By Alicia Mmashakana

The Curro Halala Cup has kicked off, paving the way for one of South Africa’s school football tournaments.

The competition includes 60 top school football teams from both public and private schools, all competing for the title and the opportunity to showcase their abilities on a national stage.

“Curro’s ongoing commitment to supporting the development of football in South Africa is evident in its continued investment in young athletes. The Curro Halala Cup is just one example of how the organisation is helping to develop the country’s future football stars,” said the company that operates a network of schools.

The Meridian Northern Academy team recently garnered attention by being awarded the title of Under-19 National Champions at the 2024 Kay Motsepe Schools Championship.

This victory thrust many of the academy’s players into national prominence, with some even representing their country at the national level.

Their reputation continues to grow, with a hard-fought 1-0 victory over Orlando Pirates in a recent friendly, further solidifying their position in South African football.

Curro sport portfolio manager Cindy van der Merwe said: “We are proud of the talent emerging from our schools.”

She went on to say that this tournament was a world-class event that brought together young talent from every region in South Africa and they were proud to provide a platform where these players could shine and pursue their football dreams.

The tournament features two elimination rounds. The initial round includes 60 schools, with the leading 32 teams progressing to the second knockout round.

The leading 16 teams will advance to the grand finals, scheduled to occur at HeronBridge College in Gauteng from 8-10 August.

“Competing in this tournament gives young athletes the chance to demonstrate their talent, open doors for future opportunities, and form lasting friendships that will extend beyond their school years, into university and adulthood.

“Curro is incredibly proud to contribute to the development and growth of football at school level in South Africa,” Van der Merwe said.

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By Staff Reporter

The Democratic Alliance in Mpumalanga has called for scholar transport to be moved from the provincial transport department to the education department.

This follows government-subsidised scholar transport being disrupted after operators stopped their services due to invoices not being paid and invalid contacts.

The provincial government failed to pay operators across the province for February and March.

DA provincial education spokesperson Annerie Weber said the party outrightly rejected the “ridiculous explanation” from the transport department that the payment delays were due to the “transition from the 2024/2025 financial year to the 2025/2026 financial year”.

“Every year the financial year ends, and another financial year starts – nothing about that causes two months of non-payment,” she said in a statement on Friday.

“This is a catastrophic and unacceptable administrative failure, by senior officials, who must be held to account. The DA demands a full forensic and financial investigation into these payments to find who is responsible so that they can undergo strong disciplinary action.”

Weber said that the way scholar transport was set up in Mpumalanga was also the issue as it fell under the public works and transport department. In some provinces it fell under the jurisdiction of the education department.

She said a long-term solution to this problem was moving it to the provincial education department.

“It is unacceptable that learners’ education is put at risk because of mismanagement and non-payment.”

Subsidised transport in Mpumalanga reportedly assists about 60,000 learners from grades R to 12 in rural and farming communities who lack public transport. 

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By Levy Masiteng 

Higher Education and Training Minister Nobuhle Nkabane and Defence and Military Veterans Minister Angie Motshekga have joined forces to get young South Africans interested the SA National Defence Force and ensure that it is future ready,

The two departments hosted a historic career expo at Tempe military base in Bloemfontein on Friday.

“This Defence Career Expo is both timely and important, in a world characterised by constant technological advancements, shifting global dynamics and increasing demand for national security, the role of post-school education in building a skilled, capable, innovative and future-ready defence force is forever critical,” Nkabane said.

Citing former president Nelson Mandela, she reminded the gathering that education was the most powerful tool that could be used to change the world.

“Today, we are here not just to inform, but to inspire. The young people in attendance represent the future of our nation—it must be exhibited to all of you, that careers in the defence sector are not only exciting and ‘sexy’, but deeply rooted in discipline, innovation and service to this wonderful nation.”

Nkabane emphasised the importance of career guidance and development services, highlighting her department’s commitment to empowering young people.

She said it was essential that they received appropriate and adequate career guidance and advice.

The expo, at Tempe’s sports ground, buzzed with excitement as students, educators and industry professionals gathered to explore the various career paths available in the defence sector. 

It included pupils from Tjhebelopele Primary School in Bloemfontein showcasing their cadet skills, demonstrating discipline and teamwork.

Nkabane told the students to dive into the exhibitions, spark their curiosity and fuel their dreams.

“Furthermore, on days outside of this expo, you are strongly encouraged to visit our colleges, such as Motheo, Goldfields, Flavius Mareka and Maluti,” she said.

During the event, the international scholarship team provided information on opportunities, including the Chinese government scholarship for the 2026/27 academic year.

Eligible South African students were encouraged to apply for the scholarship to pursue Chinese language studies before 30 September 2025.

The delegation also visited Tjhebelopele Primary School as part of a defence department outreach programme, where Sergeant Major Pearce led a ceremonial flag-hoisting, proudly raising the South African national flag at the school as a special tribute to the programme.

Nkabane told the expo the collaboration would also facilitate access to post-school education and training, including TVET colleges, universities and CET colleges.

The two ministers beamed with enthusiasm, eagerly anticipating a successful and productive partnership.

“Today, we go far—together—by building bridges between our post school sector and the defence forces, ensuring that young South Africans are equipped not only with skills, but also with a vision for their future,” Nkabane said. 

“Let this Defence Career Expo be the beginning of a renewed and deepened collaboration—one that helps secure our nation’s sovereignty and the empowerment of our youth.”

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By Staff Reporter

A total of 1530 Post Level 1 (PL1) educators posts have been filled in KwaZulu-Natal between January and April, according to the province’s education MEC Sipho Hlomuka.

“These posts have become vacant as a result of attrition, such as retirements, deaths, promotions and resignation.

‘Most of these posts became vacant in critical subjects like Mathematics, Mathematics Literacy, Physical, Life Sciences, Technical and other new subjects. The filling of these posts aim at ensuring that there are no classes without a teacher,” he said in a statement on Thursday.

Hlomuka said that almost all of the 737 posts level one posts advertised in September 2024 were filled at the end of March.

This would enable the department to improve the teacher-to-learner ratio, enhance teaching and learning, and ultimately improve learner outcomes.

“We as a department are thrilled to have reached this milestone. This achievement is a direct result of our department’s hard work and dedication to providing quality education to our learners,” the MEC said.

PL1 teachers are on the frontline of education, with their tasks ranging from the classroom to administrative responsibilities.

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By Lungile Nkuna

Limpopo education MEC Mavhungu Lerule-Ramakhanya and public works, roads and infrastructure MEC Ernest Rachoene have joined forces to accelerate school infrastructure development in the province. 

The collaborative effort intends to create a conducive learning environment.

A meeting with the Independent Development Trust (IDT) and project managers this week focused on fast-tracking the completion of school infrastructure projects.

The IDT is a state-owned entity that manages the implementation and delivery of critically needed social infrastructure programmes on behalf of the government.

Lerule-Ramakhanya has been actively engaged in various initiatives, including handing over newly built secondary schools to communities, and assessing and addressing storm damaged infrastructure. Limpopo experienced devastating floods last month.

Last week, the MEC spearheaded a delegation with external stakeholders, infrastructure teams, and the department’s curriculum team at the Future Nation Schools, Fleurhof Campus in Soweto.

The purpose of the visit was to gain insights into the best practices about the state-of-the-art school in Soweto.

The department plans to build similar schools in Mookgophong and Lephalale in the Waterberg District. 

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By Alicia Mmashakana

The Gauteng education department has terminated its collaboration with Nal’iBali, effective immediately, following an alleged sexual assault by a practitioner from the reading campaign on a Grade 3 learner at Braamfischerville Primary School.

The incident reportedly occurred on 24 March and was brought to the school’s attention by the learner’s parent the next day. When the school principal learnt of the allegations, he encouraged the parent to file a criminal case.

“Indeed, this is an exceedingly disturbing incident. Our children must never experience such cruelty by some adults who are supposed to assist to develop and take care of them,” Gauteng education MEC Matome Chiloane said on Wednesday.

“We remain committed to creating a safe and secure environment for all learners. We will continue to work with law enforcement agencies and relevant partners to ensure that incidents of this nature are dealt with swiftly, transparently and justly”.

A joint meeting was arranged to update the School Governing Body on the latest developments, and a parent engagement workshop had been organised for the weekend to provide additional information.

The practitioner, who is not a member of the department, was suspended before his arrest on 28 March. His bail hearing was scheduled for Monday.

Nal’iBali is a national reading-for-enjoyment programme that collaborates with the government to help South African children reach their full potential via storytelling and reading, particularly in foundation phase learning.

Department spokesperson Steve Mabona said: “It must be emphasised that the department has been conducting a vetting on all existing school-based employees and newly appointed employees.”

He said the state that their records revealed that about 42 incidences of sexual misconduct were submitted to the department.

Mabona said 19 cases had been completed, resulting in approximately 11 employees being dismissed, four employees being found not guilty, two cases being withdrawn against employees due to insufficient evidence, and one employee resigning while another retiring from the public service.

“We have about 23 cases pending finalisation, of which about 15 are at various stages of disciplinary hearings, and eight cases are still under investigation,” Mabona said.

In all reported cases, the alleged perpetrators were either placed on precautionary suspension or reassigned to district offices until the completion of the investigations.

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By Lungile Ntimba

More South Africans are turning to online learning as the country deals with soaring unemployment, the rise of the gig economy and an increasing demand for digitally skilled employees, according to Telkom.

Platforms such as TelkomLearn has seen thousands of participants capitalising on the platform’s flexibility and free courses.

Telkom innovation and transformation executive Mmaki Jantjies said the platform stood out because of its collaboration with Google, IBM, HP, Alibaba Cloud and Duke Corporate Education, ensuring nearly 100 NQF and globally accredited courses.

“The courses are designed to equip participants with in-demand skills while sparking creative and critical thinking. We are pleased with the uptake and course completion rate,” Jantjies said in a statement.

“What’s also encouraging is that since the beginning of this year, we’ve recorded nearly 4000 new registrations. People are eager to learn, upskill and position themselves for success in the digital economy.”

She said participants had shown a strong interest in starting and growing digital businesses. Some of the most popular courses were Effective Business Websites, IT for Business Success, Presenting Data and Social Media Marketing.

The courses assisted individuals in adapting to an evolving job market, improved their employability and unlocked new entrepreneurial opportunities, Jantjies said.

“The interest in business-related courses is particularly exciting because it shows that people are actively looking for ways to become more financially independent, start their own businesses and harness technology to create new opportunities,” she said.

“We are thrilled to see so many South Africans taking advantage of TelkomLearn to build their digital knowledge.”

Jantjies said the platform formed part of Telkom’s broader vision to support digital inclusion and bridge the knowledge gap, ensuring that more people were equipped to thrive in the digital economy.

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By Johnathan Paoli

Higher Education and Training Minister Nobuhle Nkabane has called on women to drive leadership change in a world facing technological disruption, a climate crisis and widening inequality.

“We need leaders who are not just technically skilled, but emotionally intelligent, values-driven, and transformational,” the minister said.

She was speaking during the International Women’s Forum of South Africa (IWFSA)-Finance and Accounting Services Sector Education and Training Authority (FASSET) Women’s Leadership Programme graduation ceremony in Johannesburg.

“Warmest congratulations to the Class of 2024 on your remarkable achievement. Your hard work and dedication have truly paid off,” she said.

The IWFSA-FASSET Women’s Leadership Programme, now in its third phase, is a collaborative initiative supported by Duke Corporate Education.

It aims to cultivate 1000 women leaders between October 2022 and September 2025, with a specific focus on empowering women in the financial sector.

“Today, we celebrate not just certificates, but the courage and collective power of women determined to lead and uplift our society. You are no longer participants in a programme, you are the torchbearers of a movement. You are the leaders this country needs: visionary, ethical, grounded, and unstoppable,” Nkabane said.

She praised the collaboration as more than a strategic partnership, but a national and international affirmation of the urgent need to advance women’s leadership.

The minister called on graduates to embrace their role in transforming South Africa’s leadership narrative and underscored a shared commitment to gender equity and leadership development in line with South Africa’s national transformation goals.

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By Johnathan Paoli

The National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS) has confirmed that accommodation payments for eligible students will go ahead next week, with the next payment cycle scheduled for next week Thursday.

However, the final deadline for submissions is just hours away, midday on Wednesday, prompting an urgent call to action for institutions, universities and colleges to supply their confirmation details.

NSFAS reminded stakeholders that all necessary documents and student lists must be submitted before the cut-off time in order to ensure smooth processing of payments.

The scheme emphasised the importance of adhering to the timeline, warning that any delays in submissions could impact students’ housing stability and create administrative backlogs.

“This cooperation is crucial to ensuring that students, who are often in vulnerable situations, maintain stable living conditions while pursuing their studies. These efforts are important to creating a safe and supportive learning environment for students,” the scheme said.

The upcoming payments are part of the scheme’s ongoing efforts to support thousands of students housed in NSFAS-accredited but privately provided accommodation.

With many students depending on these disbursements to avoid eviction or disruption to their living arrangements, the scheme has urged all involved parties to act promptly.

“As we prepare for this payment cycle, we request that all solution partners submit a comprehensive list of students who have applied for NSFAS-accredited accommodation,” it said in a statement.

“These lists must be verified by the respective institutions to confirm each student’s eligibility.”

NSFAS also offered reassurance to landlords and institutions that students not captured in the partner-submitted lists would still be accommodated in the payment cycle, as long as they appeared in the registration templates provided by institutions.

This safeguard is intended to prevent students from being unfairly penalised due to technical or administrative issues.

To prevent any students from falling through the cracks, universities and TVET colleges are being asked to identify and report students living in NSFAS-accredited housing who may not be reflected on the official lists.

The scheme has committed to working closely with its solution partners to resolve any discrepancies.

It also pleaded with landlords and accommodation providers not to evict students over payment delays.

The announcement comes at a time when concerns have been raised by student unions and advocacy groups regarding late payments and communication challenges between stakeholders.

In response, NSFAS has emphasised its ongoing commitment to working with universities, colleges, landlords and student leaders to find long-term solutions to issues in the private student accommodation sector.

NSFAS expressed gratitude to all who have supported students thus far, acknowledging the vital role they play in keeping learners focused on their academic goals.

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By Akani Nkuna

Following hundreds of children gathering in Johannesburg to discuss influencing government policy that affects them, attention is now turning to the practical roll-out of resolutions put forward during the recent Africa Children’s Summit.

Stakeholders are moving from discussion to action, aiming to turn the ideas and priorities voiced by young participants into tangible outcomes. Governments and partners are expected to begin aligning resources and strategies to ensure meaningful implementation of the summit’s recommendations.

Linda Ncube-Nkomo, CEO of the Nelson Mandela Children’s Fund, emphasised the importance of collaboration in implementing the summit resolutions.

Speaking to Inside Education on Monday, she noted that no single organisation could do it alone.

She also confirmed that on Wednesday that child president of the Nelson Mandela Children’s Parliament, Tara Hendricks, would be present to the African Union’s Committee of Experts on the Rights and Welfare of the Child in Lesotho.

“So already we are wanting to locate this within the structures of AU because they have got more tentacles into the countries on the continent,” Ncube-Nkomo added.

Ncube-Nkomo noted that a meeting with key stakeholders in the child sector was scheduled within the next two weeks, saying that the goal was to review the statement from the summit and begin crafting actionable implementation plans to ensure the proposed outcomes were effectively realised.

Video By: Kgalalelo Setlhare Mogapi

Social Development Deputy Minister Ganief Hendricks described the child-led panel discussions as vibrant and deeply insightful, bringing forward key issues faced by children across the continent. He emphasised the need to ensure that meetings of this scale led to tangible outcomes, rather than allowing children’s voices to be buried in documents without real, lasting impact.

“Implementation and action are of paramount importance. This must be a call for action and not formalities. The outcomes statement as adopted by all the children attending, will be canvassed in all the participating countries,” Hendricks said during the closing session of the summit.

Hendricks said South Africa would leverage its upcoming G20 Presidency to advocate for increased global commitment to child participation. The country planned to use its leadership role to encourage other nations to prioritise and strengthen the involvement of children in policy-making and decision-making processes worldwide.

In a unified message, the children of Africa have voiced their hopes and demands, calling on leaders and governments to ensure that every child has access to education, safety, inclusion and the opportunity for a brighter future.

“Schools should be free for every child. No one should stay home because they can’t pay fees. Governments should give support like bursaries and scholarships to children whose families cannot afford school,” said the statement.

“Children with disabilities should also learn in schools that meet their needs—with teachers who understand sign language and other special ways of learning.”

The children also outlined specific demands aimed at improving their learning and well-being. These included improved school infrastructure and facilities, access to books, school supplies and technology, as well as the need for more qualified and dedicated teachers.

Additionally, they called for an end to harmful practices and discrimination, and emphasised the importance of using technology in ways that supported, rather than harmed their development.

“Children learn best when they are happy and healthy. We want schools to give meals, provide sanitary pads for girls and offer support when we feel sad or stressed as well as comprehensive sexuality education. There should be time to play and safe spaces to relax and be ourselves,” they said.

As the summit drew to a close, it featured child-led panel discussions participants engaged in meaningful dialogue about the challenges they believe hinder their growth. These sessions highlighted key issues that, in their view, must be prioritised and addressed through the Africa Children’s Summit platform.

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