.

“Not so long ago, we witnessed attacks on teachers during working hours and had their belongings including cars and cellphones taken from them at gunpoint. As if that was not enough, schools around the Mthatha area were threatened with
violence amid the demands for the so-called protection fee.

“The latest incident of the brutal assassination of Mr Nciweni is another in the lengthy list of violent incidents against teachers,” he said.

Schools were a microcosm of society and what happened in society found expression in schools, Malibongwe said.

“It is against this background that we wish to call on our communities to rise and protect our schools. They are not only protecting schools, but also the future of their children. It is only in a safe and secure environment that effective teaching and learning can take place.”

He appealed to communities, the government and civil society to join Sadtu’s “I am a school fan” campaign which sought to foster a culture of learning and teaching.

INSIDE EDUCATION

By Johnathan Paoli

Sports at schools ensure the opening of doors to would-be professional players at the dawn of their careers, according to Gauteng Education, Sport, Arts, Culture and Recreation MEC Matome Chiloane

“It ensures young players perform at a high level, which is crucial for reaching their potential early on in their development,” the MEC said in a statement this week.

The 2024 Gauteng Schools Wednesday Champions League wrapped up in thrilling fashion at the Muckleneuk Sports Grounds in Mamelodi, with Clapham High School and Jabulile Secondary School successfully defending their crowns in boys’ and girls’ football, respectively.

Chiloane praised the defending champions, as well as the programme in general, emphasising the potential it holds for developing young athletes.

“This is an ambitious programme by the province focused on enhancing the development of school sports in Gauteng,” he said.

Chiloane said the impressive turnout reflected the growing interest and engagement in school sports across Gauteng.

Clapham High School showcased their prowess on the field, retaining their title amidst stiff competition, while Jabulile Secondary School continued their dominance in girls’ football, proving once again why they are a force to be reckoned with in the league.

This year’s tournament introduced netball and volleyball leagues, adding new excitement to the event.

The standout winners in these categories included Moletsane High School from Soweto, which triumphed in netball, and Mpilisweni High School from Katlehong, which took the title in boys’ volleyball.

Lukhanyo High School in Mohlakeng claimed victory in the girls’ volleyball, marking a successful year for these schools.

Each winning team will receive R50,000 worth of attire and sporting equipment as an acknowledgement for their hard work and commitment throughout the tournament.

A total of 44 school teams participated in the champions league, competing in a four-round league format that began in August.

The success of the tournament underscores the vital role of sports in fostering teamwork, discipline and physical fitness among students, paving the way for a bright future in school athletics in the province.

INSIDE EDUCATION

By Johnathan Paoli

A recent study from the University of Cape Town highlights the significant risks posed by climate change to South Africa’s agro-food sector, an industry crucial to the nation yet often overlooked in climate discussions.

Conducted by PhD candidate Koaile Monaheng, the dissertation titled “Climate Risk Disclosure: An Assessment of the South African Agro-Food Sector” reveals a concerning lack of preparedness among companies to address long-term climate impacts.

Monaheng’s research investigates how agro-food companies in the country have integrated climate change risks into their operational strategies.

By focusing on less carbon-intensive sectors that are nonetheless vulnerable to physical climate risks, it offers a new perspective on climate risk assessment.

It introduces a blended climate risk disclosure framework inspired by global standards, including the Carbon Disclosure Project and the Task Force on Climate-Related Financial Disclosures (TFCD).

The findings indicate that while South African agro-food companies demonstrate awareness of climate risks, their reporting on actionable measures remains weak.

Most companies have not met the robust disclosure standards seen in international best practices. Although South African firms recognise their climate risks, the transition from awareness to action is lacking.

“The performance of South African agri-businesses is comparable to international counterparts in climate change disclosure,” Monaheng said.    

“However, the gap between risk recognition and proactive measures is evident. More detail on actions and implementations is essential.”

In terms of TCFD recommendations that outline climate change governance, South African food retailers performed better than agri-businesses. The same pattern followed for both transition risks and physical risks.

Monaheng said South African companies understood – and took seriously – the importance of transitioning towards a low carbon economy in line with local legislation in their disclosures where they referenced the Greenhouse Gas Protocol, the South African Carbon Tax and the Draft Climate Change Bill since the signing of the Paris Agreement.

But, while many companies acknowledge the need for a transition to a low-carbon economy, few have aligned their strategies with global goals such as the 1.5°C warming limit outlined in the Paris Agreement.

Most disclosures focus on Scope 1 (direct emissions from sources owned or controlled by a company) and Scope 2 emissions (indirect emissions from purchased electricity, steam, heat, and cooling). However, they often neglect comprehensive Scope 3 targets on all other emissions associated with a company’s activities.

Despite recognising the urgency of dealing with climate change, South African companies have struggled to meet greenhouse gas emission reduction targets.

Monaheng emphasised the need for the private sector to adopt more ambitious strategies to align with both local legislation and global climate commitments.

“The research underscores the critical need to bridge the gap between climate change and food security, especially as southern Africa faces increasing water scarcity and extreme weather events like droughts and floods,” Monaheng added.

He said recent studies on El Niño’s impact further emphasised the need for agro-food companies to develop climate-resilient systems.

As the agro-food sector grapples with the long-term implications of climate change, Monaheng has urged industry leaders and policymakers to prioritise this vital area.

He warns that without effective adaptation strategies, many companies risk survival as climate conditions continue to deteriorate.

In conclusion, while some South African companies show promise in acknowledging climate-related risks, the inconsistency in climate risk reporting leaves many unprepared for the future.

“If companies cannot adapt effectively to climate change, they will not survive,” Monaheng warned.

He highlighted the pressing need for integrated climate governance and resilience-building measures.

INSIDE EDUCATION

By Thapelo Molefe

The latest crop of students who graduated from the College of Africa in Polokwane has been urged by Deputy Minister in the Presidency, Kenny Morolong, to contribute to building a better South Africa.

Delivering the keynote address at the graduation ceremony, Morolong emphasised the significance of community contribution, resilience and lifelong learning as the graduates embarked on their professional journeys.

“As you pursue your careers, keep in mind that the world is continuously evolving. The skills in demand today may be obsolete tomorrow,” Morolong cautioned on Friday.

“Stay curious, be hungry for new knowledge and explore the world to gain new experiences.”

Morolong drew inspiration from tennis legend Andre Agassi, who emphasised during his induction into the International Tennis Hall of Fame in 2011, the importance of humility and recognising the unsung heroes who “do the right thing” and “win their own private Grand Slams”.

Morolong encouraged the graduates to remain humble and focus on giving back to their communities.

He also highlighted Brand South Africa’s Play Your Part initiative, which motivated citizens to contribute positively to the nation’s development.

“Your contributions matter, whether through innovation, community service or simply being a responsible citizen,” Morolong stressed.

The deputy minister also emphasised the importance of passion, creativity and determination in overcoming obstacles and achieving success.

He warned that failure was inevitable, but what was important was how the graduates responded to drawbacks.

“When asked how he (Agassi) developed resilience to stage some of the most epic comebacks on the tennis court; he had this to say: ‘It’s about recognising that regardless of what the score is, the most important point is that next point’,” Morolong said.

“At this point where you are today, you have just scored a point by graduating. However, the most important point is the next one, which is the unpredictable world of work that lies ahead.”

He also encouraged the graduates to start businesses and choose entrepreneurship as a career.

“As you step into the professional world, do not shy away from challenges. Instead, view them as opportunities for growth.”

According to the government, the ceremony celebrated students who have benefited from Brand South Africa’s Covid-19 tertiary bursary scheme, which forms part of its Play Your Part programme.

Launched in 2021, the initiative has assisted 10,000 students from economically disadvantaged backgrounds across South Africa.

It was introduced in response to the financial hardships brought on by the pandemic, which severely impacted household incomes and led to many students dropping out due to a lack of funding.

It said this bursary scheme stood out because beneficiaries were not required to repay the funds or work for the bursar after completing their studies, unlike other forms of educational financial aid.

INSIDE EDUCATION

By Lungile Ntimba

A groundbreaking initiative between the Western Cape government, Stellenbosch University (SU) and the University of the Western Cape is currently underway to address a backlog in cataract surgeries and dental services in the Garden Route and Central Karoo Districts.

The project aims to clear a three-year waiting list for patients awaiting cataract surgery in the region as well as assist in dental care provision.

Western Cape Health and Wellness MEC Mireille Wenger has described the collaboration as significant, saying it not only affords students the opportunity to change the lives of the patients they treat, but to gain invaluable practical skills in challenging rural contexts.

“I want to express my deep gratitude to everybody that has made this project possible. Over 120 people’s lives are going to be changed this week, because vision is integral to a person’s livelihood and their quality of life,” the MEC said in a statement

“This InReach project is a fantastic demonstration of the power of partnerships. People come together with a common purpose to restore vision, each contributing something unique, but when put together, make a huge impact. My heart is overflowing with joy at this project.” 

According to Stellenbosch’s Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences (FMHS), the project, which started on Monday and ends on Sunday, aims to achieve 120 cataract surgeries and 300 dental procedures.

The team includes healthcare professionals, NGOs, 30 health sciences students from the two universities and Nelson Mandela University, two ophthalmologists from SU/Africa20Twenty, ophthalmologists in training and five dentists from UWC leading medical teams.

While the health department is providing facilities, consumables and patient transport, Africa20Twenty is supplying a pop-up theatre for cataract surgeries and general support. 

The Al-Imdaad Foundation is offering support for consumables for cataract surgery and patient support.

Dr Therese Fish, who is the Vice-Dean: Clinical Services and Social Impact at SU’s FMHS, said the institution was committed to serving the community through this initiative.

“We have a long partnership in the Central Karoo where our undergraduate medical students receive practical training,” said Fish.

“Through this collaboration, we’re harnessing collective expertise to create meaningful impact and this partnership demonstrates the power of unity in addressing community needs. We’re proud to contribute our knowledge and resources to uplift and enhance the wellbeing of Central Karoo residents,” she added.

UWC’s Faculty of Dentistry has established its mobile dental unit at Bastiaanse Secondary School in Beaufort West. 

Dr Khabiso Ramphoma, who is a community dentistry specialist and UWC Faculty of Dentistry Outreach Coordinator, said: “This collaborative initiative draws attention to the critical need for ongoing support and funding to maintain and expand these essential services in the region.”

SU FMHS Vice Dean: Learning and Teaching, Prof.Karin Baatjes, highlighted the educational value of the project.

“This initiative presents an extraordinary opportunity for our students to use unique learning opportunities in rural areas and thus to apply their training in service of society. By providing life-changing care to underserved communities, our under- and postgraduate students gain invaluable first-hand experience,” Baatjes said.

Africa20Twenty’s Carl Nel said collaborative innovation like InReach was essential.

“The need for cataract surgery and vision restoration is especially dire in rural areas and districts where backlogs are large, but through these collaborative partnerships we are able to do years of work in just seven days,” he said in the department’s statement.

Patients waiting for their procedures expressed immense excitement and relief at the prospect of regaining the ability to participate fully in activities that many take for granted.

INSIDE EDUCATION

Higher Education Minister Nobuhle Nkabane has praised the official launch of the National Student Financial Aid Scheme’s (NSFAS) online applications for 2025, saying it is a step in the right direction to address the persistent challenges within the post-school education and training (PSET) sector.

Nkabane, who was joined by departmental director-general Nkosinathi Sishi and NSFAS administrator Freeman Nomvalo, told reporters on Friday that several enhancements had been made to the application portal to ensure a seamless
application process for prospective applicants.

The minister expressed her confidence at the launch, saying it was evidence of a people’s government working for the people.

Nkabane said that the school student scheme remained a critical tool in assisting students in overcoming the challenges and legacies of the past.

“They are the motive forces that must be utilised to contribute to the transformation of our country, and this social transformation is instrumental in improving the material conditions of our people,” she said.

The minister announced that the window for online applications would close on 15 December, but urged students not to leave applying until the last minute.

Nkabane said that as of Friday afternoon, there had been over 170,000 applications, with most coming from KwaZulu-Natal, Gauteng and Limpopo.

“We want our learners to tap into these opportunities in order to ensure inclusion in the economic drive and skills revolution,” she said.

Simultaneously, NSFAS hosted activations at schools across the country to assist learners and out of school youth in applying for funding.

The minister, joined by Nomvalo and Sishi, invited a group of students from local schools and accompanied one learner in her application to the student fund scheme.

The launch was initially scheduled to take place on Tuesday, but Nkabane explained that the postponement was due to allow time for a dry run of the online application system. This was to allow stakeholders, including learners, better understand the system and make inputs.

While acknowledging any anxiety caused by the delay, the minister expressed her confidence, saying that the various input meant that the process would be easier and more accessible to applicants.

Nkabane said the improvements formed part of an ongoing effort to address issues that had previously plagued applications, including system crashes and fund disbursement delays.

Nomvalo outlined the application process and said while the NSFAS bursary was available to applicants coming from households with a combined income of R350,000 and less, the scheme provided loans to applicants from homes with an
income between R350,000 and R600,000.

Nomvalo confirmed that the provision of incomplete and incorrect information would culminate in a rejection, but added that applicants would be given an opportunity to appeal.

He reminded aspiring applicants to apply to their respective institutions of higher learning as registration at a university or college is one of the main perquisites for a successful application.

Nomvalo highlighted the outreach programmes the scheme was intent on establishing throughout the country, especially in remote and rural areas to assist with the application process.

He announced the scheme’s establishment of a dashboard, which was expected to monitor applications and assist NSFAS in responding to challenges and issues on the ground.

He called on learners as well as out-of-school youth to visit the website, create a profile and start the application process.

Nomvalo said affidavits would not be accepted, and that originals were required.

Representatives of several political party youth formations attended the launch, including the African National Congress Youth League, the Umkhonto weSizwe (MK) party’s student wing and ActionSA.

The scheme has been at the centre of controversy due to inefficiencies, with many applicants facing communication breakdowns and challenges with payments.

However, the leadership of NSFAS have said that they remain optimistic about a smoother application process.

INSIDE EDUCATION

By Lungile Ntimba

The Home Affairs Department will open its offices on Saturdays for five hours a day, from 21 September to 12 October, to support matriculants in preparing for their exams.

The initiative would only prioritise matriculants and learners who needed temporary identity certificates, ID collection and application services, Home Affairs Minister Leon Schreiber said on Friday.

“This initiative is specifically aimed to enable matriculants to write their exams, which is the first step towards economic empowerment of young people. We encourage matriculants who are waiting on their IDs, along with their parents, to make their way to the nearest Home Affairs or where they applied,” Schreiber said in a statement.

“We encourage clients who have applied for identification documents and have received their SMS notifications, to seize this opportunity by visiting their Home Affairs office to collect these critical documents.”

Deputy Minister Njabulo Nzuza will visit the Orlando Home Affairs office in Soweto on Saturday to support the initiative.

INSIDE EDUCATION

By Johnathan Paoli

A total of 293,057 placement offers had been issued to parents of Grade 1 and 8 learners as of the early hours of Thursday, according to the Gauteng Education Department.

MEC Matome Chiloane said that this milestone followed the commencement of the 2025 online admissions placement for the learners on Monday. A total of 146,385 were made for Grade 1 and 146,672 for Grade 8.

A total of 148,744 offers have been accepted, while around 105,193 remain pending acceptance.

Chiloane reassured parents that placement offers would continue to be sent out in batches throughout the year.

Parents are encouraged to log on to the Online Admissions website www.gdeadmissions.gov.za within seven days of receiving an offer.

They can choose to accept the offer as final, which secures the learner’s placement at the school, or provisionally accept it while awaiting additional offers.

If a new offer is later accepted, the previous one will be cancelled.

“Placement offers will be issued continuously until all learners are placed. If an SMS confirms a child’s placement, no further action is required,” he said.

The MEC also reminded parents that placements depended on space availability and priority placement criteria.

He said parents should remain calm if they did not receive immediate SMS notifications, as they could check their application status online.

Concerns about application statuses changing from “Documents Verified” to “No Documents Submitted” have been addressed. This occurred during the document review process.

Chiloane emphasised the importance of patience and cooperation as the department worked to secure placements fairly for all learners.

For parents dissatisfied with their offers, there was a process to submit objections and appeals, which would be addressed in a timely manner, he said.

INSIDE EDUCATION