By Staff Reporter

South African public servants are spending 20 days in China as part of a National School of Government (NSG) learning exchange programme to gain firsthand experience of how China has managed the modernisation and professionalisation of the state.

The programme, which ends on 27 May, is being hosted by the Academy for International Business Officials and is supported by the Chinese Ministry of Commerce.

It explores the Chinese path of modernisation from a largely rural and agrarian society to a modernised and industrialised society that abolished absolute poverty in 2020.

The NSG said that its international exchanges were aimed at facilitating public servants access to specialist knowledge and skills needed to enhance public sector performance and development. This was partly done by learning from the development trajectory of other countries in the Global South and North. 

Public Service and Administration Minister Mzamo Buthelezi has congratulated the officials nominated to attend the programme, saying that state capacity was important in pursuing equitable and sustainable socio-economic transformation as well as safeguarding the rights and dignity of South Africans.

“Chinese leadership and achievements serve as a great source of inspiration for transformation on the African continent. African officials participating in these exchanges contribute to innovation and strengthening of public institutions to play a transformative role.”

This exchange is part of a series in the NSG’s international cooperation for public sector development and performance. 

INSIDE EDUCATION

By Edwin Naidu

Another week, more excuses from the National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS).

The country’s troubled financial aid scheme is again in the news due to unpaid 2024 Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) learners’ allowances.

NSFAS should not be hogging the spotlight with alarming regularity. The country must be informed of success stories on how people who NSFAS has transformed are giving back to society.

Of course, that is the best narrative if it is the case. In the current scenario, it is a question of dishing out money that the state does not have for higher education and not seeing whether there is a return on investment. There is no accountability in the real sense for public funds.

To its credit, NSFAS is communicating about its latest challenge, acknowledging that this current situation arose from transitional challenges experienced during the switch to direct payment partners and the subsequent return of this function to NSFAS during the 2024 academic year.

One understands that the transition has resulted in a complex reconciliation process, which has been undertaken concurrently in the 2025 academic year.

But one is growing tired of the ongoing excuses. NSFAS insists it is nearing the completion of this reconciliation process and is committed to resolving the outstanding payments.

Further putting its head on the block, NSFAS has committed to ensuring that payments will be finalised by the end of May.

NSFAS says monthly TVET allowances for the 2025 academic year will be paid on 25 May. The special payment run for all unpaid TVET allowances from the 2024 academic year will be processed on 31 May 2025.

This is a significant commitment by NSFAS. What will happen if these payments are not made on time as indicated? Will someone be held accountable for not delivering on the duties assigned?

In the ideal world, that person would be in charge, in this case, Waseem Carrim, the former boss of the National Youth development Agency, who was appointed acting CEO on 5 March. While he has inherited several challenges, the board and even the CEO, via friends in the media, have spoken up about his credentials.

Nobody wants to see Carrim fail; the sector must succeed, inevitably, NSFAS, too. But it should serve as a lesson that the best person for the job must be hired. It is too early to judge Carrim, despite his lack of academic nous. However, he is as good as the team he is surrounded by. One hopes that Carrim and company will get it right by the end of May.

NSFAS remains steadfast in its commitment to working collaboratively with the sector to meet its obligations and address systemic challenges to ensure the efficient disbursement of funds to eligible students.

Should these commitments not be honoured, inconveniencing learners and TVET colleges, the Minister of Higher Education and Training, Dr Nobuhle Nkabane, ought to tell the Board Chair, Dr Karen Stander, ernough is enough!

One cannot expect the minister to provide weekly excuses on behalf of NSFAS and its new leadership team, which has not been in sync since its appointment on 19 February 2025.

On 25 April, the minister noted an apology from the embattled student funding scheme over the delayed payment of TVET student allowances originally scheduled for 25 April. Due to a system glitch related to the size of the batch files, these payments were processed on Saturday, 26 April, and have been reflected in all student accounts as of 27 April.

At the end of May, if the problem recurs, it will indicate that the time for talking is over, and the minister must act decisively.

Edwin Naidu is the editor of Inside Education.

INSIDE EDUCATION

By Lungile Ntimba

Mpumalanga education department officials, including HOD Lucy Moyane, will face disciplinary action following a forensic investigation which uncovered serious procurement irregularities in a laptop deal.

In December last year, the department spent R2 million on 22 office laptops, with each costing R91,482.50.

According to the investigation, eight officials allegedly misrepresented procurement processes, manipulated specifications and approved the delivery of laptops that did not meet the agreed requirements.

Premier Mandla Ndlovu, who instituted the probe, told reporters on Monday that all implicated officials would face charges under the Public Service Act, Public Service Regulations, the Public Finance Management Act (PFMA) and other applicable statutes.

“Officials of the department misrepresented that the amount paid was correct, due and payable to the supplier, when in fact the amount paid was for laptops of inferior quality than those ordered,” Ndlovu said.

“Officials misrepresented that the specification they developed was in accordance with user requirements when, in fact, they used a specification which was developed two years ago and not reviewed for the current procurement.”

Market comparison revealed that the laptops, charged at R91,482.50 each, had a market value as low as R59,200, indicating gross overpayment.

“The supplier misrepresented to the department that it supplied the goods as per the award when it knew that the laptops supplied were not in accordance with the specification,” Ndlovu said.

He emphasised the government’s commitment to recovering all financial losses incurred as a result of the procurement deal.

He said the supplier would be blacklisted on the National and Provincial Treasury Registers for Tender Defaulters, and the matter will be reported to State Information Technology Agency for further action. 

The premier said lifestyle reviews, which may lead to full lifestyle audits, would be conducted on all implicated officials. There would also be a broader governance review of the department.

The matter would also be referred to the SA Police Service for investigation into possible criminal offences including fraud, corruption, bribery and collusion under the PFMA and the Prevention and Combating of Corrupt Activities Act.

During the briefing, Ndlovu accused officials of acting in a dishonest manner, which had become apparent through the probe.

“They failed to make a full disclosure of their involvement and provided incorrect information during the departmental investigation,” he alleged.

“They misled both the premier and the MEC by providing inaccurate information during the departmental investigation.”

Ndlovu said a progress report would be made available on the implementation of all the recommendations by the end of June.

INSIDE EDUCATION

By Levy Masiteng

The remaining 22% of unpaid National School Nutrition Programme (NSNP) service providers will be paid this week, according to Gauteng education department that set a payment run for Monday.

They were expected to receive their payments on Thursday.

According to the department, technical difficulties linked to the implementation of a new financial system, BAS Version 6, had caused the delays in processing payments. 

As of 24 April 24, 278% of payments had been successfully processed. 

The department said the National Treasury’s IT team was working to resolve the system failures.

“We acknowledge the concerns raised by our valued service providers and wish to assure them that the department is doing everything possible to resolve the technical glitches affecting payment processes,” said department HOD Nkosinathi Ngcobo.

However, the Democratic Alliance has expressed concern over the department’s financial management, describing it as a “crisis” that was now threatening the wellbeing of millions of learners and the constitutional viability of the province’s education system.

The party has requested an urgent special legislature sitting to address various issues plaguing the department.

DA KZN education spokesperson Sakhile Mngadi said the department’s failure to pay NSNP service providers during March and April was a “gross dereliction of duty and a broader systemic failure”. 

“As schools reopen today, suppliers are staging a sit-in while KZN’s more than two million learners – many of whom rely on school meals as their only daily source of nutrition – are at risk of returning to classrooms with empty stomachs,” he said. 

Mngadi said the department has made financial promises it could not legally keep.

He warned that if the department failed to promptly implement corrective measures, the party would support invoking Section 18 of the Public Finance Management Act, which could lead to the department being placed under administration.

“We remain committed to transparency, timeous communication and the uninterrupted provision of meals to our learners across the province,” said Ngcobo.

INSIDE EDUCATION

By Alicia Mmashakana

Science, Technology and Innovation Minister Blade Nzimande is concerned about the recent declaration by the United States to discontinue research funding for essential biomedical, health and related collaborative programmes involving institutions and scientists from the US and South Africa.

He has warned that the abrupt withdrawal of funding will not only greatly impair cutting-edge USA-SA science research collaboration to combat the spread of, in particular, high risk communicable diseases such as HIV/AIDS and tuberculosis, but also possesses real-life consequences for patients enrolled in crucial scientific trial and treatment programmes.

Nzimande is currently establishing a working group on science, technology and innovation funding to counsel him on the consequences and effects of the cuts.

The group will analyse risk mitigation factors associated with external funding for research and development programmes in vital sectors of the national innovation system.

Its terms of refence include assessing current geo-political risks to science, technology and innovation, and proposing policy and strategic responses to enhance the long-term security and sustainability of the STI system, including the role of the department.

Nzimande is anticipated to finalise the appointment of the group’s members within the next week, and they are expected to commence their duties immediately.

It will be made up of experts, policymakers and administrators from South Africa’s National Skills Institute. 

Its secretariat will be run by the department.

The first draft report is expected to be submitted to Nzimande within four weeks of taking on the task. He will receive the final report on 30 June.

INSIDE EDUCATION

By Akani Nkuna

The Democratic Alliance in Gauteng has strongly criticised the provincial education department for failing to conduct background checks of 3400 learner transport drivers, calling the oversight a dangerous breach of child safety protocols.

According to the DA, the department’s negligence in vetting drivers poses a serious risk to the safety and well-being of schoolchildren. The party is demanding urgent intervention to prevent potential abuse and ensure compliance with safeguarding regulations.

“The Gauteng department of education’s (GDE) failure to thoroughly vet 3400 scholar transport drivers against the Child Protection Register (CPR) puts the safety of learners at risk. This failure could lead to incidents of sexual harassment against learners and expose them to inappropriate materials,” said DA Gauteng spokesperson for education, Michael Waters.

He accused MEC Matome Chiloane of gross negligence.

Waters said the department’s failure to properly vet transport drivers, who have unfettered access to learners during their daily commute, reflected a disturbing disregard for student safety and a broader pattern of mismanagement within the provincial education system.

“The department’s failure to vet school transport drivers comes of the back of another fiasco where it was found that 12 teachers convicted of sexual offences were allowed to teach school children,” Waters added.

Replying to questions, Chiloane said in a letter to the Gauteng legislature that the divers possessed valid police clearance certificates, as mandated by the tender process.

He added that each driver has undergone the necessary security screening, in line with the terms of reference for the service.

“The responsibility of vetting drivers lies with the bus owners, as employers. The department will request the companies to address this matter,” Chiloane said.

The MEC also revealed that the department allocated R1.7 billion annually to school transport.

He noted that the department in collaboration with key stakeholders, including departments of community safety, roads and transport, health and municipalities must ensure safety standards and regulatory compliance are maintained in the provision of scholar transports services.

“GDE has not received any status report for vehicles transporting learners as this is the competence of the department of community safety,” Chiloane said.

INSIDE EDUCATION

By Levy Masiteng

The Energy and Water Sector Education and Training Authority (EWSETA) has welcomed the outcome of an independent forensic investigation that cleared its CEO, Mpho Mookapele, of allegations of misconduct and irregularities. 

This follows allegations submitted to Higher Education and Training Deputy Minister Mimmy Gondwe by the former Chief Financial Officer after her termination in December 2024. 

They included claims of irregularities in discretionary grant processes, unauthorised international travel, misconduct linked to the War on Leaks programme and victimisation of staff.

“In response, and in line with its commitment to accountability, the EWSETA board acted decisively, commissioning an independent service provider to conduct a comprehensive and impartial investigation in January 2025,” said EWSETA. 

They said the final report was submitted last month which concluded that these allegations were unfounded.

The key findings of the investigation included no evidence of wrongdoing, no misconduct linked to War on Leaks Programme and a parliamentary oversight where the matter was further scrutinised at a Parliamentary hearing by the Standing Committee on Public Accounts (SCOPA) on 26 February 2025.

“This level of parliamentary oversight further underscores EWSETA’s commitment to transparency and public accountability,” EWSETA added. 

With the CEO now cleared, it said it would focus on implementing the report’s recommendations to strengthen internal controls and reinforce its governance framework, with the aim of building a transparent, ethical and high-performing institution that delivered on its mandate to advance skills development in South Africa’s energy and water sectors.

“While the organisation remains open to scrutiny, it is equally firm in addressing misinformation. EWSETA will take appropriate steps should false or misleading claims result in undue reputational harm.”

INSIDE EDUCATION

The University of Johannesburg were crowned USSA champions after delivering stellar performances across a broad spectrum of events at this year’s spectacle that was hosted at Pilditch Stadium in Pretoria over the weekend.

With terrific performances from athletes like Precious Molepo, Nolwazi Mashaba and Phemelo Ntoe (to name a few), UJ gathered 322 points, more than 40 points ahead of the second place finishers, the University of Pretoria (278). North-West University finished third with 276 points and the University of Free State fourth (200).

On a different note, Bayanda Walaza was the only athlete to qualify for the World Athletics Championships at this event. Also setting the championship alight, were record breakers Barnard, Reinstorf, Geldenhuys, Uys and the NWU relay team.

South Africa’s Olympic silver medalist, Bayanda Walaza, once again demonstrated that he is a man on a mission when he blew the men’s 100m field away on day one, running 10.00 seconds. The 19-year-old sprinting ace has crowds on their feet wherever he goes, and it was no different at this year’s USSA championships.

The former world under 20 champion, Mire Reinstorf, flew over the pole vault crossbar that was set at 4.35m. In 2022 the Stellenbosch University athlete cleared 4.00m, meaning Reinstorf finds herself in the shape of her life.

Zenè Geldenhuys (USSA Ind), the Commonwealth Games medalist, bolted around the track to improve her own 400m hurdles record to 55.70.Her previous record set in 2023 stood at 55.75.

In the men’s 4x400m relay event, the team from North-West University bettered the record set by the same institution in 2021. The previous time of 3:07.05 was exchanged for 3:05.06.

Colette Uys (UP) cemented her place as one of the most versatile field athletes in Africa when she won the women’s discus throw competition as well, walking away with three gold medals in three days.

In the men’s and women’s 200m races, underdogs Kyle Zinn (UWC) and Annestaysha George (UP) sprinted to gold in their respective events. Zinn ran 20.65 seconds, and George 23.54.

Wernich Van Rensburg (UFS) outsmarted Namibia’s Andre Retief (NWU) to win the men’s 400m hurdles in 49.95. Dipping under 50 seconds is a special feat for any long hurdle athlete.

The University of Johannesburg made a clean sweep in the men’s 10000m final in the early hours of day 3. Boikanyo Motlhamme clocked 30:46.01 to win the gold medal, leaving the rest of the podium spots open for his teammates Prince Madume (silver, 31:01.13) and Phemelo Ntoe (31:01.56).

Karabo Mailula (UP) and Nehang Khatala (USSA Ind, NWU), the women’s half-marathon and 5000m champions, went head-to-head in their 25 lap race. It came down to a sprint finish, but it was Mailula who wanted it more. She ran 34:53.89 to secure another gold medal. Khatala clocked 34:55.45 for the silver.

Michaela Oosthuizen powered her way to victory in the women’s 800m final. Leading from the gun, the confident University of Pretoria athlete finished the race in 2:07.54, about 5 seconds ahead of the silver medallist.

The men’s 800m title went to Molifi Mohlomi from the University of Free State. Pacing his race perfectly, Mohlomi (1:49.11) dragged three more athletes to sub 1:50.

On the field, Karmen Fouché (NWU) jumped 1.75m and 6.40m to win the women’s high and long jump competitions. Her teammate, Ewald Jansen, threw 75.55m to secure the gold medal in the javelin.

UP’s Peace Adedokun leaped 16.20m in the men’s triple jump, securing valuable points for the Pretoria side. Aiden Smith’s (USSA Ind) exceptional 20.24m put was enough to win the gold medal in the men’s shot put event.

Finishing strongly, UP’s women sprinters controlled the 4x400m relay from the clap of the gun. NWU finished second, and TUT third.

USSA remains a breeding ground for the next generation of South Africa’s world-class athletes and citizens. While UJ won the championship, everyone who competed contributed to the spirit of the sport.

USSA

By Ayobami Precious Adekola and Azwihangwisi Helen Mavhandu-Mudzusi

In South Africa, the age of consent for sex is 16 years old. Engaging in sexual activity with someone under the age of 16 is considered statutory rape, even if the minor consents as defined under the law that applies to adults.

In December 2021, South Africa’s Department of Basic Education introduced a policy aimed at reducing the country’s high rates of teenage pregnancy and sexual exploitation. It requires educators to report cases where older sexual partners impregnate learners under 16 years of age.

We are researchers in sexual and reproductive health who have been working on a decade-long community engagement project focused on improving HIV prevention and related challenges among learners. The project is in the Vhembe district of Limpopo province, South Africa, bordering Zimbabwe. Sexual health practices among young people here remain a pressing concern, due to high rates of unprotected sex, sexually transmitted infections, HIV and unplanned pregnancies.

As part of the project, we conducted a study of the statutory rape reporting policy for schools. It showed a disconnect between the policy’s intent and implementation. We found that some rural teachers were unaware of the policy, were not sure what they were supposed to do, or faced cultural, social and systemic barriers that left them feeling powerless to act.

The result is that the child protection law is failing the learners it was designed to safeguard.

Because teachers are often some of the first adults to become aware of statutory rape cases, it’s crucial to equip them to deal with disclosures appropriately, navigate reporting protocols confidently, and engage support systems effectively and help prevent future sexual abuse of learners.

Lack of awareness of policy

Our research was conducted at eight public primary and high schools in the Soutpansberg North school circuit of Limpopo. All the schools are in rural, under-resourced and poor communities. There is a high number of HIV infections and unplanned teenage pregnancies in the schools where the study was conducted. The true incidence rate of rape is different because it’s not always reported.

We engaged 19 educators (16 of them female) through group discussions.

Teachers expressed confusion and frustration over the lack of formal communication and training on the statutory rape reporting policy. Some were unaware that such a policy existed. One admitted:

Honestly, I wasn’t even aware that we had a policy on statutory rape. It’s not something we’ve ever discussed in our school.

Another teacher said:

I know there’s a policy, but I’m unsure where to find it or exactly what it says. As educators, we need to be informed about policies, but it feels like no one communicates them effectively to us.

Cultural and socioeconomic barriers

Beyond a lack of awareness, the discussions suggested that socio-cultural norms hinder the implementation of the statutory rape policy in rural areas.

The study highlighted that intergenerational relationships are normalised in some rural communities. In these cases, families may depend financially on the older male partner, making them reluctant to report such relationships as criminal offences.

In some cases, families tacitly support relationships between young girls and older men in exchange for financial support, making such arrangements difficult to challenge.

A participant shared:

It’s difficult because some parents tolerate these relationships as normal and support their kids to sleep with older men, who in turn provide for the family.

Teachers encounter immense social pressure when faced with statutory rape cases. In tight-knit rural communities, reporting a case could mean accusing a neighbour, relative, or local authority figure. This creates a moral dilemma for educators who want to protect learners but fear community backlash.

As one participant put it:

If I report it, they might turn against us.

These socio-cultural dynamics create a culture of silence that protects perpetrators rather than victims.

What’s missing

The study also found that a lack of training on statutory rape policies is a barrier to effective implementation. Teachers reported feeling unprepared to handle the legal and emotional complexities of reporting statutory rape cases.

There’s been no training at all. We hear about the policy, but they don’t teach us how to implement it or what steps to take if something happens.

Another teacher added:

There is no formal memo from the circuit office and from our school governing body meetings; it was never introduced as an agenda item.

The absence of confidential reporting mechanisms further complicates the situation. Teachers fear that reporting cases could lead to retaliation from the community or even threats to their safety. The lack of a standardised anonymous reporting system leaves teachers feeling vulnerable and unsupported.

Teachers indicated that fear of community backlash led them to prioritise managing learner pregnancies over investigating potential rape cases. Some said it was the parents’ responsibility to report rape.

Proposed solutions

We recommend a few ways to improve reporting of statutory rape:

Mandatory training for educators: The education department should ensure that all teachers understand their legal obligations and know how to navigate reporting procedures.

Confidential reporting systems: Establishing secure and anonymous reporting channels.

Community awareness campaigns: Programmes to help shift harmful cultural norms and make it easier to report statutory rape. Campaigns should emphasise the importance of protecting minors and the legal consequences of statutory rape.

Interdisciplinary support networks: Schools should collaborate with social workers, legal professionals, and mental health experts to provide educators with the support and resources needed to handle statutory rape cases.

Bridging the gap between South Africa’s statutory rape policy and what actually happens in rural areas is a social justice imperative that affects the most vulnerable members of society.

Ayobami Precious Adekola is a Postdoctoral Researcher at University of South Africa and Azwihangwisi Helen Mavhandu-Mudzusi a is Professor at University of South Africa.

The Conversation

By Thapelo Molefe

The bail hearing of a Walter Sisulu University (WSU) residence manager, who is accused of allegedly killing a student during protests, was postponed on Friday due to a power failure at the Mthatha Magistrate’s Court.

Manelisi Mampane, 54, allegedly shot Sisonke Mbolekwa and wounded two others at the university last month.

Mampane faces charges of murder, attempted murder and possession of an unlicensed firearm after allegedly opening fire on a group of students at the university’s Mthatha campus. They were demonstrating over a number of issues, including the state of accommodation.

Mampane made his first court appearance last month where he indicated that he would apply for bail.

Students made it clear that Mampane must remain behind bars.

A family representative for the Mbolekwa family, Phiwaba Modokwe, said they agreed that Mampane must not be granted bail.

“A life has been lost, lives have been altered, and this has not just traumatised the family, but it has traumatised the entire student community and many members of the society,” Modokwe said.

“So we are of the view that bail must not be granted.”

She also condemned the use of guns in tertiary institutions, saying that whether the firearm used to kill Mbolekwa was licensed or not, “no student should go back home in a coffin”.

WSU convocation secretary general Misheck Mugabe also spoke out against firearms at the university.

“We are disappointed with the issue of unlicensed firearms in campuses. We want a gun-free campus, that is why we are here to play solidarity with the family of Sisonke,” he said.

He added that they had requested that the media to be allowed in court, saying that “if you are innocent, you don’t have anything to hide”.

During the first court appearance, journalists were barred from attending the court proceedings.

The family of Mbolekwa has since requested via an affidavit that the proceedings be open to the press.

Last month, Institutional Student Representative Council president Abalungile Madikizela stressed that the accused should remain behind bars

“From our view as students we believe that with everything that has happened, he has not shown any indication that he regrets what has happened or that it was a mistake because if that was the case, he would have handed himself over to the police.

“But what happened is that the police had to chase him up and down the country begging him to hand himself over for his actions,” she said.

Mbolekwa was laid to rest in Matatiele last month

Hundreds of students gathered outside the court on Friday to demand justice for Mbolekwa.

Mampane will appear in court again on Tuesday.

INSIDE EDUCATION