By Staff Reporter

The South African team from the Centre for High Performance Computing has come second place in recent the online component of the International Student Cluster Competition in Hamburg, Germany.

The CHPC is a pillar of the National Integrated Cyberinfrastructure System and is supported by the Science, Technology and Innovation Department.

“The team’s outstanding achievement reaffirms South Africa’s growing presence in the field of high-performance computing and demonstrates how investing in youth skills development can yield world-class results,” the department said in a statement.

The team – comprising six students and one reserve from leading South African universities – beat 21 other university teams from across the globe, showing remarkable skill, resilience and teamwork throughout the competition.  

The members are:

Kapil Ramlall – Electrical Engineering, University of the Witwatersrand

Thina Calana – Computer Engineering, Cape Peninsula University of Technology (CPUT)

Lisa Pitsi – Computer Science, University of the Western Cape

Tebogo Diraditsile – Computer Engineering, CPUT

Allen Van Dieman – Computer Engineering, CPUT

Abdullah Jaffer – Computer Engineering, CPUT

Anna Lukose (reserve member) – Electrical and Computer Engineering, University of Cape Town

The department said guided by their mentors and equipped with a 3-node high-performance computing cluster sponsored by Hewlett-Packard Enterprise, the team demonstrated excellence in performance, energy efficiency and technical presentation.

“The CHPC has a proud history of producing top-tier student teams that have consistently ranked among the best in the world.  This year’s result continues that legacy, proving once again that South African youth are not only ready for the challenges of the future, but are already shaping it,” it said.

INSIDE EDUCATION

By Lungile Ntimba

In an effort to drive digital literacy and enhance education, Cell C and the Basic Education Department have handed over a fully equipped digital lab to Sozama Secondary School in Middelburg, Mpumalanga. 

This initiative forms part of a broader commitment to bridge the digital divide by empowering under-resourced schools with needed tools to thrive in a technology-driven world.

Cell C CEO Jorge Mendes said the company was fully committed to bridging the digital divide in the country through ongoing collaboration with the department.

“These digital labs don’t just provide evidence of our fight against digital exclusion, but also represent the hopes and dreams of the students at Sozama Secondary School. And, we are very honoured to be part of an initiative that does not only provide connectivity, but also offers a gateway to a world of possibilities,” said Mendes. 

The lab features a high-performance server, a projector for interactive teaching methods, and 40 laptops powered by Cell C data that will ensure uninterrupted access to online learning resources. 

The advanced C3 Micro Cloud solution integrated in the laptops provides access to a curriculum-aligned e-learning platform, complete with courses and lesson packs.

“This fully equipped digital lab will bring the students closer to the Fourth Industrial Revolution and equip them with the needed resources to be present and excel in today’s fast-paced digital world,” said Mpumalanga education MEC Catherine Dlamini.

“The digital lab will not only fuel the minds that will lead the future of Mpumalanga, but hopefully go on to lead our beautiful country.”

Mendes said that by championing digital education, Cell C was advancing access to technology and supporting the government’s sustainable development goals, including the drive for quality education and digital equity.

Cell C chairman Joe Mthimunye said empowering young people with digital tools and access to quality education was one of the most meaningful ways to invest in the future.

“Initiatives like these show what’s possible when we focus on creating opportunities that nurture talent, unlock potential and help build a generation ready to lead in a digital world,” he said. 

INSIDE EDUCATION

By Johnathan Paoli

The African National Congress has come in defence of party secretary-general Fikile Mbalula, after lobby group AfriForum’s Private Prosecution Unit laid criminal charges against him and others over comments relating to the alleged rape of a seven-year-old Bergview College pupil in Matatiele.

ANC spokesperson Mahlengi Bhengu-Motsiri said her party noted with concern the criminal charges brought against Mbalula, denouncing AfriForum’s actions as disingenuous, ideologically driven and flawed.

“We will not apologise for speaking out in defence of the voiceless. To be silent, to be overly cautious, to apologise for speaking out, is to betray the pain of the survivor and the broader struggle against patriarchal violence,” she said.

The party reiterated its unwavering stance against gender-based violence and femicide, calling the alleged incident at the school a brutal violation demanding collective outrage and institutional accountability.

Bhengu-Motsiri described AfriForum’s legal action as an attempt to deflect attention from the pain endured by victims, saying Mbalula’s comments represented the voice of many outraged by the reported rape.

AfriForum, which is representing Bergview College principal Jaco Pieterse, announced the charges last week.

These include crimen injuria, contravention of the Cybercrimes Act and intimidation, stemming from public statements made by Mbalula, EEF leader Fikile Malema and Eastern Cape education MEC Fundile Gade. They identified Pieterse as the rapist, despite no legal charges ever being brought against him.

At a press conference outside Sophiatown Police Station in Johannesburg, AfriForum spokesperson Barry Bateman condemned what he termed as distressing false accusations.

“South Africa has a rape crisis, we have a child abuse crisis, and being falsely accused of committing such a crime against a child is devastating. There must be consequences for people who falsely accuse others in the public domain,” Bateman said.

He cited comments by Mbalula referring to Pieterse as “an animal” and criticised Malema’s public declaration on 6 April that “the principal who raped Cwecwe must know we are coming for him.”

Gade, in a March television interview, had stated Pieterse was “clearly avoiding the investigation” by seeking legal assistance instead of complying with a DNA test.

According to AfriForum, these public remarks have severely damaged Pieterse’s personal and professional life.

He has been absent from work, forced to relocate with his family and reportedly received multiple threats, including one aimed at his daughter.

Bateman confirmed that AfriForum was also preparing civil litigation against former Democratic Alliance MP Phumzile Van Damme, who it accuses of perpetuating a “disinformation campaign” against Pieterse.

While the incident sparked national outrage, the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) declined to prosecute, citing inconclusive evidence.

According to NPA spokesperson Mthunzi Mhaga, after initial submissions and a medical examination, prosecutors determined that there was insufficient evidence to proceed with criminal charges.

Although police initially submitted the case to prosecutors in November last year, it gained renewed attention early this year.

The docket was resubmitted for review, and the NPA reaffirmed its decision not to prosecute, citing a lack of supporting evidence.

In response to the ongoing controversy, Police Minister Senzo Mchunu rejected claims that the South African Police Service had delayed the investigation.

He said the case was investigated as soon as it was reported in October, describing any claims of inaction as a dangerous exaggeration.

The ANC said it had issued a formal statement acknowledging the police minister’s correction and reaffirming support for the survivor and her family.

“We will not be deterred from standing up for those who cannot stand for themselves,” it said.

The party called on its alliance partners, the ANC Women’s League, youth organisations, religious groups and communities to stand against what it called the criminalisation of moral clarity.

INSIDE EDUCATION

By Johnathan Paoli

In celebration of Youth Month, the Basic Education Department has called for the empowerment of learners through Life Skills and Life Orientation, equipping them with essential tools to thrive in a rapidly changing world.

Chief director for social inclusion and partnerships in education at the department, Patricia Watson, described the launch a textbook series this week focusing on these subjects as milestone in transforming the educational landscape.

“These textbooks for Life Skills (Grades 4–6) and Life Orientation (Grades 7–12) are more than just learning materials. but roadmaps to self-discovery and empowerment,” she said.

The department in partnership with the National Education Collaboration Trust (NECT), officially launched the “At the Crossroads” Life Skills and Life Orientation Textbook Series at a DBE conference in Pretoria, under the theme “Skills for the Changing World: Empowering Youth for Meaningful Economic Participation”.

A total of 21 textbooks and teacher guides were unveiled. They address critical areas such as emotional intelligence, health, road safety, civic responsibility and future-focused thinking.

Watson stressed that the series aligned with a broader national vision of preparing young people for meaningful economic participation.

“Our tagline this year as a nation is Gear Up for Greatness. This is not just a slogan, but a challenge to reimagine education as a bridge to opportunity, linking classroom learning to real-world success,” she added.

She also emphasised the decolonial and Afro-optimistic nature of the content, explaining that the materials were designed to reflect and celebrate African heritage while preparing learners for a globally interconnected world.

“This series embodies a decolonised education. It’s Afro-optimistic, celebrating our heritage while preparing learners to engage meaningfully with the global community. It’s a bold step toward an education system that merges the mind and spirit, fostering a generation of resilient, innovative and socially conscious leaders,” Watson said.

Basic Education Deputy Minister Reginah Mhaule echoed these sentiments, saying the series responded directly to the needs of South Africa’s young people.

“This series empowers our learners to connect with their futures and make a positive difference in their own lives and in society,” Mhaule noted.

She highlighted the wide-ranging scope of the textbooks, which covered important areas such as health, mental well-being, sexuality, technology, safety, and civic education.

“It helps children and adolescents make informed choices about health, nutrition, safety, mental well-being, sexuality, physical fitness and technology. These textbooks also guide them in managing their emotions, maintaining healthy relationships, and understanding their civic responsibilities under South Africa’s laws and Constitution,” Mhaule said.

Road Traffic Management Corporation CEO Makhosini Msibi announced the inclusion of road safety education in the series.

“The infusion of road safety education into Life Orientation and Life Skills will help create a generation that values life and understands the responsibilities of safe road use,” said Msibi.

He praised the series for not only equipping learners with academic knowledge but also with practical tools that could directly reduce accidents and fatalities among youth.

The NECT, which has played a key role in developing and coordinating the release of the series, reaffirmed its commitment to accessible, equitable education.

NECT CEO Godwin Khosa called for shared responsibility in ensuring the success of this initiative.

“As we unveil these textbooks today, we must remember that their impact depends on us all. Together, we can make sure that every child in South Africa is equipped with the tools to ‘Gear Up for Greatness’. Let us honour the legacy of 1976 by creating a future where no dream is out of reach and no person’s potential is left untapped,” Khosa said.

The launch comes at a time when the department is working to align schooling outcomes with the National Development Plan.

The department said that as an open-source, state-owned resource, the series would ensure that all learners, regardless of socioeconomic status, had access to high-quality, locally relevant Life Skills and Life Orientation content.

INSIDE EDUCATION

By Johnathan Paoli

Science, Technology and Innovation Deputy Minister Nomalungelo Gina has led a call for gender inclusivity in the emerging green hydrogen economy.

Addressing a diverse audience of women leaders at the Women in Green Hydrogen (WiGH) breakfast at the 2025 Africa Green Hydrogen Summit in Cape Town, she launched the Green Hydrogen Mentorship Platform, which is aimed at building an inclusive, gender-responsive energy sector.

“Fundamental change depends on deliberate and inclusive implementation. We must ensure that women are not excluded from this energy transition,” she said.

Themed “Investing in a Regional Just Energy Transition: A Focus on Green Hydrogen”, the event brought together trailblazing women from government, academia, business and civil society.

The mentorship platform, developed through collaboration between the departments of Science, Technology and Innovation, Higher Education and Training, and the Energy and Water Sector Education Training Authority, seeks to connect emerging talent with seasoned professionals to advance equitable growth in the hydrogen sector.

The platform, first introduced at the 2023 World Hydrogen Summit in Germany, has already garnered strong international support.

Gina stressed that South Africa’s hydrogen policy frameworks, including the Hydrogen Society Roadmap, the Green Hydrogen Commercialisation Strategy, and the Just Transition Framework, must deliver real transformation.

Gina noted that women accounted for only 23% of STEM professionals in South Africa, and fewer than 17% held leadership roles.

She said the country could not afford to replicate the exclusionary patterns of the past, urging participants to commit to mentorship and collaborative leadership.

Her sentiments were echoed by Higher Education and Training Deputy Minister Mimmy Gondwe, who described the mentorship platform as a “strategic lever for change”.

She highlighted the platform’s potential to bridge gaps in knowledge and opportunity for women and youth, especially in remote or underserved areas.

Electricity and Energy Deputy Minister Samantha Graham-Maré launched her department’s new gender guide at the event.

In her keynote address, she underscored the urgency of gender mainstreaming.

“Africa’s abundant renewable resources, expansive land and access to critical minerals put us in a globally competitive position for hydrogen development. But economic growth without gender equality is fragile,” she warned.

African Union Commission infrastructure and energy commissioner Lerato Mataboge called for gender equity to be embedded across Africa’s green hydrogen value chain.

“If we are to get green hydrogen right, then gender equality must be part of the equation. This is not a nice-to-have, it is a necessity,” Mataboge declared.

She outlined critical actions, namely expanding energy access for women and communities, channelling support for women and youth entrepreneurship, investing in STEM education, creating gender-responsive policies and workplaces, and showcasing African women’s leadership.

The breakfast concluded with a panel discussion led by Charles Dos Santos, who presented methods for hydrogen transport, and energy experts from Japan and Korea who shared international hydrogen policy insights and affirmed commitment to collaboration with Africa.

The Science, Technology and Innovation Department described the event as marking a strategic turning point for women in Africa’s green hydrogen future, calling for the continent’s energy transition to be just, inclusive and led by all.

INSIDE EDUCATION

By Johnathan Paoli

Deputy President Paul Mashatile has called for national mobilisation to unlock the potential of youth through entrepreneurship as a strategy for tackling South Africa’s deepening unemployment crisis.

In an address delivered at the Harambee Youth Employment Accelerator offices in Johannesburg under the theme “Enabling Entrepreneurship as a Pathway to Youth Economic Inclusion”, Mashatile warned that youth unemployment, which was currently at a staggering 56.3%, was not only an economic dilemma but a “social and moral emergency”.

“As Chairperson of the Human Resource Development Council, I have prioritised the creation of platforms where social partners can find solutions to our human capital bottlenecks. We are determined to reverse the legacy of exclusion and inequality by investing in the entrepreneurial spirit of our youth,” Mashatile said.

The event, hosted by non-profit social enterprise platform enterprise, which focuses on connecting young people to work opportunities, brought together youth leaders, entrepreneurs, business stakeholders and government officials for a robust engagement on economic inclusion.

Mashatile situated the youth’s struggle for economic emancipation within the historical context of the 1976 Soweto Uprising, praising the sacrifices of that generation who “stood against the chains of apartheid’s cruelty”.

He urged today’s young people to take up a new mantle in the fight against economic exclusion, technological displacement and inequality.

The deputy president outlined the realities of exclusion of 9.2 million young South Africans not in education, employment, or training. The number is expected to grow by 600,000 each year.

With economic growth projected at just 1.8%, the formal labour market cannot absorb this influx.

“Our economy is simply not growing fast enough. Entrepreneurship must therefore be viewed not as an alternative, but a necessity,” he said.

He pointed to a suite of government-led interventions designed to empower young entrepreneurs.

These included the National Youth Development Agency Grant Programme and Youth Challenge Fund, the Innovation Fund that has supported 96 start-ups since 2020, the Transformation Fund which is set to disburse R20 billion annually over the next five years to black-owned and historically disadvantaged businesses, and the Spaza Shop Support Fund, which commits R500 million to revitalise township and rural informal trade.

“These are not handouts, they are investments in your potential,” Mashatile declared.

He also highlighted the Public Procurement Act, which prioritised inclusive procurement and local value chains as a powerful lever to connect young entrepreneurs to economic opportunities.

Further support would be provided through the National Small Enterprise Amendment Bill, aimed at reducing red tape and ensuring targeted support for youth-led businesses.

Mashatile outlined the government’s commitment to integrating youth into the digital economy through the Digital Economy Masterplan and National Digital and Future Skills Strategy, which focus on expanding digital infrastructure, skills training and innovation.

He also celebrated the SA Youth Platform (sayouth.mobi), a flagship initiative of the Presidential Youth Employment Intervention.

Through partnerships with entities like Harambee, the platform facilitates access to job opportunities and career support.

“One of the most exciting examples of impact is the Basic Education Employment Initiative,” Mashatile said.

Now in its fifth phase, it recently placed 205,000 young people in schools across the country, a record for youth employment in South Africa.

The deputy president commended Harambee’s contact centre team for processing 17.9 million applications in just three weeks.

He urged everyone attending the event to work towards unity and innovation in dealing with the country’s youth unemployment crisis.

“Let us work together to create an enabling environment that nurtures entrepreneurial spirit and fosters a culture of resilience,” he said.

INSIDE EDUCATION

By Akani Nkuna

Higher Education Deputy Minister Mimmy Gondwe has underscored the urgent need for intentional upskilling among students to meet the evolving demands of the modern workforce, while ensuring that entities which financially support them get value for their money.

Gondwe was speaking during the launch of the Sasol Project Industry Engineering Internship Programme with New Age Engineering Solutions in Secunda, Mpumalanga, where she highlighted the importance of aligning academic programmes with industry needs to drive economic growth.

“Lots of young people are being trained, reskilled and upskilled but following that, what happens? We cannot just skill and train for the sake of skilling and training. We should ensure that as many of those students are absorbed into the economy,” she said.

The launch, which was facilitated by the Energy and Water Sector Education and Training Authority (EWSETA), forms part of the government’s effort to combat youth unemployment. It also highlights the critical role of Technical and Vocational Education and Training colleges in national development.

The absorption rate of those in internship programmes into the labour market was recorded at 40%, a figure Gondwe described as worrisome.

She demanded that more be done to ensure that it increased, guaranteeing that many students were absorbed into the workplace.

“We need to do more. I think we are lagging behind in terms of ensuring that immediately when they leave our sector they go in somewhere else, they do not go home and sit there with a piece of paper in their hands,” Gondwe said.

EWSETA CEO Mpho Mookapele pointed out that several TVET lecturers returned last week from a visit in China where they were trained in manufacturing renewable energy components, which helped addressed inadequate resourcing and skilling of TVET lectures.

“We want to build and be proud of our public schools and also be proud of our public TVET colleges. We cannot only be driving our children to universities… the reality is that public colleges and TVET colleges should be actually the number one go too, because it really responds directly to what our industry requires,” said Mookapele.

Mookapele further expressed discontentment at the lack of interest young South Africans have shown towards certain job opportunities, including appliance repair technicians, saying EWSETA was looking at ways to address that.

“We have partnered with National Institute if Vocational and Technical Education (NIVTE) and other partners to look at how do we get young people interested in these vocations and also taking the opportunity and resigning from work to start their own businesses,” she added.

New Age Engineering Solutions Internship Programme beneficiary Dimpho Kwashu, who has an education degree from Unisa, told Inside Education that the transition into the technical environment had been stimulating, even though she had encouraged a few challenges.

“It has been very much challenging [coming from a theoretical education background], however, the transitioning has been informative. I have learnt a lot from the people that were mentoring me. I have, not just one mentor, but so many mentors,” she said.

Kwashu was inducted into the programme as a facilitator intern in 2023 where she was planning and presenting lessons to pipe fitter trainees, and she has since stayed at the company as a facilitator.

INSIDE EDUCATION

By Johnathan Paoli

More than 130 schools in KwaZulu-Natal and the Eastern Cape have sustained severe damage following a wave of violent storms, strong winds and floods that have battered the provinces.

The unfolding crisis has disrupted learning for thousands of children and underscored long-standing infrastructure weaknesses in South Africa’s education system.

In KwaZulu-Natal, 68 schools across nine districts were reported damaged, with the Ugu District being the worst affected.

Thirty-eight schools in this coastal region suffered significant structural damage, including KwaMadlala Primary in Pietermaritzburg, where four children were injured when strong winds ripped off the school’s roof.

No fatalities have been recorded in the province so far.

The inclement weather, which included heavy rain, high winds, and even snowfall in some areas, left many families displaced and at least 80 homes with damaged roofs.

Eskom technicians and municipal teams are working around the clock to restore electricity and access routes, particularly in areas still grappling with poor road infrastructure.

KwaZulu-Natal education department spokesperson Muzi Mahlambi confirmed that teams were still assessing the full extent of the damage.

“Some districts have sent us reports, but we are still collating information. By the end of the day, we hope to have a clearer picture of how many learners have been affected,” he said.

The storm’s impact on school infrastructure has led to the suspension of classes in some areas.

In KwaMadlala, community members have stepped in to salvage roof sheeting from destroyed buildings, pledging to begin repairs themselves if the government delays intervention.

Local residents said they did not want learning to stop for too long, beseeching the department to move faster in its recovery efforts.

Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs (CoGTA) MEC Thulasizwe Buthelezi, praised the rapid response of disaster management teams but acknowledged that access and recovery efforts remain hampered by poor conditions.

“Our teams responded swiftly. We know the situation is challenging, but we are committed to restoring normalcy as quickly as possible,” he stated.

Meanwhile, in the Eastern Cape, the aftermath of devastating floods has left more than 70 schools damaged and affected over 6,000 learners.

The province recorded 49 fatalities, some of them children swept away in a scholar transport minibus near Mthatha.

Basic Education Minister Siviwe Gwarube expressed deep sorrow over the loss of life and confirmed that national resources were being mobilised to assist.

“We will work closely with the Eastern Cape Government and CoGTA over the coming days in order to make sure that we support our learners and educators during this disaster,” she said.

Eastern Cape education MEC Fundile Gade noted that the most affected regions include OR Tambo Coastal, Amathole East, and Alfred Nzo West.

“Some of these schools are not usable due to classroom damage, and alternatives must be explored. Despite the disruption, our use of controlled examination systems means that learners can still write exams in the coming weeks,” Gade explained.

The floods have reignited political tensions in the Eastern Cape, with the Economic Freedom Fighters calling for the provincial government to be placed under administration.

EFF provincial chairperson Zilindile Vena blamed officials for failing to invest in infrastructure.

“There was money for this infrastructure, yet it was not built or maintained. This disaster could have been prevented,” Vena charged.

The response to the storms also highlighted logistical challenges.

In KZN, the South African Scholar Transporters Association accused local taxi associations of extortion, claiming that taxi bosses in KwaDukuza demanded R3000 from legal operators to continue transporting learners.

Taxi council Santaco denied any knowledge of these payments and promised to investigate.

Across both provinces, the storms have disrupted not only physical infrastructure but also the education calendar, with mid-year exams underway.

While authorities in the Eastern Cape expressed confidence that alternative assessments can be implemented, there are concerns about delays in repair work, particularly in rural communities already burdened by poor service delivery.

Civil society organisations are urging the national government to prioritise long-term investment in education facilities that can withstand severe environmental conditions.

In the meantime, thousands of learners face uncertainty as their classrooms lie in ruin.

With more cold weather forecast in the coming days, both KwaZulu-Natal and Eastern Cape authorities face mounting pressure to act swiftly, ensuring that learning continues despite the devastating toll of the storms.

By Johnathan Paoli

President Cyril Ramaphosa and Higher Education and Training Minister Nobuhle Nkabane have praised job placement initiatives for their role in transforming the lives of young beneficiaries and contributing to turning the country around.

In a show of commitment to tackling youth unemployment, the two visited the Foundation for Professional Development (FPD) in Pretoria East.

“I applaud you and wish you the very best, because when you are in it, it will give you full assurance of even getting a job and becoming much more productive. It’s going to bring out the best in you. Just keep at it. It will make you even a better human being who will contribute more positively to society,” Ramaphosa said.

The site visit formed part of the president’s broader engagement with beneficiaries of the Presidential Youth Employment Intervention (PYEI) and the Presidential Employment Stimulus (PES).

The FPD is one of 12 implementing partners in the groundbreaking Jobs Boost Outcomes Fund pilot employment programme which is funded by R300 million in public investment.

This includes R100 million from the National Skills Fund (NSF) and R200 million from the National Treasury.

Designed to drive real and measurable employment impact, it is the first large-scale pay-for-performance employment initiative in the country.

Since its inception, the pilot has enrolled over 6293 young people in skills development programmes, placed nearly 3628 participants in jobs and seen over 1,461 individuals remain in employment for at least three months, and 796 for more than six months.

“This initiative is changing lives through meaningful, sustainable employment for our youth. It was an honour to welcome president Ramaphosa to FPD this afternoon to witness the power of outcomes-based funding in action,” Nkabane said.

The visit also included engagements with learners and programme beneficiaries.

Ramaphosa expressed deep admiration for the youth who were actively participating in the programme.

“Even the most confident are becoming more confident. You are now willing to help other people — your clients are your uncles, your relatives, your neighbours. This is not only pleasing, but touching,” he said

The president also highlighted the psychological toll of unemployment and praised the Jobs Boost programme for restoring purpose and hope:

“When you don’t have a job, it’s confidence destroying. It’s depressing. You isolate yourself. But this programme is bringing out the best in you. Just keep at it,” Ramaphosa said.

In addition to FPD’s efforts in the health sector, offering affordable clinical and management courses tailored to youth and professionals, other implementing partners like Krutham SA are also actively engaged in the Jobs Boost Outcomes Fund.

Nkabane lauded this as an example of successful cross-sector collaboration, involving her department, the NSF, the Presidency and civil society partners.

“This is what partnership looks like when everyone is focused on outcomes. The model demands results, not just training, and prioritises equity, accountability and impact,” she said.

Also accompanying the delegation was Deputy Minister in the Presidency Nonceba Mhlauli, Acting NSF CEO Melissa Erra, and other senior officials.

The visit offered insights into how the government can scale innovative models that link public investment directly to employment outcomes.

Further supporting this national effort is Harambee Youth Employment Accelerator, contracted by the Employment and Labour Department to serve as the national pathway manager under PYEI.

Harambee operates the SA Youth platform: a free, zero-rated service that has connected over 4 million young people to 1.67 million opportunities.

The organisation also works to stimulate demand in sectors such as digital services, early childhood development and global business services, while supporting youth to become work ready.

The Jobs Boost Outcomes Fund is being closely monitored to extract lessons for future national scaling.

Ramaphosa thanked the project leaders and facilitators, calling their work “phenomenal” and urging wider rollout.

INSIDE EDUCATION

By Johnathan Paoli

Basic Education Minister Siviwe Gwarube has called upon all provincial education authorities to develop and submit comprehensive financial and service delivery recovery plans as the country’s public education system faces one of its most severe financial crises in decades.

“The education sector is under extraordinary pressure. Without urgent intervention and robust financial planning, several provincial education departments risk becoming insolvent before the end of the current financial year,” Gwarube said.

The directive sent to education MECs and HODs as part of Gwarube’s ongoing efforts to stabilise the sector in the wake of a decade-long trend of underfunding and fiscal mismanagement.

The minister announced on Tuesday that these recovery plans must be submitted to the national department before the next Council of Education Ministers (CEM) meeting on 21 July.

Gwarube commissioned a full-scale financial review across all nine provinces shortly after assuming her post last year.

The review revealed a sector under enormous pressure, plagued by structural underinvestment, repeated reallocation of education budgets to prop up struggling state-owned enterprises and widespread inefficiencies in provincial financial administration.

In response to the review’s findings, she has instructed provincial education departments to collaborate closely with their respective provincial Treasuries to craft targeted financial recovery plans.

These plans must safeguard the constitutional right of learners to quality education while simultaneously ensuring fiscal discipline and sustainability.

The minister has instructed all MECs and HODs to account in detail for their performance in critical service delivery areas.

These include timely disbursement of statutory school payments, such as school allocations; as well the restoration or continuity of basic services in schools, including electricity, water, security, learner transport, and the National School Nutrition Programme.

In May, six provinces missed their deadline to pay schools.

In addition, the provincial authorities must account for the appointment of teachers and managers to all funded school vacancies.

They must also report on the eradication of ghost employees from provincial payroll systems, which has persistently drained education budgets and undermined credibility.

The national department has committed to using these recovery plans to stabilise education delivery. It will provide technical support and strengthen oversight mechanisms.

The minister stressed that while all provinces were under strain, the situation in some, particularly KwaZulu-Natal, had reached a critical stage.

Last month, the SA Democratic Teaches’ Union decided to embark on a work-to-rule campaign in the province over the state of the education system.

Gwarube recently held high-level meetings with provincial education MEC Sipho Nhlamuka, finance MEC Francois Rodgers and officials from the Office of the Premier to address the province’s escalating financial crisis.

In a bid to explore immediate interventions, the minister has tasked the education director-general Hubert Mathanzima Mweli with leading engagements involving the National Treasury, the KZN education department and other affected provinces.

These engagements aim to find urgent solutions to ensure that learners continue to receive essential services and education is not disrupted.

Gwarube stressed that the time for half-measures was over.

“There is no room for complacency. The choices ahead are difficult and, at times, painful—but they are necessary to preserve the integrity and sustainability of our public education system,” she said.

The minister reaffirmed her commitment to working with all stakeholders, both national and provincial, to protect learners from the consequences of the financial crisis.

The department has made it clear that it will not hesitate to take corrective measures where provinces fail to act decisively.

INSIDE EDUCATION