By Johnathan Paoli

The Basic Education Department has maintained its obligation and intent to publish the results of the 2024 National Senior Certificate (NSC) examinations on media platforms, despite a halt called by the Information Regulator (IR).

Chief Director for National Assessment and Public Examinations, Rufus Poliah, made the remarks during the department’s media briefing on the exams in Cape Town on Wednesday.

“The DBE is of the view that we are fully compliant, and well within the ambit of regulations, to publish the results,” Poliah said.

He explained that the decision rested on three important factors.

Firstly, it was the department’s duty to make the information readily available and accessible to all learners including those who lived in remote areas and experienced challenges in travelling to writing centres.

Secondly, he stressed the anonymous nature of the results, saying only examination numbers were used.

Lastly, he highlighted the 2022 ruling from the North Gauteng High Court which ordered the department to publish the results, despite its previous decision to stop.

When asked whether the department intended to approach the court again in its engagement with the IR, Minister Siviwe Gwarube said it was too early to announce a decision.

“I think it will be premature to indicate any kind of court action right now,” the minister said.

She reiterated Poliah’s point about the anonymity of the results and that learners needed to be accommodated.

However, Gwarube said that perhaps the department and the IR could find each other and collaborate in finding a way to balance both the rights of learners and the regulations on the spreading of private information.

Department director-general Mathanzima Mweli said that the issue was one of law, considering the 2022 ruling, but agreed with the minister that the two would find ways of resolving disputes in line with the Intergovernmental Regulations Act.

The regulator has accused the department of non-compliance with the Protection of Personal Information Act, issuing an enforcement notice earlier in the month.

It argues that the department violated Section 11 of the Act by publishing matriculants’ personal information without consent.

Civil society organisation AfriForum has indicated its willingness to approach the courts again for the judicial confirmation of the right of the department to publish.

INSIDE EDUCATION

By Thapelo Molefe

The Department of Basic Education has committed to addressing ongoing challenges in school infrastructure, including substandard construction, water shortages and delayed projects, with a particular focus on accountability and transparency. 

The updates came during a briefing to the select committee on education, science and creative industries, in a presentation led by the Director-General Mathanzima Mweli.

He acknowledged delays in several ongoing projects, including 18 schools in Gauteng. 

“Out of 275 projects, 55 are completed, 90 are under construction and 23 are in the final stages of planning,” Mweli reported. 

He explained that procurement hurdles, such as a lack of contractor interest in smaller projects, had been a significant bottleneck.

The department’s acting chief director, Solly Mafoko added: “We visit sites weekly to ensure progress and address issues with provincial education departments. Framework agreements are also being promoted to streamline contractor appointments.”

Mweli specifically referred to Nokuthula Special School, which he had visited. Poor workmanship had left the school with poor quality paving and stormwater systems. 

“I fully agree with the observations that the work is completely shoddy,” said Mweli said on Tuesday. 

“We are going to raise this with colleagues in Gauteng to hold the contractor accountable and get them to fix these issues. The professional service providers who approved such work must also be held to account.”

The department’s head of infrastructure, Tsholofelo Diale, agreed with Mweli.

“It shouldn’t only be the contractor. Professional service providers must also face scrutiny for approving work of this standard.”

The water crises in municipalities have left many schools struggling to provide basic amenities, Mweli admitted. 

“Learners without sanitation facilities, especially in provinces like the Eastern Cape, face immense challenges,” he said. 

However, he pointed out progress in sanitation infrastructure in the region, noting that “virtually every village in the Eastern Cape now has sanitation facilities we’ve built”.

“Though challenges remain, we’ve turned the corner,” Mweli said.

He stressed the importance of conducting assessments on state of infrastructure for all 25,000 schools. 

“We need an updated database of every school’s infrastructure,” he said.

“Unfortunately, our request to the National Treasury for funding this vital initiative has not been successful.”

Committee chairperson Makhi Feni expressed alarm over dangerous conditions at schools, particularly at Nokuthula Special School.

“The roof structure is very dangerous for those kids,” he warned. “This isn’t a minor issue, and we will follow it up until this administration’s term ends.”

Feni also emphasised the importance of the department’s follow-up written report, which was expected within seven days to provide clarity and accountability for the issues raised.

The department outlined plans for an annual training programme to equip school governing bodies and management teams with skills for maintaining school facilities. 

“We aim to train all districts and schools by June next year,” Mafoko revealed. 

The initiative would also include refresher courses to adapt to staff turnover.

Despite the challenges, Mweli reiterated the department’s commitment to progress. 

“We’re on the ground almost weekly, addressing issues as they arise,” he said. 

“While we face systemic challenges, from contractor inefficiencies to funding gaps, we are confident that with collaboration and oversight, we can deliver safer, better-equipped schools for all learners.”

The committee pledged its continued support and oversight to ensure that the promises made translate into meaningful change on the ground.

INSIDE EDUCATION

By Edwin Naidu

Newly installed University of Cape Town vice-chancellor Professor Mosa Moshabela was once denied the chance to study at the university he now leads.

As a young man from Limpopo eager to pursue a degree in medicine, his application was declined. But this rejection did not deter the 44-year-old father of three, and he chased his dreams at the University of KwaZulu-Natal, where he completed his medical studies.

On Monday, almost 30 years later, Moshabela was installed as the 11th Vice-Chancellor of the University of Cape Town.

Confident and cool – if that word applies to a vice-chancellor – the youthful but internationally recognised Moshabela said he wanted to position the university as a catalyst for change in Africa.

“I look forward to the future as we journey together, consolidate the three missions of UCT, and explore the fourth mission of UCT: positioning UCT as a catalyst for change in Africa.

“All this whilst we embrace our African values of ubuntu – ‘I am because you are’, lift others as we rise and leave no one behind. And we do this with compassion. Remember, UCT is not just the bricks and mortar; it is also all of us – past, present and future generations.”

In his installation speech at the iconic Sarah Baartman Hall, Moshabela said he canvassed many individuals, including renowned UCT historian Howard Phillips, whom he asked for a summary of the university’s journey over the last 100 years since 1918.

Thus, Moshabela’s message was about building on the foundation of many who walked before him, but defining his tenure by positioning UCT as a catalyst for change in Africa, while embracing African values of ubuntu.

“We have inherited a wonderful institution, a legacy of decisions made 30 years ago, from which we benefit today. The question is, what legacy will our generation of leaders leave for the generation that will be standing here 30 years from now?”

He said the decisions made today were intended to ensure that future generations inherited a great institution that would serve their needs then.

Referring to the UCT Vision 2030, announced four years ago, which aims to unleash human potential to create a fair and just society, Moshabela said he was honoured to be installed as UCT’s 11th vice-chancellor.

“When I say I am grateful, it comes from the bottom of my heart. I feel gratitude for so much that I cannot even begin to recount right this moment, except to say that I thank God for my life, my entire life and this moment in particular,” he said.

UCT Chair of Council Adv. Norman Arendse said the installation of Moshabela was a momentous occasion in the history of UCT.

“It is not just another day at our great institution; it is a milestone that signals the beginning of a new chapter that holds the promise of growth, transformation and innovation,” he said.

“This is a moment of great pride for UCT and we are confident that his leadership will elevate this institution. The road ahead is one of great promise and we do not doubt that, under his guidance, UCT will continue to shine as a beacon of excellence, innovation and positive change.”

Accepting the baton to take UCT forward, Moshabela, who has been in the job for 112 days, said the honeymoon was over.

Watched by his mother Esther, wife, sister, daughters and relatives, the VC said he was humbled and proud.

It has been hard work from the start, as he had 97 engagements in his first 100 days.

“As for me, I have no grey hair as yet. I plucked out one or two strands that suddenly appeared in my beard the past few months. Honoured guests, I am sure you’ll support me as I dedicate every future strand of grey hair to my new home, UCT,” said the youthful academic.

Moshabela said he looked forward to the future “as we journey together”, to consolidate the missions of UCT, and begin to explore the fourth mission of UCT.

The Chancellor of UCT, Dr Precious Moloi-Motsepe, thanked Arendse for leading the selection of the “impressive” new vice-chancellor.

She thanked interim vice-chancellor Prof. Daya Reddy, saying she was impressed with him.

“[He is] very humble, quiet, very steady. I believed that he was the right person to hold the fort and welcome our new vice-chancellor into this position.

“I do not wish to leave out vice-chancellors who’ve been here before, as the Chair of Council has said, because they laid the ground for what we are about to witness as the university’s future.”

Moloi-Motsepe said UCT has always been a beacon of excellence, resilience and transformation.

“For over a century, we have stood firm in our commitment to academic distinction, breaking boundaries, and pushing the frontiers of knowledge.”

“Today, we reaffirm this commitment by welcoming a leader who exemplifies these values. Professor Moshabela is a scholar, a leader and an individual whose personal and professional journey speaks to the essence of resilience and purpose. His appointment as vice-chancellor is not only a personal milestone for him but a moment of profound significance for our university,” she added.

On Monday, the UCT welcoming family heard about Moshabela’s professional journey, which has been nothing short of remarkable.

From his transformative work as Deputy Vice-Chancellor at the University of KwaZulu-Natal to his internationally recognised contributions to public health research, he has consistently demonstrated visionary leadership and an unwavering dedication to advancing knowledge and addressing real-world challenges.

As the Deputy Vice-Chancellor for Research and Innovation at UKZN, he provided visionary and intellectual leadership across various domains. He has previously held academic roles at one international university and two local institutions.

An esteemed academic and clinician scientist, Moshabela is a member of the Academy of Science of South Africa and has a distinguished career marked by numerous accolades.

In 2022, he received the PHILA Annual Award from the Public Health Association of South Africa in recognition of his contributions to public health in the country.

He was also honoured with a Ministerial Special Covid-19 Award for his work in science communication and public engagement during the COVID-19 pandemic.

INSIDE EDUCATION

By Johnathan Paoli

A crisis is looming in the education sector in the North West as delays and errors in the release of Post Provisioning Measures (PPMs) threaten school governance, budgeting and resource allocation for 2025.

This prolonged failure, in violation of legal deadlines, has sparked widespread concern from educators, school governing bodies (SGBs) and unions like the Suid-Afrikaanse Onderwysersunie (SAOU).

SAOU executive officer Paul Sauer said current situation was affecting the over-all budgeting requirements needed to deliver quality education for next year.

“The situation is dire. The release of the PPM is nine weeks overdue. This means that the schools are not able to accurately plan for the 2025 school year in regard to the number of teaching staff that will be available which in turn drastically affects the number of learners that the school will be able to accommodate,” Sauer said.

PPMs are essential frameworks that determine the allocation of teaching posts to schools within a province. They consider various factors, including student enrolment, grade levels and special needs requirements. This is to ensure equitable and efficient distribution of teaching resources.

By law, the education MEC is required to finalise and communicate PPMs by 30 September each year.

The regulation detailed in Schedule A of the Regulations for the Creation of Educator Posts aims to give schools sufficient time to plan for the upcoming academic year.

Additionally, Section 58C(6) of the South African Schools Act (SASA) mandates that provincial departments determine and communicate the capacity of public schools by the same deadline.

SAOU provincial secretary Johan Kruger said that despite these clear legal obligations, the education department has failed to release accurate PPMs on time, with initial delays compounded by the release of incorrect PPMs in October, sparking confusion and concern among schools.

One glaring example of this mismanagement occurred in the Dr Kenneth Kaunda School District, where the final PPMs released on 21 October diverged significantly from earlier drafts.

Kruger said that some of the key errors included inconsistent weightings used to calculate teacher allocations being inexplicably increased; and several primary schools reporting that Grade R enrolments were omitted from calculations, reducing their post allocations.

Additionally, he maintains that schools catering to learners with special educational needs found discrepancies in weightings based on disability classifications, while some schools did not receive the additional posts promised in initial drafts.

Kruger said that school principals were placed in the difficult position of explaining sudden reductions in teaching posts to their staff, leading to low morale among educators and uncertainty about class sizes and workloads.

The provincial secretary said attempts to address the issue have yielded little progress, and that this lack of action has forced schools and SGBs into an untenable position.

When district managers were confronted with the discrepancies, they retracted the final PPMs but offered no viable solutions or accountability.

Governing bodies may have to independently allocate funds for additional educator posts to prevent overcrowded classrooms or compromised learning conditions, further straining already limited resources.

The SAOU has called for those responsible for these errors to be held accountable.

In a letter to MEC Viola Motsumi, HOD Maropeng Seshibe and other senior education officials, Kruger, expressed grave concern over the department’s inability to meet its statutory obligations.

“Imagine the position of a principal who must inform their staff that the school’s post provisioning has been cut. This creates a ripple effect of despondency among teaching staff, ultimately affecting the quality of education,” he said.

Meanwhile, the Democratic Alliance’s education spokesperson CJ Steyl has urged the MEC to release accurate PPMs immediately.

The party also wants a detailed explanation of measures to prevent future occurrences and greater accountability, saying that education must be prioritised over administrative inefficiencies.

Steyl said the without swift intervention, the risk of long-term damage to the North West education system remained high, threatening the rights of learners to quality education and the stability of public schools in the province.

Inside Education attempted to reach out to the department concerning the matter, but there was no response at the time of publishing.

INSIDE EDUCATION

By Johnathan Paoli

Gauteng education and sport MEC Matome Chiloane has celebrated the collective achievements of Gauteng’s sporting community, highlighting how sports can unite communities, foster pride and showcase the transformative power of athletic excellence.

The 13th Gauteng Sport Awards celebrated the province’s sporting excellence on Sunday night under the theme “Celebrating Excellence, Inspiring the Youth”. It honoured the achievements of athletes who exemplified Gauteng’s moniker as the “Home of Champions”.

Among the night’s biggest winners was rising football star Relebohile Mofokeng, crowned Sport Personality of the Year after a spectacular season with Orlando Pirates.

Mofokeng, a 20-year-old footballer from Sharpeville, has taken the country by storm.

A graduate of the School of Excellence, he was scouted by Orlando Pirates, where he quickly became an integral part of the team; with performances during the 2023/2024 Premier Soccer League season earning him the DSTV Young Player of the Season award and helping Pirates secure victories in both the Nedbank Cup and the MTN Cup.

Following a public vote via SMS, Mofokeng triumphed over a formidable group of finalists that included sprinter Akani Simbine, MMA fighter Dricus Du Plessis, goalkeeper Ronwen Williams and Olympic swimmer Tatjana Smith.

Another highlight of the evening was the recognition of Tatjana Smith, who was named Sportswoman of the Year.

Smith, an Olympic swimmer, had a stellar performance at the 2024 Paris Olympics, where she claimed a gold medal in the 100m breaststroke with a remarkable time of 1:05.00 and a silver medal in the 200m breaststroke with a time of 2:19.01.

Smith’s accomplishments earned her over R350,000 in prize money, cementing her as one of the country’s premier athletes.

She was also among the nine Gauteng-based Olympians who received special cash incentives from the provincial sport, arts, culture and recreation department for their medal-winning performances.

The Lifetime Achiever Award went to Peter Manero Ngobeni, a trailblazing South African sprinter.

Ngobeni, once the fastest man in the country, won multiple South African sprint titles during his illustrious career.

In 1985, he became the first Black sprinter to receive Springbok Colours, breaking barriers in a segregated sports landscape.

The award, selected by Chiloane, recognised Ngobeni’s enduring legacy and contributions to South African athletics.

The awards also celebrated the achievements of nine athletes from the province who represented the country at the 2024 Paris Olympics, including Smith, sprinter Akani Simbine, and para-athlete Pieter du Preez, who received special cash incentives in recognition of their success.

A total of 59 finalists from various sporting disciplines were honoured at the awards, with each receiving R15,000, while category winners were awarded an additional R25,000 and automatically qualified for the National South African Sports Awards later this year.

Chiloane previously said this year’s period has been extended to include the recently held Olympics and ongoing Paralympics.

He said the awards were highly anticipated after an exciting and successful sporting season with many athletes, federations and clubs working hard and achieving significant success; and further hailed the province for producing many successful athletes.

“We will, therefore, use the Sports Awards to profile our province as a destination for all sportsmen and women from across the country and Africa to come and excel and be recognised for their talent,” Chiloane said.

Chiloane said there was ample evidence to demonstrate that sport and recreation did make a difference to people’s lives as well as the larger communities in which they lived in, and that by recognising their achievements, the awards aimed to inspire young athletes and encourage them to pursue excellence in sports.

INSIDE EDUCATION

By Nkhensani Chauke

Bullying, gangsterism and drug abuse remain significant obstacles to effective teaching and learning in Ekurhuleni’s schools, according to Gauteng education MEC Matome Chiloane.

He said vandalism, alcohol abuse and other crimes were also concern.

“In order to curb these incidents, the department has put in place various measures. These include securing access into schools, search and seizures, deployment of security guards, recruitment and deployment of patrollers, as well as partnering with community structures and law enforcement agencies.

“However, despite these interventions, I continue to receive reports, in fact disturbing reports, of violence, bullying, arson, vandalism and several other reports,” he said

Speaking at the Ekurhuleni school safety imbizo in Tsakane, Chiloane said the goal of the meeting was to address serious concerns while enhancing collaboration between local stakeholders, educators and students.

The department held a similar imbizo earlier in the month in Kliptown, Soweto.

The MEC said over the weekend that the department had identified 55 schools in the region which were impacted crime, with gangs known as the Boofs, Gailos, Nkabination and Amabutho operating in them.

He added that the department noted the continuous conflicts between school governing bodies and local communities over “self-built projects”.

There was also fluctuating fights among learners who were on drugs, and substance abuse required immediate attention.

Chiloane added that peaceful communities played a role in creating safe schools, while environments plagued by violence manifested violent behaviour at schools.

“It is against this background that we must develop strategies to protect our schools from the social challenges impacting our communities. We must acknowledge that issues like violence and substance abuse cannot coexist with a healthy, conducive environment for learning and teaching.

“Today as we gather here to identify the challenges, we must with the same vigour think creatively to come up with lasting solutions to these challenges,” he said

Chiloane informed the gathering about strategies in place, including parental and community engagement, safety and security training, and educational and awareness programmes.

INSIDE EDUCATION

By Edwin Naidu

South Africa joins the rest of the globe in raising awareness about what has become an annual public relations exercise around the 16 Days of No Violence Against Women and Children.

Ironically, South Africa and the African continent have the highest rates of intimate partner and family-related femicide, followed by the Americas and then by Oceania. 

This violence extends to all walks of society, including tertiary institutions and schools, with the victims ranging from professors to learners. Violence against women is not just a South African challenge. The world of academia was stunned by the death of Dorcas Lekganyane, a South African scientist, allegedly murdered in an act of gender-based violence (GBV) in July 2024.  Her partner was arrested and charged with murder after she was found dead in a house in Bramley, Johannesburg. In the Western Cape in August, police arrested a 17-year-old boy for the murder of grade 10 pupil Deveney Nel, who was found dead in a storeroom at her school, Hoërskool Overburg, in Caledon. Sadly, the list of gruesome deaths through GBV gets longer.  

One woman or girl is killed every 10 minutes by their intimate partner or other family members, according to thelatest global report on femicides.  An intimate partner or another family member commits 60% of all female homicides.

On the International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women, 25 November, the report Femicides in 2023: Global Estimates of Intimate Partner/Family Member Femicides by UN Women and UNODC reveals that femicide — the most extreme form of violence against women and girls — is a problem that seems to be getting worse. Why?

Globally, 85,000 women and girls were killed intentionally in 2023. A total of 60% of these homicides – 51,000 – were committed by an intimate partner or another family member. Around 140 women and girls die every day at the hands of their partner or a close relative, which means one woman or girl is killed every 10 minutes. 

In the 21st century, with cruel actions of people and leaders under more scrutiny, you would think that violence against women and children would show a decrease. In South Africa, thanks to ineffective policing and an equally ineffectual National Prosecuting Authority under the hapless leadership of Shamila Batohi, criminals and crooks continue to walk freely. The victims’ families fight for justice is one of painful resilience. In some cases, most victims don’t get justice. 

But you can expect President Cyril Ramaphosa and the current Minister of Women to come out of their slumber and talk about 16 Days of Activism while the justice system, under their appointees, keeps failing the nation.

What the emergence of the Government of National Unity enforced on the former ruling party, which famously proclaimed it would reign until Jesus came, is shared leadership because the people have spoken out against the former type of arrogance at the ballot. Ironically, former president Jacob Zuma was accused and acquitted of rape, during which the ANC Women’s League turned a blind eye to his disgraceful treatment of women, shows how compromised and unable they were to act against the man leading the nation. Ironically, he was spat out like a used condom by the very party he now dreams of usurping and ruling the country again. Perish the thought if women of South Africa have anything to say about it.

The ANC’s diminishing stranglehold on the nation has failed to spark action to strengthen the criminal justice system meaningfully, holding perpetrators accountable while ensuring adequate support for survivors. Can women of South Africa truly say they are able to walk around or go anywhere without looking over their shoulder?

The answer is a resounding NO!

According to Ghada Waly, the executive director of the UN Office and Drugs and Crime, women must have access to safe and transparent reporting mechanisms.

“At the same time, we must confront and dismantle the gender biases, power imbalances, and harmful norms that perpetuate violence against women. As this year’s 16 Days of Activism Campaign begins, we must act now to protect women’s lives.”

“Violence against women and girls is not inevitable — it is preventable. We need robust legislation, improved data collection, greater government accountability, a zero-tolerance culture, and increased funding for women’s rights organisations and institutional bodies,” she added.

Universities, schools and society in general must become safer places. Women in South Africa, Africa and the world need protection, not public relations, Mr President.

Edwin Naidu is the Editor of Inside Education.

INSIDE EDUCATION

By Johnathan Paoli

Unisa has honoured nine esteemed anti-apartheid activists and distinguished alumni for their outstanding contributions to societal development at its Chancellor’s Calabash Awards ceremony.

Held under the theme “Reclaiming Africa’s Intellectual Futures”, the ceremony honoured individuals and organisations that have profoundly impacted society, advanced transformation and reinforced democracy.

This year marked a milestone with the introduction of the Liberation Struggle Hero/Heroine Award, recognising those who displayed extraordinary courage, leadership and dedication in the fight against oppression.

Judge Albie Sachs was recognised for his exceptional role in the negotiations that led to South Africa becoming a constitutional democracy, and struggle veteran Ruth First was honoured posthumously for her role in the fight against apartheid, as well as her contributions to promoting peace and good corporate governance.

The awards, launched in 2007, celebrate outstanding achievements across various categories, honouring individuals and entities that have significantly contributed to societal progress.

The Outstanding Educator Award was presented to the Education, Training and Development Practices Seta for its transformative contributions to skills development, research and education through bursary programmes and support for TVET college lecturers and university students.

The Outstanding Alumna Award recognised two exceptional women. Christine Ramon was honoured for her leadership in empowering women, championing diversity and combating poverty, and Innocentia Itumeleng Motau was recognised for advancing maritime sustainability and investment, and contributing to economic growth and job creation in the country.

The Unisa Robben Island Alumnus Award paid tribute to Bishop Stanley Mmutlanyane Mogoba for his theological contributions to peace, reconciliation and  challenging apartheid. It was also awarded to Archbishop Njongonkulu Ndungane, for fostering inclusivity within the church, and advocating for marginalised groups, including women and HIV-positive individuals.

The Outstanding Public Service Award celebrated former statistician-general Pali Lehohla and acclaimed poet, author and folklorist Ntate Tsietsi Winston Dennis Mohapi for their significant contributions to government and society.

In her keynote address, Vice-Chancellor Prof. Puleng LenkaBula said the awards ceremony exemplified Unisa’s mission to honour its history, celebrate its present, and inspire its future, emphasising the transformative power of education and leadership.

Chancellor and former president Thabo Mbeki echoed these sentiments, highlighting the need for human capital and resources to sustain the university’s transformative mission.

“For the university to achieve what it must after its 150 years, it requires resources. I am very glad we are here today with people committed,” he said.

He said it remained important to consider where the university would be in the future, and praised its first woman VC.

The university said the awards reaffirmed its role as a beacon of inclusivity, excellence, and innovation, inspiring generations to build a brighter, more equitable future.

INSIDE EDUCATION

By Elise Kalokerinos and Ella Moeck

It’s that time of year when students are waiting for school and university results that could change the course of their lives.

Uncertain waiting periods are among our most emotionally challenging experiences. In fact, research shows students are more stressed while waiting for their results than after finding out they have failed. This is because dealing with an uncertain situation is more stressful than dealing with a known negative outcome.

In our new research, we investigated how students can best approach this often an agonising time.

Our research

We followed 101 university psychology students in Belgium receiving results that determined whether they could continue their degree.

We surveyed students ten times a day over two periods. We surveyed for two and a half days before they had their results, because previous research suggests uncertainty is hardest immediately before finding out outcomes. We then surveyed for six and a half days after results were received, because strong emotional responses can last several days.

We used a method called “experience sampling”, which involves sending short surveys repeatedly each day. These were done via smartphone.

Every survey, students used a slider scale to tell us how strongly they were feeling four positive (for example, “proud”, “happy”) and six negative (for example, “disappointed”, “anxious”) emotions. We asked questions such as: “right now, how anxious do you feel about your results?”.

Students also used a slider scale to indicate how much they used six common strategies to manage their feelings (for example, distracting yourself, accepting your feelings, or rethinking the situation). We then tested which strategies predicted better emotional outcomes both during the wait, and after results were known.

What to avoid

We found there are strategies students should avoid while they wait for results. These strategies are associated with stronger negative emotion when used in the waiting period. Two takeaway findings include:

1. Don’t reframe the situation before you know what it is

When managing stress, one generally helpful strategy is reappraisal, which involves rethinking an emotional situation to reduce its impact. For example, a student might interpret failure as a learning opportunity.

Surprisingly, we found the more students reappraised while they waited, the worse they felt. For example, a student thinking “if I fail, I can learn from it”.

But we found the more students reappraised after they received their grades, the better they felt. Reappraisal seems to only help after knowing your grades, when there is a concrete outcome to rethink.

2. Take care with how you share

When feeling bad, people often share their emotions with others. For example, a student might share their worries with a friend.

But the more students in our study shared their emotions with others while waiting for their results, the worse they felt. This may be because students are sharing to vent or complain, leading to a downward spiral. It also could be that students share with friends who are also worried, and their friends’ feelings compound their anxiety.

What can you do instead?

We found students who accepted their emotions as they were, without judgement, felt more positive during the wait. This strategy also worked well after students learned their results, regardless of what they were. This suggests acceptance is a consistently helpful approach.

Research suggests when we accept our emotions, they lose their power. In accepting our emotions, we confront the reality of the situation and let our feelings run their natural course, rather than swimming against the tide.

How can you accept your emotions?

You can practise acceptance in three steps:

1. Notice and label your feelings. For example, “I’m feeling anxious” or “angry” or “ashamed”

2. Experience these feelings fully, even if they are negative. Don’t try to control, diminish, or avoid them

3. Don’t judge these feelings. Recognise they are normal and valid. For example, you might think, “I feel really anxious about my results, but that’s reasonable and OK”.

Acceptance may feel counterintuitive, but our research shows it can help students navigate that long and anxious wait for results.

Kalokerinos is a Senior Lecturer in Psychology, The University of Melbourne, and Moeck is a Lecturer, School of Psychology, University of Adelaide.

This article was originally published in The Conversation

By Thapelo Molefe 

The University of Fort Hare continues to grapple with allegations of corruption and academic fraud, with Vice-Chancellor Sakhela Buhlungu and other officials providing updates on investigations and institutional reforms during a meeting with Parliament’s committee on higher education this week.

Committee chairperson Tebogo Letsie sought clarity on the status of recommendations from a departmental team meant to support the university’s turnaround strategy. 

A representative from the Department of Higher Education confirmed that while the team has diminished due to resignations, it remained active, consisting of senior directors and infrastructure experts. 

The team was monitoring the university’s projects and engaging in governance oversight.

The representative noted that legal concerns surrounding a probe by the Special Investigating Unit probe had strained relations at times.

The SIU is investigating nine charges against the university mostly concerning maladministration and malpractices.

The representative said that frequent engagement with the university had ensured continuous progress, including improvements in infrastructure and council restructuring under a new statute adopted post-administration in 2019.

The vice-chancellor elaborated on the reforms, noting a reduction of council members from 27 to 22 and the implementation of a consolidated turnaround plan. 

The university is now preparing for its second council term post-administration, with new ministerial appointments underway.

Buhlungu reiterated the complexities of the SIU’s investigation, which now spans qualifications issued as far back as 2004. While the SIU operates independently and reports directly to President Cyril Ramaphosa, its findings will have have far-reaching implications. 

“Meetings between the SIU and university stakeholders have shed light on fraudulent qualifications across honour’s, master’s, and doctoral programmes, as well as irregularities in law and health sciences faculties,” he said.

Buhlungu likened the investigation to “heart surgery,” emphasising that the process, though painful, was vital for restoring credibility to the university.

Recent media reports about a R1 million fraud scheme linked to the former CEO of two Setas, Raymond Patel, were also addressed. 

“Patel, now accused number 17 in a broader corruption case, allegedly collaborated with the university’s former HR director to orchestrate bogus psychometric tests for staff,” Buhlungu said.

“The scheme involved kickbacks funnelled through Patel’s company, as revealed by the national task team investigating fraud at Fort Hare.”

Buhlungu expressed surprise at Patel’s involvement.

The investigators, however, have built a strong case through detailed financial audits and traced transactions linked to the fraud.

During the meeting this week, Buhlungu acknowledged institutional weaknesses that had allowed questionable recruitment practices to thrive in the university system. 

He emphasised that such flaws predated his tenure and had been highlighted in the independent assessor’s report.

“In some places, there were no policies. Yes, we’ve investigated that that person, that professor, didn’t do it by himself. It was a system. 

“It was a system that was weak, and that’s why the SIU is now going back to 2005 to trace the roots of these institutional weaknesses,” Buhlungu said.

The inquiry also discussed the controversial hiring of Isaac Plaatjies as director of investigations, allegedly without a formal process. 

Buhlungu clarified that Plaatjies had been engaged through short-term contracts in HR before being appointed as the director. However, he admitted the process bypassed standard competitive hiring procedures.

“Yes, there was no interview at that time, but we assumed that because he was an insider… he was something to be trusted. And of course, we were wrong,” he said.

Further complicating the matter, Plaatjies is now a suspect in the assassination of Buhlungu’s bodyguard and alleged attempts on the VC’s life.

The committee chairperson expressed concerns over governance issues.

“If indeed this happens or is allowed in our institutions, then we have a problem. It means tomorrow, if I’m the vice-chancellor, I can employ my girlfriend’s family and say, you know, introduce them and say it’s short term,” Letsie stated.

Concerns about nepotism were also raised regarding the hiring of the wife of the CFO in the HR department without a competitive process. 

While Buhlungu acknowledged her employment, he deferred responsibility, claiming the appointment was at a lower level and did not require his direct oversight.

The university’s recently appointed Deputy VC for Institutional Support, Lufuno Hashatse, admitted to uncovering irregularities tied to past HR management, including those linked to a former HR director who is now under arrest. 

He added that efforts were underway to overhaul HR practices, with permanent roles now being advertised and filled following standard procedures.

The committee requested a full report on the appointment process for HR, including minutes, technical specifications and evidence of due diligence due this week.

The inquiry also delved into concerns raised by the Student Representative Council, including their underrepresentation in university governance structures like Senate. 

They highlighted infrastructure shortcomings and dissatisfaction with digital voting systems for SRC elections.

In response, Buhlungu emphasised ongoing efforts to address governance challenges and implement recommendations from the independent assessor’s report.

INSIDE EDUCATION