Marcus Moloko

Dr. Floyd Brink’s reappointment as Johannesburg City Manager offers a compelling case study for students of public administration and governance. 

Removed previously for irregular appointments, Brink returned after reportedly topping a competitive interview process.

The new City Manager topped 10 other candidates for the position, including former Johannesburg Property Company chief executive Helen Botes.

He was the leading candidate while Botes and Bryne Maduka followed closely behind on scores.

Brink’s appointment has been described as a strategic move for robust leadership and effective governance. He boasts over 22 years of work experience, which includes 16 years in senior management roles.  

His background includes financial management, engineering, and business administration.

On Thursday, the Johannesburg City Council approved Brink’s return.

His return, a third time in the role, has been met by challenges as he was previously removed due to a court order that deemed his appointment irregular.

Brink is believed to have close ties to the Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF), a concern for some ANC councillors who fear the appointment could shift power dynamics within the coalition. 

The ANC-led coalition, which includes the DA, IFP, Patriotic Alliance, and other smaller parties, faces a new test of unity as Brink’s tenure officially begins on November 1, as the city prepares to host the G20 summit. 

Brinks’ mandate will include stabilising service delivery in a city facing water shortages, power outages, and concerning infrastructure challenges.

While the DA has distanced itself from endorsing Brink, citing concerns over Brink’s previous tenure and the legal controversies surrounding his earlier appointments, a determined Brink allegedly proposed a city plan that outshone other potential candidates for the city manager role.

Brink left the city in December 2024 after a judgment found his appointment invalid following an application by the DA.

INSIDE EDUCATION

By Thapelo Molefe

The North Gauteng High Court has reserved judgment in the high-profile case about the legality of publishing matric examination results in newspapers and online public platforms, a long-standing South African tradition now facing a potential ban.

The two-day hearing held this week saw the Department of Basic Education (DBE) and the Information Regulator argue over whether the public release of National Senior Certificate results in their current format breaches the Protection of Personal Information Act (POPIA).

The case follows an earlier urgent application brought by the Regulator in January to block the release of the results, which the court dismissed for lack of urgency.

The Regulator has since sought a full review of the DBE’s publication practice, arguing that even publishing examination numbers without names on newspapers and digital platforms amounts to a violation of learners’ privacy under POPIA.

However, the department maintains that its current method of displaying only examination numbers does not violate the law. According to the DBE, the information cannot be linked directly or indirectly to any individual without prior or insider knowledge, meaning that it does not qualify as “personal information” under the Act.

“For decades, the publication of matric results has been a matter of public interest and national transparency,” the DBE said in a statement on Wednesday.

“It provides reassurance to learners, families, and the broader public regarding the integrity of the national examination system. The Department remains committed to balancing the right to privacy with the principles of openness, accountability, and public confidence in education.”

AfriForum, which joined the matter as a party supporting the continued public publication of results, has strongly defended the practice.

The organisation’s head of cultural affairs, Alana Bailey, said the dispute dates back to 2022, when the DBE initially sought to halt the release of results through newspapers and other media platforms.

“In that case, the judge agreed that publishing results was in the public interest and that using examination numbers instead of names sufficiently protected learners’ privacy,” Bailey said.

She added that at the start of the year, the Information Regulator once again attempted to block the publication of matric results in newspapers and online platforms, a move that was unsuccessful when Judge Ronel Tolmay ruled in favour of publication on 8 January.

“With that court order still in place, the DBE had no other choice but to oppose the Regulator’s instruction to withhold publication of the results,” Bailey said.

During this week’s proceedings, both parties argued over the definition of personal information and the balance between privacy rights and public access to information.

Bailey said AfriForum continues to receive requests from matriculants asking the organisation to help ensure that results remain publicly available.

“We will protect their interests as far as possible. It’s important that more clarity is obtained about when individuals’ privacy must be protected at all costs and when disclosure is in the public interest. The ruling in this case will provide greater certainty in this regard.”

At the conclusion of the hearing, Information Regulator Chairperson Advocate Pansy Tlakula welcomed the opportunity for the matter to be ventilated in open court, saying that it is crucial in clarifying learners’ privacy rights under POPIA.

The court will deliberate on the submissions made by both sides before delivering its judgment.

INSIDE EDUCATION

By Levy Masiteng

Deputy Minister of Higher Education and Training Nomusa Dube-Ncube on Wednesday launched the Fourth Industrial Revolution (4IR) Centre of Excellence at Flavius Mareka TVET College in Sasolburg.

The state-of-the-art centre includes advanced robotics and cybersecurity laboratories designed to give students hands-on experience and support applied research in emerging technologies.

According to the Department of Higher Education and Training (DHET), the 4IR centre is a “strategic initiative” in partnership with the Education, Training and Development Practices Sector Education and Training Authority (ETDP SETA) to establish 4IR centres across selected TVET colleges in the country.

“The centre is designed to provide students with future-ready skills aligned with the demands of digital transformation and smart industry,” the department said.

During the launch, Dube-Ncube emphasised the importance of equipping young people with skills for the future world of work.

“Today we celebrate more than the opening of a new facility, we also celebrate the birth of a new era of opportunity — an era where young people from communities across our country and in the Free State can access cutting-edge knowledge, digital tools, and hands-on innovation that will prepare them for the jobs of the future,” she said.

Dube-Ncube said that 4IR centres represent the department’s commitment to reimagining the role of TVET colleges as hubs of digital skills, creativity, and applied research that serve the needs of industry and society.

The Flavius Mareka college was one of 10 TVET colleges selected for the flagship initiative by the ETDP SETA.

The centre is expected to bridge the gap between education and industry, and support inclusive participation of youth and women in emerging technology fields.

As a regional catalyst for innovation, the centre is also expected to serve the Free State and surrounding provinces, “contributing directly to the department’s skills strategy for 4IR and promoting TVET transformation for future work”, according to the department.

During her visit, Dube-Ncube also engaged with the Sasol Foundation on potential public-private collaboration opportunities in the TVET sector, and met with the ETDP SETA to discuss lecturer development and capacity building programmes in 4IR.

“This initiative also aligns with the broader national vision outlined in the National Development Plan, the Economic Reconstruction and Recovery Plan, and the Presidential 4IR Commission’s recommendations — all aimed at equipping South Africans with future-ready skills that will ensure inclusivity, competitiveness, and sustainable development,” she said.

INSIDE EDUCATION

By Thapelo Molefe

The Democratic Alliance (DA) has called for a full forensic investigation into the alleged looting of more than R1 million at Ulwazi High School in Mdantsane, Eastern Cape, where funds meant to feed and support learners were allegedly spent on luxury meals, alcohol, and fuel.

In a statement on Tuesday, DA provincial education spokesman Horatio Hendricks said the revelations showed “a shocking abuse of public money that has robbed learners of both dignity and opportunity”.

The DA accused the principal and members of the School Governing Body (SGB) of treating the school’s account “as a private cash machine”.

“Ulwazi High is a no-fee school serving over 1,200 learners, yet children are being fed plain samp without fruit and often receive only one meal a day,” Hendricks said.

“Meanwhile, the principal and individuals linked to the School Governing Body have allegedly treated the school account as a private cash machine.”

Financial statements seen by the party show that more than R250 000 was spent at high-end restaurants such as Grazia Fine Food & Wine and La Grato, while over R450,000 was withdrawn from ATMs and another R226 000 in cash back from grocery stores.

Payments were also made to liquor outlets, lounges, and car washes using a card linked to the school’s account.

“This is a blatant violation of the South African Schools Act, which requires full documentation and approval of school expenditure,” Hendricks said.

“The money that should be feeding hungry children has instead funded fine dining and personal luxuries”.

Learners interviewed by the DA confirmed that they do not receive the full meals listed on the official menu of the National School Nutrition Programme (NSNP).

“Many learners report receiving only one meal a day instead of two, with fruit rarely provided despite being supplied and budgeted for,” Hendricks said.

The school now reportedly owes service providers over R375,000 in unpaid invoices, plunging the feeding scheme into debt.

Some members of the SGB allegedly benefited from food, fuel, and cash payments, in direct contravention of the Schools Act, which prohibits governing body members from being remunerated.

The scandal led to the suspension of principal Mihlali Makhalima by the Eastern Cape Department of Education on Friday.

An internal probe found that funds intended for school nutrition, maintenance, and learning materials were instead used for personal spending over a 16-month period.

Makhalima has denied wrongdoing, claiming that the expenses were related to school events and meetings. However, the investigation reportedly uncovered weak financial controls, unauthorised debit card transactions, and personal benefits to SGB members.

This latest scandal comes amid ongoing criticism of the Eastern Cape’s education system, which has been long plagued by corruption, infrastructure collapse, and mismanagement. 

Hendricks said the DA views the Ulwazi case as a symptom of a deeper governance crisis. 

“This kind of abuse robs learners of dignity and opportunity,” he said. 

“It is unconscionable that those entrusted with the welfare of children are enriching themselves while pupils go hungry.”

To address the crisis, the DA said it will table a motion in the Eastern Cape Legislature demanding urgent intervention, including a full independent forensic audit of Ulwazi High and its nutrition programme, criminal referrals under the Public Finance Management Act for all implicated individuals, and recovery of stolen funds through civil claims.

The party is also calling for lifestyle audits of school and district officials, and a province-wide audit of high-risk schools starting in Buffalo City.

“This cannot go unpunished. If the provincial government fails to act decisively, it will be complicit in the ongoing theft from the poorest children in this province,” Hendricks said.

“Public education funds belong in classrooms, not in restaurants and liquor stores.”

INSIDE EDUCATION

By Charmaine Ndlela

Authorities are investigating an alleged bullying incident at the elite St. Stithians College in Sandton, after a Grade 1 learner reportedly sustained potential permanent hearing loss when a classmate forced pencil shavings into her ears.

According to reports, a boy allegedly threatened to push a pencil into the girl’s eye if she told anyone. The alleged assault was captured on the school’s security cameras.

Speaking to Inside Education, the school said that the investigation into the matter “has not yet been concluded” and it could not provide a date of when the alleged incident took place.

St. Stithians spokesperson Celeste Gilardi said the school acted immediately after learning of the incident.

“Upon being aware of the incident, we immediately activated our safeguarding and disciplinary procedures in line with our Student Code of Conduct, POPIA, and legal obligations,” she said.

Gilardi added that the school is “addressing the matter with urgency and integrity” and remains committed to protecting the well-being of every learner. The school confirmed it is meeting with the victim’s family to finalise the matter.

The victim’s mother has reportedly requested a transfer letter, stating that her daughter has been subjected to bullying throughout the ten months she attended the school.

Anti-bullying organisations say this incident reflects a widespread “crisis” in South African schools.

Around 57% of learners have been bullied at least once, according to local NGOs. Data from Safer Schools shows that more than 3.2 million learners experience bullying every year, but 67% of them never report it, believing they will not be helped.

The Human Sciences Research Council recorded 548 incidents of bullying in early 2025, some with tragic outcomes as pupils took their own lives due to ongoing abuse.

In March, a Grade 7 learner at Vulindlela Primary School in Harrismith, Free State, died by suicide after leaving a note describing the emotional distress caused by bullying.

In another recent case, a viral video from Milnerton High School in Cape Town showed a Grade 10 learner being beaten with belts and hockey sticks in a locker room as others watched and cheered. Six of the eight learners involved were arrested and charged with assault with intent to cause grievous bodily harm. They were released on R2 000 bail each, while two minors were released into the custody of their guardians.

The Gauteng Department of Education (GDE) this month said it was alarmed by a series of violent incidents across the province between 20 and 23 October, including a stabbing at Boksburg High School where a Grade 9 learner was reportedly attacked by a group of boys who jumped the school fence.

Gauteng Education MEC Matome Chiloane condemned the attacks, reiterating the department’s zero-tolerance stance on school violence.

“We are deeply saddened by this violent act and wish the injured learner a full recovery. We urge communities to play an active role in preventing such incidents and ensuring our schools remain safe spaces for teaching and learning,” said Chiloane.

The Department of Basic Education (DBE) said it continues to strengthen its School Safety Programme, guided by the National School Safety Framework and a protocol signed with the South African Police Service. These frameworks require all schools to have safety committees, learner codes of conduct, and direct links to local police stations.

“The DBE’s Anti-Bullying Campaign and psychosocial support initiatives reinforce this commitment, promoting a culture of respect, empathy, and accountability across all schools,” the department said.

Minister of Basic Education Siviwe Gwarube has added bullying to the agenda of the Council of Education Ministers (CEM) to ensure the issue is addressed nationally. She has also directed the DBE to assess how anti-bullying protocols are being implemented across provinces and to evaluate their effectiveness.

INSIDE EDUCATION

By Staff Reporter

President Cyril Ramaphosa has been conferred an Honorary Doctorate in International Relations by the prestigious University of Malaya in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.

The university bestowed the honour in recognition of President Ramaphosa’s exceptional leadership, his contributions to international relations, and his commitment to global development.

He is only the second South African to receive this distinction, following the late former President Nelson Mandela.

Delivering a public lecture titled “South–South Diplomacy in the 21st Century: Malaysia and South Africa,” Ramaphosa said the award was a tribute to the South African people’s enduring struggle for democracy and freedom.

“This honour, in the form of an Honorary Doctorate in International Relations, is being conferred at a time of great turbulence and uncertainty in the world,” he said.

“It recognises the principles and values that we have sought to advance in global affairs.”

Reflecting on the historic ties between South Africa and Malaysia, Ramaphosa highlighted the Malay-Indonesian heritage that shaped early South African society.

“Today, we pay tribute to the rulers and peoples of the Malay-Indonesian archipelago, whose exiles, workers, and scholars helped build the South African nation,” he said.

“The earliest recorded arrivals from that region were mostly enslaved people, brought against their will to provide labour to the Dutch colony at the Cape of Good Hope.”

Malaysia also stood in solidarity with South African freedom fighters in the struggle against apartheid.

“It is a source of great pride to us that the ties between Malaysia and South Africa have endured. Since the time of the early Cape Malay community, through the anti-apartheid struggle and into our democracy, our destinies have been intertwined.

“Our shared history may not have been of our making, but it has evolved into a principled solidarity. When we were liberated from apartheid bondage, Malaysia was at our side. When President Nelson Mandela was released from prison in 1990, [then] Prime Minister Mahathir Mohamed was one of the first foreign leaders he met with,” he said.

Ramaphosa also called for the deepening of friendship between South Africa and Malaysia.

“I receive this honorary doctorate with gratitude from the Universiti Malaya, an institution with a rich and proud history. I accept it on behalf of your brothers and sisters in South Africa, who owe the people of Malaysia and its noble leaders a great debt. Thank you for standing with us in our quest for dignity and justice,” he said.

INSIDE EDUCATION

By Johnathan Paoli

The Eastern Cape Education Department has celebrated the foundational role mathematics could play in both the development of the individual learner as well as the growth of his or her community.

The department’s Primary Curriculum Directorate, in partnership with the Horizon Mathematics Competition (HMC) organisers, hosted the 2025 Horizon Mathematics Competition Awards at the Mandla Makupula Education Leadership Institute (MMELI) in East London.

The event celebrated not only academic excellence but also the growing confidence of learners who are discovering the joy and power of numbers, with Horizon Educational Trust Director Ian Turan stressing the essence of the day’s purpose and calling on the country to nurture future problem solvers and innovators.

“Mathematics helps strengthen reasoning skills and critical thinking. Maths will help you in any career,” Turan said.

For many learners, the competition marked the culmination of months of effort, beginning in their classrooms where they competed against peers before advancing to district contests.

Those who excelled at each stage secured their place at the provincial finals, representing the highest level of mathematical achievement in the Eastern Cape’s primary schools.

The steady growth in participation has made the HMC a cornerstone of the province’s education landscape, reflecting its success in promoting curiosity, discipline, and analytical thinking among young learners.

The department highlighted that the competition’s impact is evident not only in the enthusiasm it inspires but also in measurable academic outcomes.

Provincial and international assessments, including the Annual National Assessments (ANA), SEACMEQ V, and the 2023 Trends in International Mathematics and Science Study (TIMSS), have shown marked improvements linked to enhanced learner engagement with mathematics.

The department believes that fostering such engagement early is vital for long-term success in science, technology and engineering fields.

The awards ceremony itself was a celebration of excellence, with top learners recognised for their dedication and skill.

Each participant received certificates and medals, while the highest achievers took home practical prizes such as laptops, smartphones, bicycles, and scientific calculators.

In addition to individual recognition, the department honoured schools that demonstrated exceptional commitment to nurturing mathematical talent.

Institutions like New Generation Primary, Grey Boys Primary, and Maclear Methodist Primary stood out for their consistent support of learners and their innovative approaches to teaching mathematics.

Their success stories showed the essential role that schools and teachers play in shaping confident, capable learners.

Chief Education Specialist for Primary Curriculum, Lulama Kenene, applauded the learners for their perseverance and enthusiasm.

“Every participant is a winner. I want to say thank you to all our guests for joining us today,” he said.

He said that the competition is as much about participation and growth as it is about victory.

Chulekazi Xundu-Bula, Chief Director of Primary Curriculum, used the occasion to pay tribute to educators, describing them as the architects of the province’s academic future.

“Teachers, thank you for moulding our future leaders. Maths nurtures the ability to solve problems,” she said.

The department said that the competition had evolved into a flagship event that brought together communities, celebrates excellence and builds a foundation for academic confidence.

INSIDE EDUCATION

By Palesa Nguqu

Phodisho Samuel Maganyela, a 15-year-old Grade 10 learner from Lesedi Secondary School in the Tshwane District, Bronkhorstspruit, has won top honours in the 2025 Bokamoso Creative Essay Competition, held recently in Klipspruit, Gauteng.

Maganyela impressed judges with his imaginative yet practical essay on how young minds can engineer sustainable solutions to address South Africa’s pressing socio-economic and environmental challenges.

The competition, themed “Innovating for Impact: How Young Minds Can Engineer a Sustainable South Africa,” invited Grade 10 and 11 learners from no-fee and government-funded schools to submit essays proposing innovative ideas that could help shape the country’s future.

Entries were judged on originality, creativity, and relevance to issues such as energy and water security, waste management, infrastructure development, and equitable access to education.

Hosted by Knight Piésold in partnership with the Gauteng Department of Education (GDE), the initiative aims to promote youth engagement in sustainability and STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics).

Maganyela’s essay stood out for its visionary ideas rooted in science and engineering principles.

Vishal Haripersad, Managing Director of Knight Piésold South Africa, praised the young winner and the broader initiative.

“This competition showcases the incredible creativity and potential of South Africa’s youth. Each essay reflects a deep awareness of the challenges we face as a nation and an inspiring determination to engineer positive change,” said Haripersad.

He added that mentorship lies at the heart of the company’s culture.

“This competition extends our values by supporting young thinkers long before they reach university or enter the workplace,” he said.

Haripersad said the company plans to expand the programme’s reach in future.

“Our vision for the Bokamoso Creative Essay Competition extends far beyond recognition — it’s about creating lasting impact. We aim to bring more engineers and scientists on board by offering bursaries and mentorships to students pursuing STEM careers, particularly in civil engineering,” he said.

He noted that Knight Piésold intends to include more under-resourced schools across South Africa by 2026 through stronger partnerships with educators, NGOs, and government departments.

“Through storytelling and visibility, we want to highlight learners whose ideas create real-world change. Sharing their journeys will inspire others and show how creativity and critical thinking in STEM can solve real problems,” Haripersad said.

“This initiative is not just an annual event. We remain engaged with schools throughout the year as part of our investment in future generations.”

The competition has already contributed to educational upliftment in Gauteng, providing resources and support to enhance STEM learning in under-resourced schools.

Crescentia Ngwenya from the Gauteng Department of Education commended the partnership.

“STEM education is a vital driver of innovation, economic growth, and global competitiveness. Initiatives like this inspire learners to pursue careers that will shape South Africa’s future,” said Ngwenya.

INSIDE EDUCATION

Wits University recently hosted its annual Top Applicants Function, welcoming some of the most outstanding applicants for 2026 to campus.

The event, organised by the School Liaison Office, gave prospective students the chance to experience Wits firsthand, meet the university’s deans, and interact with lecturers and researchers.

In his address, Wits Vice-Chancellor and Principal Professor Zeblon Vilakazi spoke about the future that awaits the next generation of Wits students.

“Whether you study engineering, medicine, law, economics, psychology or physics, what matters is that you find your why. Your why is your true north, your centre,” he said.

He emphasised the importance of using skills ethically in a world increasingly shaped by artificial intelligence.

“AI, like all other scientific machines, does not have a conscience of its own. It is us who impose that conscience on them. Therefore, we need to utilise these tools in a very ethical way.”

He also encouraged students to measure success not by titles or salaries, but by the impact they have on those around them.

“Don’t chase success for the sake of success. Measure your worth by the difference you make to those around you. We want you to be indispensable to your community, your country, this continent, and the world in general.”

A glimpse into Wits life

The function combined informative sessions with a welcoming atmosphere, allowing applicants to explore different faculties, learn about the courses they are interested in, and engage directly with departmental heads.

“We hope that by engaging with our academic leaders and experiencing campus life, applicants will feel prepared and excited to join Wits in 2026,” said Msimelelo Tshotyana from the School Liaison Office.

For many attendees, the experience was both eye-opening and affirming. Joshua Fynn, a top applicant from Amajuba High School, shared that the sense of belonging stood out most.

“I chose Wits because of the strong culture and the first-year students who welcomed me, not just as a number, but as part of the family,” he said.

“That strong culture really resonates with me.”

Parents and guardians were equally impressed. Le’Anne Ponen, who attended with her son, Carlin, said she was inspired by the environment and the people she met.

“From what I could see here, it’s very diverse, and I love that. There’s a spirit of excellence that flows through everything, even the response and feedback from the faculty were absolutely amazing,” she said.

The day was both inspiring and practical, giving prospective students and their families a clear sense of what life at Wits will be like and how they can make their mark on the world.

Courtesy: Wits University

Intensive-care specialists at Tygerberg Hospital have a new infection-resistant ‘colleague’ helping them do ward rounds on Covid-19 patients. “Quintin” – as ‘he’ is affectionately called – is a Double Robotic ‘robot’ that has been employed to help specialists do ‘virtual’ ward rounds – even from home – if they are unable to be physically present.

Coenie Koegelenberg, Professor of Pulmonology at Stellenbosch University’s Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences (FMHS), started experimenting with options to perform virtual ward rounds in the intensive care unit (ICU) of Tygerberg Hospital shortly before South Africa’s lockdown, and is assured that ICU specialists can, indeed, run ward rounds remotely, using robots as tireless helpers that can’t get infected.

Tygerberg Hospital has a limited number of specialists in its general medical ICU at present.

“Between the specialists, we will share the workload of Covid-19 patients who end up in ICU. The odds of at least one or all of us falling ill are quite high, so we need to realistically plan for what could happen.

“If any of the specialists gets the virus and is unable to physically go to work, we will be able to function remotely using the robot, from a phone or a laptop,” said Koegelenberg.

“Using this device will enable us to provide a service if our skills sets are in short supply.”

The idea of using robots came about through “a combination of thoughts of many people,” Koegelenberg said. “We started wondering how we could help more people if we ourselves were to fall ill.”

His wife Dr Suretha Kannenberg, a dermatologist, had told him about this device.

“On Wednesday 18 March, on my way home after many meetings, I wondered whether ‘virtual’ ward rounds in many ICUs could be feasible. I phoned my wife and shared my thoughts. I had thought of using a fancy ‘nanny cam’ she bought a few years ago.

“She suggested using the Sunskill laboratory’s Double Robotic ‘robot’ instead. [Sunskill is a state of the art clinical training facility at the FMHS]. I was not familiar with this device. The next day I met with Professor Ian Vlok from the FMHS’ Division of Neurosurgery and the Sunskill facilities manager, Bronwyn Stockenstrom who gave me a ‘crash course’ on how to use the Double Robotic ‘robot’. The Sunskill lab without any hesitation agreed to have the robots be used in the ICU until the pandemic is over.

“On Friday Dr Usha Lalla (Tygerberg Hospital’s head of ICU) and I tested the device. We performed a full ICU ward round without entering the ICU. It was truly an eye opener and a potential game changer in this and future similar pandemics. It was a remarkable success! We both concluded (with more than 30 years of combined experience in ICU) that our physical presence was not required, and that the technology has great potential to be rolled out. This is, of course, anecdotal and not ‘true evidence’, but desperate times calls for desperate measures. Moreover, should one of us be under ‘self-quarantine’, we would be able to ‘work from home’.”

The “robot” that looks like an computer tablet and has two wheels, uses gyroscope and accelerometer sensors in its base and can be controlled with a desktop, tablet or smartphone. It enables communication between patient and doctor through a microphone and a zoom function and can relay vital signs of highly infectious patients.

Robots have also been used in Italy, where the pandemic has claimed many lives, including those of doctors.

The use of the robot at Tygerberg Hospital is yet another example of how the pandemic has brought ingenuity and collaboration to the fore.

“This has been a team effort – and such a bonding experience,” said Koegelenberg.

Vlok, who oversees activity at the Sunskill lab, said: “The Sunskill clinical training facility uses world class technology to further the skills training of our postgraduate students at Stellenbosch University. The robots have given us access to international and national experts in their fields for training with their virtual presence guiding the teaching and training. Now the same technology can allow us to carefully navigate and manage patients in a high-risk environment and reduce risk to our staff. I sincerely hope this initiative will not only have a positive effect during this pandemic but open the door for further innovation and collaboration.”

Courtesy: Stellenbosch University