By Edwin Naidu

Soft-spoken clinical psychologist Professor Thoko Mayekiso is proud of her achievements as the leader of the first tertiary institution established in democratic South Africa. 

Mayekiso, a mother of two, was appointed Vice-Chancellor of the new University of Mpumalanga on 1 November 2014.

She says it’s a rare opportunity to start a campus when the general tendency is for leaders to find established institutions.

“To start from scratch is an experience we will always cherish,” she adds.

Success and ensuring the university was characterised for its pursuit of excellence were non-negotiable. She launched a new brand on the tertiary landscape from scratch, entrenching it in a decade as an integral part of the country’s higher education system.

“Just like all journeys, you have to be well prepared… and I was well prepared for this position,” she says, reflecting on her solid and varied background in terms of experience.

Her credentials include a BA, BA Honours, and MA in Psychology from the University of Fort Hare. She furthered her studies at the Free University Berlin in Germany, where she obtained her D. Phil (cum laude) in Psychology. She also holds a Higher Education Diploma (Postgraduate) from the University of South Africa. She is a registered Clinical Psychologist with the Health Professions Council of South Africa.

“When starting a new institution, you must be familiar with all the aspects of an institution, so in my case, I began my career as a senior lecturer. I was an associate professor, a professor, head of department, head of school, Dean, and deputy vice-chancellor. Those positions prepared me for the role.“

Prof. Mayekiso says her extensive experience in an academic career shaped locally at the University of Fort Hare and internationally with studies and a seven-year stint in Germany and the United Kingdom helped her hone her skills, equipping her for starting a new varsity.

She says one can’t be thrust into a leadership position without being grounded in higher education, especially when asked to start a new institution. 

“I went through the ranks in higher education and was the deputy vice-chancellor for about six years. I was already in my second term before I got the nod at UMP. That prepared me for what lay ahead because when you start a new institution, you’re setting new policies, establishing a new culture, introducing an academic project, all those things; therefore, you must be grounded in high education,” she advises.

Confident in her abilities, Prof. Mayekiso reveals she was relaxed about the enormity of the task.

“I was satisfied I had what it took to establish the institution we needed. In my installation address, I said I would achieve beyond expectations, which showed the mindset at the time.

“I know this was a huge responsibility bestowed upon us and was accepted with total commitment, understanding that one must be involved in this project. I was saying that on day one.

“The magnitude of the task was huge, but I always believed that I have the experience, knowledge and personality to deal with it, so there was no nervousness whatsoever,” she recalls.

Mayekiso says that when starting a new organisation, one must strive to overachieve, and that’s the best mark of confidence.

“Of course, there are challenges, but 10 years later, we have exceeded expectations,” she notes. 

Prof Mayekiso thanks David Mabunda, the Council Chair, and the UMP community (staff and students), past and present. She says she has worked with gifted and talented people and was able to share and celebrate their achievements.

“Progress is impossible without us pulling together. The students who brought curiosity, vibrancy and enthusiasm to the classroom are worthy of note. Many of our students over the years were first-generation students and truly celebrated the new milieu,” she adds.

She is pleased to have laid a solid foundation premised on seven values: excellence, integrity, diversity, collaboration, adaptability, relevance and inspiration.

“The African life ethos of Ubuntu forms the broad and overarching framework for our values.”

The pass rate over the years has ranged between 80 and 85%, with 4485 students (2861 female and 1 624 males) graduating, and several of them have graduated “cum laude.

Alumni Chapters in several regions have been established.

The National Research Foundation recognised the university’s research performance in 2023 with the NRF Acceleration Award for the most improved institution in research performance.

The number of rated researchers has increased from one in 2014 to 13 in 2023, as has the number of staff who hold doctoral degrees, which has increased from 5% in 2014 to 47% in 2023.

Enrolments have increased from 169 in 2014 to 8442 in 2023.

“We are attracting students from South Africa and Eswatini, Mozambique, Nigeria, Zimbabwe and India. Most of our students are from the Mpumalanga province.”

Academic offerings, ranging from higher certificates to doctoral degrees, have increased from three in 2014 to 65 in 2023.Staff numbers have increased from 12 in 2014 to 595 in 2023.

Prof. Mayekiso saysfacing challenges isn’t easy, but she never subscribes to the excuse of being a woman.

“I never say people are challenging what I am saying because I’m a woman. It’s difficult to differentiate and say, of course, now and again, there is resistance because I’m a woman.

“Still, you are not able to prove that it’s because you are a woman that’s why people are reacting, so I tried by all means whenever it’s possible to move away from and not see myself as a female leader but as a leader,” she says.

However, she says that while we find “ourselves in the majority of men,” we don’t want to create a hostile relationship with a man. In her experience, some men were more supportive than women.

“So, it’s difficult to say there are specific challenges, but we know our society is patriarchal.”

Asked how she overcame obstacles in her career, Prof. Mayekiso says:“When I was around 13-years-old, my dad told me, and I don’t know how he came up with this, but he said ‘you are a girl with determination’. At the time, it didn’t mean much because I was 13. Later, when I faced challenges, I used to reflect on that and tell myself ‘you are a girl of determination’, so it means whatever comes my way, I will succeed because I’m a determined individual.” 

She says that maybe if he had not said that, she would have taken a different route.

However, she always reminds herself there is nothing she cannot overcome.

INSIDE EDUCATION

By Akani Nkuna

Poor sanitation is a reality for many schools in South Africa. In an effort to deal with this situation, including pit latrines, Basic Education Minister Siviwe Gwarube has launched the Safe Schools App.

It is a digital platform that aims to improve the safety and hygiene of schools, ensuring a healthier environment for pupils to learn and thrive.

“What we are doing here today is testament to the power of technology, collaboration and a shared commitment to address the challenges facing our education system,” Gwarube said on Monday.

“The Safe Schools App is more than an application. It is a bold statement to resolve to eliminate unsafe sanitation facilities in schools, and we do so with transparency, with efficiency and accountability.”

The minister told reporters that the app, which was developed by Vodacom, would achieve three key objectives, including providing real time tracking and monitoring of progress to eliminate pit toilets.

“The app includes a dynamic heat map that will allow [the department] to track the progress of pit toilet eradication across the country. This feature ensures that government has access to real time information about our efforts [to deal with the] backlog,” Gwarube said.

In the past, stakeholders such as the SA Human Rights Commission, have raised concerns that the data on pit toilets may be incomplete or unreliable.

“So, this Safe Schools App empowers communities to report any remaining pit toilets in the areas, helping us to close those gaps and ensure that every school is accounted for,” said Gwarube.

The minister said the app could eventually be used as a tool to monitor and track other critical initiatives, such as the National School Nutrition Programme, infrastructure development and the distribution of learning and teaching materials.

“We will be integrating these functions. The app enhances our ability to manage resources effectively and respond swiftly to emerging challenges…,” she said.

“We have a vision that someday we will be able to track the delivery of nutritious meals in our schools, the delivery of textbooks to our schools, and that teachers and principals may be able to report when things have not happened directly on the app… We want to use technology to improve the education sector,” she said.

Hundreds of schools still have pit toilets. The department’s deadline to eradicate pit latrines is 31 March 2025.

INSIDE EDUCATION

By Akani Nkuna

Higher Health SA is tackling gender-based violence through a multifaceted approach, combining skills development with comprehensive support systems to create a safer and inclusive educational setting at tertiary level.

The post-school education and training sector, which is meant to empower 2.5 million youth, is grappling with the GBV crisis, mirroring broader societal issues.

Around 10% of reported rapes in South Africa occur in higher education institutions.

Higher Heath CEO Ramneek Ahluwalia said in a statement that “this is not a linear epidemic that can be addressed with medication; it is a deep-rooted societal challenge, embedded in generations and shaped by history”.

“Higher Health’s most significant focus has been on fostering trust among young people, encouraging them to report cases of GBV,” he said.

Ahluwalia outlined that the alarming rate of sexual violence against young women, with one in three experiencing violence before the age of 21.

He emphasised that it was crucial to shatter the stigma around GBV, encourage reporting and prioritise an approach that protected survivors and ensured justice.

To tackle GBV in tertiary institutions, Higher Health is rolling out a multi-faceted strategy rooted in the principle that “Education as Prevention” is key. A core component of this approach is the incorporation of its civic and soft skills framework into a holistic co-curricular.

“Tackling GBV requires addressing interconnected issues such as mental health, substance abuse, HIV and AIDS, transactional sex and unplanned pregnancies – factors closely linked to GBV.

“Additionally, the focus extends to supporting individuals with disabilities and promoting broader themes of good citizenship, constitutional awareness, ethical behaviour and understanding systemic structures,” said Ahluwalia.

The national agency’s response to GBV includes engaging men and boys to transform mentalities, structured protocols to address the scourge and building a culture of zero tolerance.

“By addressing GBV through skills development and comprehensive support systems, Higher Health aims to foster a safer, more equitable educational environment, ensuring the well-being and success of all students and staff in our higher learning institutions in South Africa,” said Ahluwalia.

INSIDE EDUCATION

By Thapelo Molefe

The University of Limpopo’s governance crisis has taken a turn for the worse, with revelations of the institution’s council operating without any regard for due process or the law.

“They just sit in a meeting and if they believe a faction is strong in that meeting, they just decide in that meeting that let’s vote while removing them without due process,” said Portfolio Committee on Higher Education chairperson Tebogo Letsie.

The university has been plagued by governance issues, including the council’s rejection of ministerial appointees without valid reasons and the extension of the Vice-Chancellor’s term without proper procedures. 

The university council’s actions have been described as “clumsy and overreaching” by the committee.

“The last time the Institutional Forum had a conference that we elected was in 2017,” Letsie noted. 

The university’s management has also been accused of abusing power and victimising employees.

“There were many allegations of abuse of power from the university management and victimisation of employees who are opposed to the authoritarian management,” Letsie said.

The committee has discovered that the university spent a staggering R14 million on legal fees during the 2023-24 financial year, a 100% increase from the previous year.

“They spent R14 million on legal fees… most of these fees are spent to defend the university against students and staff,” Letsie revealed.

The committee is calling for urgent intervention, including the appointment of an independent assessor or a forensic investigation.

Higher Education Minister Nobuhle Nkabane has been asked to intervene, and the committee is waiting with bated breath for a response.

“We will not hesitate to take action if the university fails to address these concerns,” Letsie warned.

Committee member Letta Maseko emphasised the committee’s commitment to preserving the university’s autonomy while ensuring accountability. 

“We want to keep the autonomy of the universities… but where we give money, we have to see value in it,” Maseko said.

“The problem is the management in the universities. Limpopo was not willing to respond to our questions.”

Lerato Khakhau condemned the leadership of the University of Limpopo, stating that it was “disrespectful not only to us as a portfolio committee, but to the ministry and the community it serves”.

Khakhau highlighted the struggles of students from Limpopo, a neglected and poor province, who relied on the institution for their future.

Sihle Ngubane criticised the university’s recruitment process, citing a culture of entitlement. 

“They wait until the end of their term, advertise the position and then claim there’s no suitable candidate,” Ngubane said.

“It’s clear they’re taking the institution and us for granted.”

Sanele Zondo stressed the need for accountability, noting that corruption was often attributed to politicians, but the real culprits were those running the institution.

“They become big-headed, thinking the institution is their home, and they can do as they please, breaching regulations,” Zondo said.

Yanga Govana echoed concerns about the university’s leadership, citing its failure to understand their own statute and breaches of the law. 

“They’re too old, too tired and forgetful. They must rest,” Govana said.

Sedukanelo Louw called for swift action, advocating for an assessor to be appointed by January and an investigation into corruption. 

“We must involve the SIU to expose those who make individuals untouchable,” Louw said. “People can’t be untouchable without backup from politicians.”

INSIDE EDUCATION

By Johannah Malogadihlare

The Gauteng Liquor Board has warned liquor traders, parents and learners about the dangers of “pens down” parties to celebrate the end of the matric exams, following tragic incidents in the past that have claimed young lives.

“The fact that we continue to see alcohol-fuelled end of exam celebrations, despite repeated warnings and awareness campaigns, underscores the severity of this problem. We must act decisively to stop these dangerous gatherings before more lives are lost,” Gauteng Liquor Board chief director Fati Manamela said on Tuesday.

Provincial education departments and the Basic Education Department have cautioned learners from excessive celebrations.

“I urge matriculants to refrain from alcohol abuse during ‘pens down’ events or matric rage parties. These moments should be a celebration of achievement, not a risk to life and safety,” Basic Education Minister Siviwe Gwarube said last week.

Manamela also reminded liquor traders of their legal responsibility not to sell alcohol to minors and report any suspicious activities linked to underage drinking.

“We are not against young people celebrating their achievements, but it must be done legally, responsibly and under proper supervision. Everyone has a role to play in ensuring their safety and protecting the future of our youth,” Manamela said in a statement.

Manamela urged parents and caregivers to ensure the safety of the learners.

“Parents and guardians significantly influence their children’s decisions. We urge them to stay vigilant and actively discourage their children from attending these unsafe parties.

“This is a critical period in their lives. They are future leaders who should be focused on achieving their dreams of higher education and meaningful careers,” he said.

The board appealed to law enforcement agencies to also play their part to protect matriculants.

INSIDE EDUCATION

By Johannah Malogadihlare

The University of the Western Cape has teamed up with the Institute of Tropical Medicine (ITM) in Antwerp, Belgium, to enhance medicine and vaccine safety in southern Africa.

The two institutions have introduced a new Centre of Excellence for Pharmacovigilance in Southern Africa (CEPSA), which marks a big step in making medicines safer and more accessible across the region. 

The centre is funded by the European Commission’s Director General of International Partnerships (INTPA) in collaboration with the Director General of Research (RDT).

UWC said in a statement that the centre would aim to improve the way medicines and vaccines were developed, tested and monitored for safety.

“By focusing on safety, innovation and collaboration, ITM and UWC are helping to ensure that the people of southern Africa have access to the medicines and vaccines they need, produced locally and trusted by communities,” said UWC School of Public Health’s Dr Hazel Bradley.

The centre will also develop the skills and support for a new generation of pharmacovigilance experts, support operational research, and share clear and timely information.

Prof. Raffaella Ravinetto from the ITM said that through collaboration between governments, academia and pharmaceutical industry, the public could be better served.

“… we aim to improve public trust and ensure access to high-quality, locally produced health products. At the same time, we are strengthening regional partnerships to boost Africa’s vaccine and medicine production. This aligns with the EU’s MAV+ initiative, which focuses on manufacturing and access to vaccines, medicines and health technologies in Africa,” he said.

The university said the project demonstrated how local expertise could improve medicine safety in southern Africa.

INSIDE EDUCATION

By Johnathan Paoli

The Information Regulator (IR) is maintaining its position on its enforcement notice prohibiting the Basic Education Department from publishing the 2024 National Senior Certificate (NSC) examination results on media platforms.

Inside Education reached out to IR spokesperson Nomzamo Zondi, who criticised the Chief Director for National Assessment and Public Examinations, Rufus Poliah’s pronouncement concerning the results.

“While the department of Basic Education has stated in the media its intent to proceed with publishing, it has not formally responded to the notice, and as the Information Regulator, we still stand by our concerns over the sharing of personal information,” Zondi said on Monday.

The regulator has accused the department of non-compliance with the Protection of Personal Information Act, specifically Section 11, stating that the department had failed to attain consent from learners.

However, Poliah told reporters last week that the department was of the view that it was fully compliant and well within the ambit of the law to publish the results, contending that the results were in fact anonymous.

A department spokesperson told Inside Education on Monday that Basic Education Minister Siviwe Gwarube had still not decided whether she was going to take the matter to court.

“The minister would prefer that government institutions resolve differences through constructive dialogue and no trough expensive litigation.”

Meanwhile, AfriForum, via its legal team, Hurter Spies Attorneys, has issued a letter of demand to Gwarube seeking clarity on the matter.

AfriForum wants to know whether the minister’s office intends to file an appeal against the notice and whether it will officially declare its position in relation to the IR.

“Our client’s position is that the Regulator erred in issuing the enforcement notice and our instructions are to assist our clients with urgent review proceedings in order to have the enforcement notice reviewed and set aside,” the letter reads.

The results will be announced on 13 January.

INSIDE EDUCATION

By Johnathan Paoli

The Western Cape government has marked another milestone in its efforts to foster inclusive communities with the launch of a new sports precinct at the Conradie Park social housing development in Pinelands.

Premier Alan Winde and infrastructure MEC Tertuis Simmers led the unveiling ceremony, celebrating this significant addition to the transformative Better Living Model project.

The development, situated on previously underutilised land, is reshaping urban living with its mix of affordable housing, educational facilities healthcare services, retail spaces, and recreational areas.

The sports precinct is a key element of this integrated model, designed to enhance quality of life for residents and surrounding communities, with Winde expressing his enthusiasm for the project, emphasising its forward-thinking approach.

“With Conradie Park, we are building for the future. If we are to become a future-fit province that addresses the challenges of a fast-growing population, we must re-imagine our cities and towns. I applaud everyone involved in making this awe-inspiring development a reality. It showcases the incredible potential of thoughtful urban planning,” Winde said.

The Conradie Park project has prioritised skills development, with over 180 learnerships and graduate programmes completed to date.

It aims to address spatial inequality and foster economic growth and will ultimately deliver over 3,500 residential units.

During the launch, Simmers highlighted the broader vision of the development.

“Conradie Park is not just about buildings; it is about people. This sports precinct offers young people a space to dream big, brings communities together, and breaks down barriers. It symbolizes hope, opportunity, and progress for our communities,” he said.

The sports precinct is designed to be a unifying force within the community, offering recreational spaces where residents can connect and thrive.

Concor Development Executive Mark Schönrock, representing the construction company behind the project, echoed this sentiment.

“Sport has always been a powerful tool for unity, teaching teamwork and life skills while bridging divides. The sports precinct and school sites at Conradie Park aim to create a vibrant, safe environment for all,” Schönrock said.

Simmers underscored this collaborative success, stating that infrastructure is not just about bricks and mortar, but about building dignity, creating opportunity, and giving every person a fair chance to succeed, when the government, private partners, and communities work together.

INSIDE EDUCATION

By Edwin Naidu

The Class of 2024 can now relax and wait for their results, which provide a gateway to a promising future. Of course, many will fail, and for them, there should also be hope that they will take a second chance and make it count next time.

Annually, we have seen over the years an estimated 300,000 matriculants join the ranks of the unemployed.

On average, at least 130,000 places are available for those who want to study at universities. The competition is tough.

However, for those who cannot get a place at university, the government has pumped billions into upgrading technical and vocational education training (TVET) colleges.

Deputy Minister of Higher Education Buti Manamela is a product of TVET college education and has occasionally extolled the benefits, referring to the successful example of the German system, which has a conveyor belt of artisans helping to grow their economy powerfully.

As South Africa prepares for the festive season and the announcement of the matric examination results on 13 January, planning is underway to ensure the new academic year runs smoothly.

According to Universities South Africa, all universities are set to complete 2024 successfully. A big plus is that the National Senior Certificate (NSC) results will be released a week earlier (mid-January 2025 compared to the third week in January 2024).

USAf notes that it still exerts much pressure on universities, especially when finalising the National Student Financial Aid Scheme funding list.

There are growing calls in Parliament for discussions between the ministers of Higher Education and Training and Basic Education to consider releasing the results as traditionally done in December. This would alleviate the pressure during the new year and allow institutions to plan better.

Already, 12 universities have indicated they will experience a shortage of accommodation, so solutions must be found to tackle this before the new academic year.

The NSFAS will face key challenges around appeals, accommodation pilot projects, late payments and historic debt. Collectively, universities are owed R21 billion in unpaid student debt.

What will happen to this? One wonders why the government does not use the same debt collectors they sanction for the SABC to recoup the miserly R264 annual licence fee?

If the investment in education is a bottomless pit of money that keeps giving 30 years after democracy, the fruits of these efforts should have been better.

We see poverty and unemployment, especially graduates who cannot find jobs.

While the Ministers discuss changing the date for the release of the matric exam results, perhaps they should consider whether the country is getting value for the billions thrown into education.

Fixing our system and creating the South Africa we want should begin with an honest reflection on our current state as a nation.

While we cannot escape the euphoria of finishing matric with distinction for many, let’s not forget the stigma of those who scrape through with a 30% pass in one or two subjects. Is it acceptable to say that you have passed matric with 30% in two subjects?

The bar has to be raised so that learners leave with pride, knowing they can take on the world with a proper pass. All should leave the system with the same bachelor’s pass that opens the door to a degree course at a tertiary institution for further study for a higher certificate, diploma or bachelor’s degree.

To get this, one must pass six out of seven subjects, with at least 50% in four subjects, a minimum of 40% in a home language, and at least 30% in the “Language of Learning and Teaching” and at least 30%.

However, the caveat is that even if students have achieved a bachelor’s pass, they do not automatically qualify for a university position.

Instead of the lower requirements for a matriculation exemption, should the schooling system only encourage excellence for some, with university entrance far more competitive than a system that continues to spew people for unemployment?

That is why it is key for the schooling system to produce quality learners who can take the next step when they enter the tertiary system. However, those matriculants who won’t get to university or college must look at self-employment programmes because few job opportunities are available, and the economy is not expanding.

Self-employment may be what we need to turn this economy around. This means that our education system needs radical changes. Currently, the curriculum favours post-secondary education. Most learners who complete matric do not take this path and, as such, become unemployed or depend on family and the state.

The matric system needs an overhaul to ensure that children are fit for the 21st century instead of being prepared for failure.

It is time for real conversations around education rather than celebrating mediocrity.

Edwin Naidu is the Editor of Inside Education.

INSIDE EDUCATION

By Johnathan Paoli

Gauteng education MEC Matome Chiloane has expressed deep sorrow over the tragic deaths of two learners from Wilhelmina Hoskins Primary School in Riverlea over the last two days, which has left the school community in mourning.

A Grade 7 learner was shot dead at his family’s home in Riverlea on Saturday by unknown assailants, with authorities now investigating the circumstances surrounding the boy’s death.

In an unrelated incident, a Grade 4 learner passed away on Monday, after reportedly falling ill from consuming biscuits purchased at a local spaza shop. Around 30 children have died in the province since the start of the food contamination crisis.

Emergency services were called to his home to provide medical care, but he was pronounced dead during the treatment.

Chiloane extended his heartfelt condolences to the grieving families and the broader school community.

“Indeed, we are saddened by these deaths and wish to convey our condolences to the families and the school community during this difficult time,” he said.

The department has dispatched its Psycho-Social Support Unit to Wilhelmina Hoskins to offer counselling and emotional assistance to learners, staff and affected families.

The support sessions will begin on Tuesday.

The investigation into the learner’s death will focus on determining whether the biscuits he consumed were contaminated and, if so, tracing the source of any potential health hazard.

Chiloane’s department has previously pledged to work with local leaders, law enforcement and health authorities to address these issues and ensure that learners have safe environments both at school and at home.

INSIDE EDUCATION