Staff Reporter

Students with disabilities made up just 1.3% of South Africa’s public university enrolments in 2023, Higher Education Minister Buti Manamela said, urging African universities to build accessibility into their systems rather than treat it as an afterthought.

Speaking at the third edition of the Times Higher Education Africa Universities Summit in Nairobi, Manamela said the numbers showed how far the sector still had to grow regarding inclusion. “These are not figures of inclusion at scale,” he said.

Instead, they were “signs of how much work remains to be done”.

He said the barriers went far beyond admissions, extending to “infrastructure, digital design, assistive technology, curriculum adaptation, staff training” and whether institutions were built around universal accessibility rather than assumptions about a “normal” student.

“Inclusion is not a speech. It is design,” he said.

He said South Africa’s female-majority enrolment pattern was not the continental norm.

Across sub-Saharan Africa, he said, tertiary education still enrolled roughly 80 women for every 100 men, while Kenya’s gross tertiary enrolment stood at about 13% for men and 10% for women.

He called on universities to move beyond symbolic commitments and publish disaggregated data on enrolment, retention, completion, employment outcomes, disability access and leadership representation.

“Without that, we do not have transformation. We have anecdotes,” he said.

Manamela also warned against presenting equity as a choice between competing groups, saying gains by women should not obscure deeper inequalities, while concerns about male disengagement should not be used to roll back gender justice.

“The task is not to choose between women and men. The task is to build institutions capable of producing equality for all,” he said.

He said higher education could not be separated from poverty, labour market inequality and social conditions.

“The higher education question is inseparable from the social question,” he said.

Manamela said South Africa’s experience showed that policy could widen access, particularly for women, but had not yet closed deeper gaps in leadership, employment outcomes, and disability inclusion.

He said the goal should be “not access without success” and “not inclusion without power,” but “real equality.”

INSIDE EDUCATION

By Charmaine Ndlela

Before you post, pause.

Sharing images of children without consent is not only unethical, but it may also be unlawful and expose learners to serious harm.

In South Africa, legislation such as the Protection of Personal Information Act (POPIA), the Children’s Act, and the Films and Publications Act exists to safeguard children’s rights, privacy, and safety. Any identifiable image, including a child’s face, name, school uniform, or location, is classified as personal information and requires explicit consent before being shared.

The debate has intensified following a viral incident at Thembalethu Primary School, where a Grade 1 learner was filmed and shared online without proper consideration of the consequences. The case has reignited questions about whether teachers should be prohibited from posting learners on their personal social media accounts.

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Legal experts warn that once an image is shared online, control is effectively lost.

According to Dr Bruyn Attorneys, once a photo or video is viewed by third parties, it is legally considered “published”, meaning it is no longer private and can be distributed beyond the control of parents or guardians.

South Africa’s Constitution, under Section 14, guarantees the right to privacy for all citizens, including children. This protection extends to safeguarding their personal information and shielding them from unnecessary exposure.

POPIA, enacted in 2021, further strengthens this protection by classifying children’s data as “special personal information”, requiring strict parental consent before it can be collected, processed, or shared.

South Africa is also a signatory to the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child (UNCRC), which reinforces the importance of protecting children from arbitrary interference in their privacy and personal lives.

ALSO READ: Draft BELA rules aim to keep pregnant learners in school

Obtaining parental consent is essential, as it protects children’s privacy and safety, ensures legal compliance, respects parental rights and builds trust between schools and families, a process that, a grade 7 assistant teacher Dintle Soetsane at Mokhesi Junior Secondary School situated at Sterkspruit, Eastern Cape, speaking to Inside Education explains, should clearly outline what is being filmed, where it will be shared, and give parents the right to refuse or withdraw permission at any time.

Dintle adds that consent forms are not just administrative documents, but serve as formal agreements that specify whether content may be shared on school platforms or teachers’ personal social media accounts, while also protecting both the school and families.

“Without consent, schools and teachers risk violating both policy and law,” she said.

In cases where consent is not granted, experts advise that children should not be identifiable in any shared content. This includes avoiding clear images of faces, school uniforms, or locations, or using methods such as blurring.

The issue has exposed a growing divide between educators and parents. 

Some teachers say they avoid posting learners altogether to protect themselves.

“I don’t post my learners… parents are complaining about everything, so I just want to be on the safe side,” said one teacher.

Parents, however, are firm in their stance.

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“We don’t want people, including teachers, posting our children online. That is not why they are at school,” said one parent, adding that consent cannot be assumed simply because a teacher means well.

Others point out that consent forms are distributed at the beginning of each school year, giving parents the option to allow or deny the use of their child’s images.

“If you signed the consent form, then the school is not wrong,” another parent said.

However, concerns remain about teachers using personal social media platforms such as TikTok, Facebook, and WhatsApp for content creation, often beyond what parents originally agreed to.

“I am a teacher, and I don’t post my students unless it’s strictly academic. Some colleagues are overdoing it for content,” said another educator.

The South African Democratic Teachers’ Union (SADTU) maintains that teachers must obtain parental consent before filming or photographing learners.

Speaking to Inside Education, SADTU spokesperson Nomusa Cembi said posting learners on personal social media without consent is wrong and could lead to disciplinary action.

“If a teacher posts learners without permission, a complaint must be laid, and a disciplinary process should follow,” she said.

Cembi emphasised that once a child’s image is shared online, their identity is exposed to the world, increasing risks such as cyberbullying and exploitation.

Education stakeholders stress that consent must go beyond a simple signature, adding that, true informed consent goes beyond a signed form. It is a clear, voluntary agreement given by a parent or legal guardian who fully understands what is being recorded, how the content will be used, where it will be published, and who will have access to it. It also means parents are aware that they have the right to say no without any negative consequences for their child.

Many parents are now calling on the Department of Basic Education to introduce stricter policies governing social media use by teachers.

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“I feel like some teachers are now focused on content rather than teaching,” said one parent.

The Films and Publications Board has also warned against posting images of children in school uniforms online, citing risks to their privacy and safety.

Experts agree that protecting children online requires a collective effort.

Therefore, teachers are encouraged to respect consent agreements, follow school policies, and prioritise education over online engagement.

In an era where digital content spreads rapidly and permanently, one post can have lasting consequences.

Safeguarding children’s identities is not just a legal requirement; it is a shared responsibility.

In a country grappling with high levels of cybercrime and child exploitation, even a seemingly harmless post can have lasting consequences.

The safety of all learners is a collective effort in ensuring that their identity is always protected from the vultures of social media and creating a safe environment for them. It all starts with the POPIA Act.

INSIDE EDUCATION

By Inside Politics reporter

The KZN South Coast is shaping up as a strong Easter option for families, beachgoers, and day trippers.

South Coast Tourism says Easter remains a key travel period for the district, and its 2026 listings point to everything from egg hunts and fun walks to inland adventure and beach time.

For a simple seaside break, the region’s beaches remain the obvious drawcard.

ALSO READ: Joburg beefs up Easter safety plans

The South Coast has eight full Blue Flag beaches, including Trafalgar, Marina, Ramsgate, St Michaels, Umzumbe, Southport, Hibberdene and Pennington.

The beaches are protected by anti-shark measures and lifeguards, making the coast an easy family base over the holiday.

Families chasing Easter-themed outings have several event options.

South Coast Tourism lists an Easter egg hunt at Dino Park SA in Melville on 4 and 5 April, a colour fun walk at Scottburgh Beach on 4 April, and an Easter egg hunt at Tanglewood Forest in Ramsgate on 4 April.

There is also an Easter Bunny day at Mac Banana, in Munster, near Port Edward, on 5 April.

For visitors wanting more than beach towels and chocolate eggs, the inland attractions are worth the drive. Wild 5 Adventures in Oribi Gorge offers ziplining, abseiling and hiking, while Lake Eland has zipline tours, a suspension bridge, game drives, horse riding and day visitor access from 7 am to 5 pm..

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Scottburgh’s Crocworld is another easy all-ages stop, with crocodile feeds scheduled from Tuesday to Sunday at 11 am and 3 pm.

For a slower finish, Beaver Creek Coffee Estate near Port Edward runs its Crop to Cup coffee tour daily at noon, with tasting included.

INSIDE EDUCATION

By Lebone Rodah Mosima 

The Department of Higher Education and Training (DHET) is working towards clearer guidelines on sanitary dignity across universities and colleges, Deputy Minister Nomusa Dube-Ncube said on Wednesday.

She made the remarks in a prepared speech for a portfolio committee colloquium on the provision of sanitary dignity products for post-school education and training students.

ALSO READ: Sea Rescue Institute issues spring tide warning ahead of Easter rush

“Menstrual health is not a luxury. It is not a peripheral concern. It is a basic human right and a critical enabler of educational access and retention,” she said.

She said the lack of access to products continued to affect students across universities, TVET colleges and community education and training colleges.

“For many young women and people who menstruate within our universities and TVET and CET colleges, the lack of access to affordable and appropriate sanitary products continues to be a silent barrier to learning,” she said.

Government’s Sanitary Dignity Framework defines sanitary dignity as including menstrual knowledge, affordable products, clean water, private and safe toilets, and hygienic disposal. It also recognises that period poverty is driven by poverty itself and can force girls and women to choose between food and sanitary products.

In the school system, the state runs a targeted sanitary dignity programme. In higher education, support is more commonly channelled through existing student funding, including NSFAS living and personal care allowances, rather than through a separate sanitary products grant.

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Dube-Ncube said the department recognised the effect this was having on academic participation.

“We know the reality: students missing classes, avoiding participation, or even dropping out. Not because of academic inability, but because of a natural biological process compounded by economic hardship,” she said.

At the same time, she said that students receiving financial support were expected, in large part, to cover such costs through existing allowances.

“[I]t is reasonable to position sanitary products as part of personal living expenses that financially supported students can manage through NSFAS by giving them, additional to accommodation, transport and living allowances, also personal care allowances, for both males and females to support their basic necessities such as toiletries and sanitary products,” she said.

She said the department had already made “important strides”, including “the distribution of sanitary products in selected institutions”, partnerships to improve supply chains, and “institutional-level interventions to ensure that products are accessible, discreet, and free from stigma”.

But she acknowledged that provision remained uneven.

“The current provision remains uneven across institutions, and funding constraints continue to limit the scale and sustainability of interventions,” she said.

Dube-Ncube said the department was now focusing on policy alignment and standardisation, sustainable funding models and dignity-centred implementation.

“In addition to our policies for social inclusion and equity, we are working towards establishing clear guidelines that will ensure a consistent approach to sanitary dignity across all PSET institutions, while still allowing for contextual flexibility,” she said.

She said officials were considering “innovative funding mechanisms, including public-private partnerships, to ensure that provision is not dependent on ad hoc arrangements but becomes an embedded component of student supply”.

Dube-Ncube said sanitary dignity was “not a ‘women’s issue’. It is a national development issue”.

“When students are supported in their understanding of each other, and their basic needs, they are better able to succeed academically, contribute meaningfully to society, and participate fully in the economy,” she said.

She urged policymakers to treat menstruation as a practical student support issue rather than a source of shame.

“Together, we can ensure that no student is left behind because of something as natural, and as manageable as menstruation,” she said.

INSIDE EDUCATION

By Levy Masiteng 

The National Sea Rescue Institute (NSRI) has issued a coastal safety warning for a full moon spring tide peaking on Thursday (today), saying that hazardous tidal conditions are expected to persist in the days following the Easter holiday weekend.

The advisory comes as thousands of holidaymakers are expected to remain along South Africa’s coastlines after Easter.

“This full moon spring tide will result in dramatically increased tidal ranges, creating potentially dangerous conditions for beachgoers, anglers and coastal hikers,” the NSRI said in a statement.

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Among the key risks are powerful rip currents, stronger than usual tidal flows and rapidly rising water levels that could catch bathers off guard. 

Beaches are expected to experience higher high tides that push water further inland, while lower low tides will expose more seabed than usual.

The NSRI warned that rip currents — one of the leading causes of drowning — are likely to intensify, particularly during outgoing tides in the late afternoon and early evening. 

The organisation said beachgoers should be aware of narrow inlets and coastal passages because they could see the formation of rip tides.

“Spring tides can significantly increase the strength of currents, making swimming conditions far more hazardous, especially for those unfamiliar with the ocean,” the NSRI said.

Hikers have also been urged to be vigilant on coastal routes and walking paths, as the routes may also become unsafe or completely inaccessible during high tide, particularly later in the day. 

The NSRI said fishing from rocks or cliffs is dangerous as shoreline anglers face additional danger from unexpected waves surging beyond normal safe zones.

The organisation offered several safety measures.

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Beachgoers are urged to swim only at lifeguard-protected beaches and to stay between the flags, while carrying communication devices and keeping them fully charged. 

Visitors are encouraged to check daily weather forecasts from the South African Weather Service (SAWS) and consult tide tables before heading out.

“Always be aware of your surroundings and avoid taking unnecessary risks. The ocean can change very quickly during spring tides,” the NSRI said.

It said that people should avoid drinking alcohol before swimming, closely supervise children, and remaining cautious around inland water bodies such as rivers and dams, particularly after heavy rains.

It encouraged the public to use its SafeTRX mobile app to log trips and enable quick emergency response if needed.

“The effects of spring tides can last several days. By taking simple precautions and staying informed, we can all enjoy the coastline safely,” the NSRI said.

INSIDE EDUCATION

By Levy Masiteng 

The Gauteng Department of Education (GDE) says schools were allocated funds in November 2025 specifically to settle their municipal obligations, including electricity accounts, amid ongoing concerns over unpaid bills and possible service interruptions.

This followed allegations that the department had shifted the burden of arrear municipal accounts onto schools, a claim it has strongly denied, insisting that the main issue is not a lack of funding, but rather non-payment by some schools despite receiving allocations.

ALSO READ: Draft BELA rules aim to keep pregnant learners in school

In a statement issued this week, the department said several schools in Eldorado Park were among those that received funding for municipal services.

These included Kliptown Primary, which received R233 167, Heerengracht Primary, which received R358 739, Eldorado Park Secondary, which received R523 503, and Eldomaine High School, which received R512 306.

The department said it had also previously communicated with School Governing Bodies about the decentralisation of municipal payments, placing responsibility on schools to manage and settle their own accounts once allocations had been made.

Under the South African Schools Act, schools granted the relevant Section 21 functions may pay for services to the school.

“It is therefore quite concerning that some schools are not paying their municipal accounts despite having received the necessary allocations and being aware of their responsibilities to pay their accounts,” the department said.

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“We wish to reiterate that we are engaging with all municipalities as this challenge is notably experienced across the province. These engagements will assist schools in ensuring they consistently pay their accounts and that their payments and accounts remain accurate at all times.

“Going forward, schools must also ensure that they use the allocations they receive strictly for its intended purposes,” Gauteng Education MEC Matome Chiloane said.

The department has urged affected schools to engage municipalities to negotiate payment arrangements while it facilitates the disbursement of the 2026/27 financial year allocations, which schools are expected to receive on or before 15 May.

In March, it was reported that at least 36 schools across Gauteng experienced electricity disconnections and more than 100 others had received notices warning of possible cuts, particularly in Ekurhuleni and Tshwane.

But GDE spokesperson Steve Mabona disputed those reports, saying schools had mainly received warning correspondence.  

“There is no school that was cut off. The only thing that occurred was that correspondence was circulated to schools that are lagging behind in terms of their municipal services accounts,” Mabona said.

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He said the responsibility for paying municipal services lies with schools and their SGBs, where the relevant functions have been decentralised.

“In the meantime, the Gauteng Department of Education will continue to engage municipalities not to cut their services, particularly as the interruption of electricity supply may negatively affect teaching and learning,” Mabona said.

INSIDE EDUCATION

By Levy Masiteng 

Draft regulations gazetted last week will require schools to support pregnant learners to stay in class and return after childbirth, while requiring pregnancies involving learners under 16 to be reported to social workers and police.

The draft regulations, issued under the South African Schools Act as amended by the BELA Act, require schools to provide a supportive and non-discriminatory environment for pregnant learners.

ALSO READ: UFH vice-chancellor Sakhela Buhlungu placed on suspension following forensic report

In partnership with the Department of Health and the Department of Social Development, schools will need to facilitate access to essential ante natal, post-natal and psychosocial support services for the pregnant learners.

An important provision in the draft regulations is the introduction of mandatory reporting in certain cases. Where a learner under the age of 16 falls pregnant, the school must report the matter to the Department of Social Development and to the South African Police Service.

Department of Basic Education (DBE) minister Siviwe Gwarube said the regulations build on progress already made in addressing learner pregnancy in schools.

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“We have moved away from a painful past where young girls were expelled or forced out of school due to pregnancy, these practices contributed to alarmingly high dropout rates. These regulations build on that progress and reaffirm our commitment to dignity, inclusion, and equal opportunity,” she said.

Members of the public must submit written comments within 30 days from the date of publication on 25 March 2026, to LearnerPrengancyRegz@dbe.gov.za.

INSIDE EDUCATION

By Johnathan Paoli

The University of Fort Hare council has placed its vice-chancellor, Sakhela Buhlungu, on precautionary suspension with full pay, pending the outcome of disciplinary proceedings linked to findings from a forensic investigation into senior executive appointments.

‎According to media platform EdNews, a letter on Tuesday signed by council chairperson Siyanda Makaula stated that the decision followed consideration of Buhlungu’s written representations, the forensic report and all relevant circumstances.

‎The move centres on irregularities in the appointment processes of two executive directors, where council approval was not obtained as required under the institution’s statutes.

According to the council, these failures constituted serious breaches implicating senior management decision-making and oversight structures.

The council maintained  that the VC’s continued presence in office could reasonably give rise to risks of interference with potential witnesses or institutional records.

The suspension takes immediate effect and will remain in force until the conclusion of disciplinary proceedings, unless lifted earlier.

The council stressed that the measure does not constitute a disciplinary sanction.

‎Buhlungu has been instructed not to enter university premises without prior written approval and to refrain from contacting staff, students, service providers or other stakeholders on matters related to the investigation.

He is also required to make available any university property or documentation needed for the process and to attend a disciplinary hearing once formally convened.

His employment contract remains in force.

The decision follows a special council meeting held earlier in the month, after the conclusion of a forensic investigation into alleged irregularities in the appointment of the executive director for infrastructure and technology, and the executive director for people management and engagement.

In a statement issued on 20 March, the council said the investigation found that four senior management employees “failed to comply with the requirements of Section 19.1 of the university statute, in that council approval was not obtained” for the appointments.

‎The council confirmed that appropriate disciplinary action has since been imposed on the implicated employees.

The university cited Section 10.1 of its employee relations and procedures, which provides that “where the policies, norms, values, standards and principles of the University of Fort Hare have been violated, the university has the right, through the disciplinary procedure, to apply appropriate corrective action in a fair manner”.

However, the decision to suspend Buhlungu has raised concerns with reports indicating that the vice-chancellor himself flagged the irregularities and attempted to correct them once they came to light, but was ignored.

According to the EdNews, a subsequent forensic investigation did not find wrongdoing on Buhlungu’s part and that tensions between the vice-chancellor and elements within the university leadership have been escalating, particularly following a series of investigations into governance and corruption at the institution.

It has been reported that this move follows a sense of revenge against Buhlungu following his cooperation with probes by the SIU into alleged maladministration at the university.

Buhlungu has been at the forefront of efforts to stabilise the institution, which has in recent years been rocked by governance challenges, including high-profile investigations into procurement and security contracts.

Despite the controversy, the council maintains that due process will be followed.

Formal notice of the disciplinary hearing, including specific charges and logistical details, is expected to be issued in due course in line with university policy.

The unfolding developments place renewed scrutiny on governance processes at the University of Fort Hare, as well as on the balance between accountability and institutional stability at one of South Africa’s historic higher education institutions.

INSIDE EDUCATION