By Mashupye Herbert Maserumule, Daniel Nkosinathi Mlambo, John Ntshaupe Molepo, Mogotsi Caiphus Maleka, Moraka Arthur Shopola, Rasodi K Manyaka and Rasodi K Manyaka

South Africa’s goal since 2012 has been to build a capable and developmental state to address the twin challenges of poverty and inequality. The country’s National Development Plan defines a capable state as “well-run and effectively coordinated state institutions with skilled public servants”. A transformative and developmental role is about “consistently delivering high quality services” for the good of society.

To meet these goals, the country requires people in government with the necessary technological skills. This has been shown to be true in analysis of how governments from various regions worldwide have responded to technology as part of the Fourth Industrial Revolution.

A lesson that has emerged, particularly from most countries in the global north, is that technology skills are not simply a trend but a means to manage public affairs more effectively. Examples of areas they are used in include big data, artificial intelligence and robotics.

A new study has looked at how South Africa is faring in developing skills for the future of work in the public sector. The National Development Plan had earlier highlighted that planning for skills development in this sector was inadequate.

We were part of the research team for this project, as academics affiliated with various universities who have also written extensively on public administration and building state capacity.

The study found that most South African government officials were familiar with the technologies of the Fourth Industrial Revolution. But they were not familiar with how these technologies could be used to improve the efficiency of the state. In addition, officials in government departments that interact directly with citizens lacked the technologies and tools essential to take advantage of the new breakthroughs in technology.

We caution in the report that as much as technology skills have helped improve state efficiency, mainly in the global north, they can’t make up for all administrative inadequacies – including thievery from the state, which besets South Africa’s democracy.

Equally important are human cognitive skills and ethical competencies. The report found that these too were a challenge in the public service.

The report concludes that the government needs to urgently invest in revamping the way civil servants are trained. In particular, it must invest in continuous professional development. While technological capabilities are key, the report recommends that basic human skills and competencies are equally essential. To achieve this will require the development of a dynamic human resources system.

The gaps

The research found that civil servants were aware of technologies available in the market. But they didn’t connect them to their jobs, or have a view on how they could make the state more efficient.

For example, they didn’t know how big data, artificial intelligence, robotics, or the automation of public administration could be used to improve public service. Being aware of these technologies and using them to the maximum advantage of public administration are two distinct things.

The study also found that officials in some departments that interact directly with citizens – like home affairs and social development – lacked the technological tools and devices that could improve service delivery.

The study also showed that technology skills alone cannot create public value in a digitally illiterate society.

Interviewees emphasised the need for strategic and critical thinking skills, the ability to discern right from wrong and the commitment to do what is right.

These skills remain essential in a constantly evolving world that faces complex policy challenges related to, among other things, climate change, demographic shifts, poverty, unemployment and inequality.

They argued that technology should be viewed as a tool to complement human effort.

Related to this, they emphasised fundamental human values that must underpin the character of the public service, like respect, care, human dignity, compassion and altruism.

Another problem that was identified was the state’s human resources system said to be ineffective. HR Connect was initiated in 2009 as an integrated human resources system.

The report found that human resources management practices were compliance-driven. They were primarily geared to demonstrate how the budget allocation for training and development had been used rather than also examining the impact of these interventions.

What’s needed

Continuous professional development is what’s needed. The New Public Management template for state reform emerged in the 1980s along neo-liberal lines. It has been a staple of public administration education and the training of public servants ever since. The approach involves teaching civil servants how to apply business principles to manage state affairs. They are taught that citizens are customers.

However, the report concludes that the system “has failed to fulfil its central promise of efficiency” where this was measured only as the economic value rather than social effectiveness, foregrounding the wellbeing of citizens.

This points to the need to replenish public service skills and competencies. This is where continuous professional development becomes critical.

Another recommendation is that the government must invest in the technologies of the Fourth Industrial Revolution. This should include “data infrastructure, systems and human resources to efficiently utilise data in decision making”.

Some say HR Connect is inactive, implying it is inherently flawed. If that is the case, it must be replaced with a better personnel management system.

The study was conducted by the Public Service Sector Education and Training Authority (PSETA), in partnership with the Tshwane University of Technology’s (TUT) Institute for the Future of Work (IFOW).

Mashupye Herbert Maserumule is Professor of Public Affairs, Tshwane University of Technology, Daniel Nkosinathi Mlambo is Lecturer of Public Administration and Policy, Tshwane University of Technology, John Ntshaupe Molepo is Associate Professor, Mogotsi Caiphus Maleka is Head of the Department of Public Management, Tshwane University of Technology, Moraka Arthur Shopola is Lecturer of Public Administration and Local Government, North-West University, Rasodi K Manyaka is Senior Lecturer of Public Affairs, and Ricky Mukonza is Associate Professor , Tshwane University of Technology.

The Conversation

By Thapelo Molefe

The government has failed to meet its target of eradicating pit toilets at schools by the end of last month

Basic Education Minister Siviwe Gwarube revealed on Friday that 96% of schools identified under the Sanitation Appropriate for Education (SAFE) Initiative in 2018 have successfully eradicated pit toilets. 

Speaking at Mavhunga Primary School in Malume on Friday, alongside Limpopo education MEC Mavhungu Lerule-Ramakhanya, the minister described the initiative as a “moment of reckoning”, acknowledging both the progress made and the failures that led to its necessity.

“Today is a moment of great humility and even greater accountability for us as the government,” Gwarube stated. 

“We must remember the children who lost their lives due to these unsafe facilities. Their deaths were not just accidents; they were failures of the state.”

Before making the announcement, Gwarube and Lerule-Ramakhanya conducted site visits to monitor the progress of sanitation upgrades. 

They assessed conditions at Maguada Primary School in the Vhembe West District and officially handed over newly built toilets at Ludane Primary School. 

Despite skepticism about the feasibility of ambitious deadline, Gwarube said that the government must “dare to dream bigger, act faster and solve problems once considered intractable”.

“Our country finds itself where it is today—with a stagnant economy, high unemployment and rampant corruption—because of a culture of low expectations,” she said. 

“We must never fall into that trap when it comes to our children’s lives.”

According to the minister, three provinces—Gauteng, Northern Cape and Western Cape—had already eliminated pit toilets before the 2018 audit. 

Among the remaining provinces, the North West, Mpumalanga and Free State have achieved 100% eradication rates, while Limpopo in there are still 391 unsafe toilets left. 

Challenges also remain in KwaZulu-Natal, where 45 schools still have pit toilets, and 96 schools in the Eastern.

“As of March 31, 2025, we have eradicated 96% of the backlog,” Gwarube announced. 

“But this is not a victory—we are not done. 141 schools remain, and while we expect 90 of those to be completed by July, we will not stop until we reach 100%.”

Gwarube did not shy away from addressing the challenges that have delayed full completion. 

She cited factors such as inclement weather, poor contractor performance and disruptions by the so-called “construction mafia” as key hurdles.

“In areas like the Eastern Cape and KZN, flooding has made rural schools inaccessible, delaying construction,” she explained. 

“We have also had to terminate contracts for underperforming contractors, which adds time as we go through due process to appoint new ones.”

Private donor supported projects under the initiative have also underperformed, with only a 74% completion rate compared to the government’s 96%.

Gwarube announced that moving forward, stalled donor projects would be reassigned to provincial education departments to ensure they were completed without further delay.

To ensure no school was left behind, the Minister also unveiled plans for a new nationwide audit to identify any pit toilets that may have been missed in the original 2018 count.

“While funding is tight, we are determined to be resourceful and leverage partnerships with civil society and the corporate sector,” she said.

“If you see a pit toilet at a school, report it to safeschools.gov.za—we are counting on the public’s help.”

Gwarube warned that simply building new toilets was not enough if they were not maintained properly. 

To address this, the department introduced the National School Hygiene Programme in collaboration with Unilever, integrating hygiene education into the Life Orientation curriculum. 

INSIDE EDUCATION

By Lungile Ntimba

The Democratic Alliance’s KwaZulu-Natal legislature caucus has approved the first draft of the KZN Schools Evaluation Authority (SEA) Bill, which will address poor leadership, mismanagement and a lack of accountability in the province’s education system.

“The SEA marks the beginning of a bold new era of accountability and excellence within our province’s schools. It will serve as an independent body to assess school performance, ensuring that quality education is not just an aspiration but a reality for every learner in KZN,” said DA education spokesperson Sakhile Mngadi.

It will assess school performance, effectiveness and efficiency of spending within schools, particularly regarding the allocation of funds, infrastructure and education materials.

It will provide transparent, data-driven evaluations of school performance, equipping teachers, parents and policymakers with the insights needed to drive real improvements at the 6000 schools in the province.

Mngadi said learners deserved schools that were properly managed, educators who were held to high standards and an education system that prioritised “outcomes over excuses”.

He said consequence management was imperative.

The proposed legislation must now undergo all the necessary processes within the legislature.

“As part of KZN’s Government of Provincial Unity, we look forward to working with all stakeholders to ensure its successful implementation,” said Mngadi.

INSIDE EDUCATION

By Thapelo Molefe

The long-standing allegations of corruption and mismanagement at the National Skills Fund (NSF) have finally reached a turning point, with President Cyril Ramaphosa signing a proclamation authorising the Special Investigating Unit (SIU) to probe financial irregularities plaguing the institution.

The investigation, given the green light under Proclamation 253 of 2025, grants the SIU sweeping powers to scrutinise improper conduct by officials and employees of the Department of Higher Education and Training, including the potential misuse of funds earmarked for critical skills development initiatives.

Portfolio Committee on Higher Education chairperson Tebogo Letsie said this week that the proclamation was a “long-overdue” measure to hold perpetrators accountable.

“We welcome this critical step in ensuring accountability and restoring public confidence. If anyone within the value chain has unduly benefited, the law must take its course. These brazen thieves have robbed our youth of the essential skills needed to drive economic growth,” Letsie stated.

The SIU’s investigation will delve into the NSF’s procurement and contracting processes, focusing on training projects, implementing agents and service providers. 

Among the flagged entities are Yikhonolakho Woman and Youth Primary Co-operative Limited, Dithipe Development Institute and Ekurhuleni West TVET College. 

The probe will assess transactions dating back to 1 January 2013, examining any unauthorised, irregular, fruitless, or wasteful expenditure that has drained the public purse.

The NSF, which is mandated to fund skills development initiatives to combat South Africa’s rampant unemployment, has been under scrutiny for years. 

Earlier this year, the Portfolio Committee on Higher Education expressed its outrage over the NSF’s financial mismanagement, citing questionable investments, irregular payments and a R3.7 billion underspend in the 2023/24 financial year.

This latest development follows calls made by Letsie in February for the president to broaden the SIU’s mandate to include a thorough investigation of all NSF projects. 

His appeal came after the NSF presented its audit action plan to the committee, outlining its efforts to address concerns raised by the Auditor-General in the 2023/24 annual report. 

However, the report highlighted severe financial mismanagement within the NSF, including questionable investments and payments made without due process.

The committee further criticised the NSF for diverting skills development funds into business accounts rather than interest-bearing accounts designated for skills development providers (SDPs). 

Among the most concerning findings was the improper payment of funds to Medirwe Investments without adhering to the required procedures.

“It is unacceptable that an institution meant to uplift the youth and address our unemployment crisis failed to utilise billions while millions of young people remain jobless,” Letsie added.

The SIU’s investigation into the NSF forms part of a broader crackdown on corruption within key state institutions.

Ramaphosa has also authorised investigations into the South African Broadcasting Corporation (SABC), Eskom, PetroSA, Transnet, and South African Airways (SAA), among others.

The SIU’s probe represents a crucial opportunity to rectify systemic failures and ensure that public funds are channelled toward their intended purpose.

INSIDE EDUCATION

By Akani Nkuna

The Department of Social Development has thrown its support behind the growing Justice for Cwecwe campaign, which has sparked nationwide outrage and calls for justice.

The movement, marked by demonstrations and protests across the country, has gained momentum, seeking accountability and fairness for a seven-year-old pupil, who has been named Cwecwe. She was raped at Bergview College in Matatiele in the Eastern Cape.

“From shocking revelations currently emerging in the Joshlin Smith’s case to the mind-numbing brutal rape of a seven-year-old Cwecwe, alleged at Bergview College in the Eastern Cape, child protection is higher than ever on the public agenda and in the public conscience.

“We join the nation in calling for justice for Cwecwe and emphasising that justice delayed is justice denied,” Social Development Minister Nokuzula Sisisi told reporters on Wednesday.

Sisisi was addressing the media on the upcoming Africa Children’s Summit in Johannesburg later this week.

She said that the department recognised the growing support from South Africans for the Cwecwe family, and that social development had been working with the family since October last year when the rape happened.

“All the necessary psycho-social support services were rendered to both the child and her family. Social workers including a forensic social worker are working closely with the South African Police Service to bring the culprit to book and all relevant involved stakeholders,” she added.

Sisisi urged Police Minster Senzo Mchunu to take immediate action to ensure that the perpetrator was swiftly brought to book and faced the full extent of the law.

The minister said this must not only apply to the Cwecwe case, but to all gender-based violence.

Meanwhile, Sisisi said the department was honoured to co-host the second Biennial Summit with the Nelson Mandela Children’s Fund.

She said the social sector cluster believed there was no better way to celebrate Mandela’s legacy than by elevating Africa’s children’s voices under the theme: “Seen, Heard and Engaged in Education.”

The main objectives of the summit are to promote child-centred dialogue and advocacy, empower children as agents of change, ensure inclusive and equitable participation, provide evidence-based policy recommendations, strengthen collaboration across sectors and regions on the continent, review and advance progress, raise awareness, and mobilise for national and regional action.

The minister said child participation was the core right that enabled the realisation of other rights.

Both the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child and the African Children’s Charter mandated society and the state to uphold children’s rights to influence decisions affecting them.

Furthermore, the child-led summit that would advocate for children’s involvement in policymaking, aligned with the AU Agenda 2024 and the Bogota 2024 Global Commitment to end violence against children.

“The summit creates a platform to agitate for accelerated action needed to realise the full enjoyment of the human rights and freedoms of all children on the African continent. Because it is led by children themselves, it gives them a collective voice to share their views and hold African leaders and governments to account on key issues affecting them,” said Sisisi.

“These include democracy, emerging technologies and climate change, promoting inclusive education for all children, [the] role of artificial intelligence in education, addressing school violence, gender-based violence and violence against children, amongst others.”

The event will host 17 African states and includes the participation of 1300 children aged from 10 to 17, in person and virtually.

“We have taken great care to ensure the inclusion of about 50 children with disabilities in the summit. As you are aware, children with disabilities are among the most vulnerable people on the continent,” Sisisi said.

“Recent reports point to the harsh realities of their daily lives and that children with disabilities are twice as likely to be victims of sexual abuse as their non-disabled peers.”

INSIDE EDUCATION

By Lungile Ntimba 

Cell C and the Inscape Education group have joined forces in an innovative two-year collaboration aimed at empowering talented youth through creativity, innovation and career development.

It is aimed at empowering youth to bridge the gap between education and industry to unlock real-world opportunities.

Running from March 2025 to December 2026, central to this partnership lies the first design brief for this year, providing students with an immersive challenge to conceptualise innovative design solutions.

It encourages students to explore sustainability, local manufacturing and ethical design principles, fostering responsible innovation.

The initiative will culminate in the selection of bursary recipients based on academic and portfolio performance, ensuring that top talent receives the necessary support to thrive.

It will also offer internships to two top-performing individuals, equipping them with the hands-on industry experience needed to transition seamlessly into the professional world.

The focus included bringing education and industry, ensuring that students gain practical exposure and a strong professional foundation to translate classroom learning into real-world applications.

“By working alongside young, talented individuals, we are not only shaping the future of design and innovation but also creating meaningful opportunities that drive economic empowerment and transformation,” Cell C brand marketing managing executive Oyisa Besman said in a statement.

Inscape Education postgraduate manager Peter Harrison echoed these sentiments, saying he was thrilled about the collaboration.

“The project affords our students’ rich exposure to the exciting creative opportunities that exist for design, branding and real-world problem solving in social contexts which are relevant globally and locally,” said Harrison.

“This exciting opportunity from Cell C, dovetails beautifully with Inscapes approach of getting our graduates #societyready #lifeready #challengeready and #workready.”

This partnership would pave the way for young South Africans to become leaders in design, technology and business.

INSIDE EDUCATION

By Alicia Mmashakana

As calls increase for justice following the rape of a seven-year-old girl at Bergville College in Matatiele in the Eastern Cape, national police commissioner General Fannie Masemola has tasked the head of the family violence, child protection and sexual investigations (FCS) unit to bolster and oversee the ongoing investigation.

FCS head Major General Mmantsheke Lekhele met the investigating team on Tuesday to ensure due diligence was conducted and the chain of evidence was properly preserved.

“Major Gen. Lekhele will meet with persons of interests and key stakeholders such as the NPA (National Prosecuting Authority) to ensure justice and the finalisation of the matter. Bringing criminals to book and putting perpetrators of crime behind bars remains a key priority for the SAPS,” police spokesperson Brigadier Athlenda Mathe said in a statement.

She said the police wanted to assure the nation that justice would prevail and those who were found to be guilty of any offence would be brought to book.

Also, a comprehensive report would follow once the work of the team had concluded.

Meanwhile, 702 reported that the board of trustees at the college has launched an application for an urgent interdict against Eastern Cape education MEC Fundile Gade over his decision to withdraw the school’s registration.

It is asking the high court in Makhanda to suspend the process by the MEC pending a review application to set aside the decision.

Board chairperson Daniel van Zyl says in court papers that that South African Schools Act states that the withdrawal of the registration of an independent school is not valid unless the owner has been furnished with a notice and reasons by the head of department.

It also prescribes that the owner must be granted an opportunity to make written representations to the HOD about why the registration should not be withdrawn.

The assault of the young girl, identified as Cwecwe, has sparked national outrage, with various political and civil society groups demanding immediate action.

INSIDE EDUCATION

By Edwin Naidu

Tertiary institutions in the Southern African Development Community (SADC) convened in Johannesburg to start collaborating on co-creating a curriculum that aims to transform entrepreneurship through education.

The strategic partnership between eight institutions in South Africa, Lesotho, Namibia, and Eswatini, was launched by the Technological Higher Education Network South Africa (THENSA) to enhance graduate employability in southern Africa.

Funded by the Erasmus+ Capacity Building in Higher Education (CBHE) programme, the University-Industry Co-Creation (UNIICo-create) aims to tackle the pressing challenges of low job creation, limited start-up success and graduate unemployment in the SADC region, according to project lead Dr Sershen Naidoo.

Unpacking the initiative during the week-long event, Naidoo said the collaboration recognised the role of entrepreneurship in driving economic growth and addressing Sub-Saharan Africa’s priority action on sustainable growth and jobs.

The collaborative approach adopted will ensure that the project’s impact is systemic and sustainable, with strong support from academics and policymakers.

UNIICo-create unites a diverse range of stakeholders, including higher education institutions, education ministries, EU partner institutions from Ireland, France and Finland, and key higher education authorities and consortia.

This includes the Southern African Regional Universities Association, the SA Qualifications Authority, the Association of African Universities, the Association of Technical Universities and Polytechnics in Africa and Universities South Africa.

Naidoo said the project’s key objectives were the co-creation of curricula by training academic leaders to collaborate with industry and societal partners in developing curricula that promoted entrepreneurship and innovation.

Secondly, the plan was to establish co-creation units and pilot the integration of these units within university technology transfer offices to facilitate collaborative projects between students, staff and industry.

As drivers of an ecosystem, they will create a network of advocates who can influence policies related to university-industry cooperation, curriculum design and joint qualifications.

Through this initiative, Naidoo said participating universities would be equipped with the tools, resources and partnerships to cultivate entrepreneurial mindsets among students and staff.

Dr Anna Matros-Goreses, the executive director of the directorate for research, innovation and partnerships at the Namibia University of Science and Technology, said the institution was already strengthening its role as an entrepreneurial university through the University-Industry Co-Creation Project.

A key component of the initiative is the Innovation, Creativity and Entrepreneurship Service course offered under the Faculty of Commerce, Human Sciences and Education.

“Our goal is to drive meaningful impact and establish Namibia as a hub for African entrepreneurship and technological advancement,” said Matros-Goreses.

She said this initiative targeted students, researchers, entrepreneurs and industry leaders, reinforcing the university’s commitment to bridging the gap between academia and the market while contributing to Namibia’s socio-economic development.

Chakela Thaba, lecturer at the Lerotholi Polytechnic in Lesotho, said when he joined the higher education sector some 20 years ago, he was appalled at how disconnected institutions were from societal needs.

“They functioned like isolated ivory towers, rarely translating into job creation or offering direct solutions to the challenges faced by people in the villages of my country. It frustrated me to see knowledge locked away in silos, with little collaboration and even less tangible impact. This project promises to change that,” he said.

Thaba said higher education should not be a series of lone efforts. Instead, all stakeholders should work together—not just to create curricula, but to offer them, shape them, direct them, review them and ensure they are effective.

“It takes a village to raise a child, and it takes a unified, coordinated effort to transform a nation through education.”

Mboni Dlamini, the executive director of eSwatini Qualifications Authority, believes that the UNIICo-create Project presents a significant opportunity for students in Eswatini by fostering closer collaboration between universities and industries.

He said the co-creation of curriculum would ensure that education programmes aligned with the real-world needs of the job market. This would reduce the skills mismatch that has been a challenge in Eswatini, where graduates sometimes struggled to find jobs due to outdated or theoretical training.

For the industry, this means having access to a workforce that is job-ready and innovative, thereby reducing the time and resources spent on retraining graduates.

Dlamini said the regional approach to higher education could help enhance competitiveness in the global economy.

“The UNIICo-create Project promotes a shift from a traditional academic model—which is often lecture-based and theoretical—to a dynamic, interactive and experiential learning model,” he said.

INSIDE EDUCATION

By Levy Masiteng 

The National School of Government (NSG) and Microsoft South Africa have joined forces to revolutionise the public sector’s digital landscape. 

During the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding, they said the collaboration aimed to empower 100,000 government employees with cutting-edge skills in artificial intelligence, cybersecurity and digital literacy.

“Through this partnership, the NSG is aligning perfectly with priority number three of government, building a capable, ethical and developmental state,” said Public Service and Administration Minister Inkosi Mzamo Buthelezi.

“This partnership in not an investment on technology alone, but on the people on South Africa.” 

He said the partnership was a significant step towards realising President Cyril Ramaphosa’s vision of a digitally transformed South Africa, as outlined in an address at Microsoft last month.

“For a country such as ours, with such a high youth unemployment rate, this comprehensive training will not only prepare young people for jobs in high-tech industries, it will also facilitate self-employment,” the minister said.

“It will contribute to a new generation of tech and software entrepreneurs that will bring innovation and high-tech solutions that support economic growth and enhance our country’s competitiveness”. 

Department spokesperson Dikeledi Mokgokolo said in a statement that the MOU focused on providing comprehensive training programmes, workshops and resources to equip public sector employees with the skills needed to harness AI for societal impact. 

It also included advanced training in AI and cybersecurity, leveraging the NSG’s Learner Management Platforms.

“We have forged partnerships locally and internationally to diversify our programmes and strived to be responsive to the public sector needs.

“Our collaboration with Microsoft provides us with the opportunity to empower our public sector employees to embrace digital transformation and drive positive change in governance and service delivery,” said NSG principal Busani Ngcaweni.

Microsoft Africa president Lillian Barnard said that through the AI Skilling Initiative the partnership with the NSG, the company was investing in the future of South Africa’s public sector”

“Providing government employees with advanced training in AI and cybersecurity is not only critical for safeguarding digital infrastructure, but also for fostering innovation and improving service delivery,” she said.

Mokgokolo said over 400 senior government officials have already received training in AI in leadership, AI fluency and cybersecurity, with more training sessions planned for the next two months.

“Our collaboration with Microsoft provides us with the opportunity to empower our public sector employees to embrace digital transformation,” Ngcaweni said.

INSIDE EDUCATION