By Thapelo Molefe

The University of Limpopo’s governance crisis has taken a turn for the worse, with revelations of the institution’s council operating without any regard for due process or the law.

“They just sit in a meeting and if they believe a faction is strong in that meeting, they just decide in that meeting that let’s vote while removing them without due process,” said Portfolio Committee on Higher Education chairperson Tebogo Letsie.

The university has been plagued by governance issues, including the council’s rejection of ministerial appointees without valid reasons and the extension of the Vice-Chancellor’s term without proper procedures. 

The university council’s actions have been described as “clumsy and overreaching” by the committee.

“The last time the Institutional Forum had a conference that we elected was in 2017,” Letsie noted. 

The university’s management has also been accused of abusing power and victimising employees.

“There were many allegations of abuse of power from the university management and victimisation of employees who are opposed to the authoritarian management,” Letsie said.

The committee has discovered that the university spent a staggering R14 million on legal fees during the 2023-24 financial year, a 100% increase from the previous year.

“They spent R14 million on legal fees… most of these fees are spent to defend the university against students and staff,” Letsie revealed.

The committee is calling for urgent intervention, including the appointment of an independent assessor or a forensic investigation.

Higher Education Minister Nobuhle Nkabane has been asked to intervene, and the committee is waiting with bated breath for a response.

“We will not hesitate to take action if the university fails to address these concerns,” Letsie warned.

Committee member Letta Maseko emphasised the committee’s commitment to preserving the university’s autonomy while ensuring accountability. 

“We want to keep the autonomy of the universities… but where we give money, we have to see value in it,” Maseko said.

“The problem is the management in the universities. Limpopo was not willing to respond to our questions.”

Lerato Khakhau condemned the leadership of the University of Limpopo, stating that it was “disrespectful not only to us as a portfolio committee, but to the ministry and the community it serves”.

Khakhau highlighted the struggles of students from Limpopo, a neglected and poor province, who relied on the institution for their future.

Sihle Ngubane criticised the university’s recruitment process, citing a culture of entitlement. 

“They wait until the end of their term, advertise the position and then claim there’s no suitable candidate,” Ngubane said.

“It’s clear they’re taking the institution and us for granted.”

Sanele Zondo stressed the need for accountability, noting that corruption was often attributed to politicians, but the real culprits were those running the institution.

“They become big-headed, thinking the institution is their home, and they can do as they please, breaching regulations,” Zondo said.

Yanga Govana echoed concerns about the university’s leadership, citing its failure to understand their own statute and breaches of the law. 

“They’re too old, too tired and forgetful. They must rest,” Govana said.

Sedukanelo Louw called for swift action, advocating for an assessor to be appointed by January and an investigation into corruption. 

“We must involve the SIU to expose those who make individuals untouchable,” Louw said. “People can’t be untouchable without backup from politicians.”

INSIDE EDUCATION

By Akani Nkuna

Higher Health SA is tackling gender-based violence through a multifaceted approach, combining skills development with comprehensive support systems to create a safer and inclusive educational setting at tertiary level.

The post-school education and training sector, which is meant to empower 2.5 million youth, is grappling with the GBV crisis, mirroring broader societal issues.

Around 10% of reported rapes in South Africa occur in higher education institutions.

Higher Heath CEO Ramneek Ahluwalia said in a statement that “this is not a linear epidemic that can be addressed with medication; it is a deep-rooted societal challenge, embedded in generations and shaped by history”.

“Higher Health’s most significant focus has been on fostering trust among young people, encouraging them to report cases of GBV,” he said.

Ahluwalia outlined that the alarming rate of sexual violence against young women, with one in three experiencing violence before the age of 21.

He emphasised that it was crucial to shatter the stigma around GBV, encourage reporting and prioritise an approach that protected survivors and ensured justice.

To tackle GBV in tertiary institutions, Higher Health is rolling out a multi-faceted strategy rooted in the principle that “Education as Prevention” is key. A core component of this approach is the incorporation of its civic and soft skills framework into a holistic co-curricular.

“Tackling GBV requires addressing interconnected issues such as mental health, substance abuse, HIV and AIDS, transactional sex and unplanned pregnancies – factors closely linked to GBV.

“Additionally, the focus extends to supporting individuals with disabilities and promoting broader themes of good citizenship, constitutional awareness, ethical behaviour and understanding systemic structures,” said Ahluwalia.

The national agency’s response to GBV includes engaging men and boys to transform mentalities, structured protocols to address the scourge and building a culture of zero tolerance.

“By addressing GBV through skills development and comprehensive support systems, Higher Health aims to foster a safer, more equitable educational environment, ensuring the well-being and success of all students and staff in our higher learning institutions in South Africa,” said Ahluwalia.

INSIDE EDUCATION

By Thapelo Molefe

Members of Parliament’s Portfolio Committee on Education have recommended that the Special Investigating Unit probe a dodgy tender awarded by the Western Cape government.

The committee held a crucial session this week to consider allegations on irregularities regarding the R50-million IT tender.

The tender, facilitated by the State Information Technology Agency (SITA), has sparked controversy following a forensic investigation by law firm Cliffe Dekker Hofmeyr, raising questions about transparency and governance.

The firm has flagged multiple procedural issues, including the acceptance of a bid that contained two pricing options, which was in breach of procurement regulations.

Despite these findings, the department has maintained its stance that there is no wrongdoing on its part.

A legal advisor to the department, Ian Steyn, explained that the department relied on SITA’s recommendation when awarding the tender to Blue Networks Consortium (BNC).

“There were no findings of fraud or corruption against WCED officials,” Steyn told the committee. 

“Our officials participated as required in the SITA bid evaluation committee, and all decisions were based on SITA’s recommendations.”

Steyn clarified that the department was unaware of any irregularities at the time of the award.

He also rejected the findings of the forensic report, which identified procedural lapses, claiming that senior counsel reviewed the report and found its conclusions unfounded.

The tender process began when the department requested SITA to procure local area network services for Western Cape schools. SITA’s evaluation committees, including department officials, reviewed bids and ultimately recommended BNC.

However, forensic investigation, commissioned by SITA, uncovered governance failures, including inconsistencies in the bid evaluation process and a controversial round robin vote by SITA’s board.

A director at the firm, Tendai Jangara, highlighted these issues in her presentation.

“The language in the tender created confusion, particularly around pricing options,” Jangara explained. 

“This highlights the need for clearer and more transparent procurement processes.”

She added that some evaluators failed to seek necessary clarifications from bidders, potentially disadvantaging competitors like Dimension Data.

SITA’s interim board later withdrew its recommendation to award the tender to BNC, citing findings from the investigation. This decision placed the department in a precarious position, as it had already entered into a contract with BNC.

Steyn explained the department’s response.

“The decision to award the tender is final and cannot be unilaterally revoked or terminated by the WCED.”

SITA has since initiated legal proceedings to review and set aside the decision to  award the tender to BNC. 

Steyn emphasised the department’s intention to oppose the application, citing financial and operational risks.

“The WCED will continue to honour the contract with BNC unless and until valid and substantiated reasons exist to take steps to set it aside,” Steyn said.

However, committee member Lerato Ngobeni questioned the department’s judgement in continuing to honour the contract. 

“Just because the department was not directly implicated doesn’t absolve it of accountability,” Ngobeni said. 

“How can we ignore the red flags raised by an independent forensic investigation?”

Ngobeni questioned the rationale behind awarding the tender despite alleged irregularities, and highlighted a lack of transparency regarding BNC’s ownership and qualifications.

“We must follow this matter to its logical conclusion,” Ngobeni stated. “It is unacceptable that the public has no clarity on who BNC is, and why this contract was awarded amid apparent discrepancies.”

Several committee members recommended escalating the matter to the Auditor-General and the SIU to ensure accountability.

“We must write to the Treasury to validate the contract and involve the Hawks to investigate this matter thoroughly,” said a committee member Sedukanelo Louw. “The current board is clearly conflicted and incapable of providing an impartial review.”

The tender in question was awarded to BNC despite findings of irregularities by both an external audit report and the Auditor-General.

“You knew what specifications you set up,” said committee chairperson Joy Maimela.

“It can’t be a justification to say there was ambiguity or confusion on the bidders’ part. You set the specifications, so you were not confused.”

Maimela argued that BNC gained an unfair advantage by submitting two pricing options for a single bid, a move that she said materially impacted the awarding of the tender. 

“Even if they were confused, you were not confused,” she stated emphatically.

Maimela highlighted the AGSA’s findings, which flagged irregularities in the procurement process months after the tender was awarded. She questioned why action was not taken earlier, especially since initial concerns were raised in a report by the law firm.

“We are being told that no reviewable irregularities exist, yet AGSA is now flagging the very same issues,” Maimela said. 

“This points to complacency. You had the chance to halt the project when the concerns first arose, but you continued.”

SITA acting managing director Simphiwe Dzengwa confirmed that the tender process had significant shortcomings, and there had been a suggestion that both the SITA and the department approach the courts.

However, Dzengwa noted that the province later opted to rely on its own legal opinion, further complicating the resolution process.

Deputy Minister of Communications and Digital Technologies, Mondli Gungubele, criticised this move, stating that the Western Cape’s decision to act unilaterally undermined efforts to resolve the matter collaboratively. 

He called for the board to either implement the forensic report’s findings or seek judicial review, describing their current approach as “misgovernance”.

The committee chairperson reiterated the need for swift and decisive action.

“We cannot allow SITA’s governance crisis to undermine critical service delivery, especially in areas as vital as education.”

INSIDE EDUCATION

By Akani Nkuna

Poor sanitation is a reality for many schools in South Africa. In an effort to deal with this situation, including pit latrines, Basic Education Minister Siviwe Gwarube has launched the Safe Schools App.

It is a digital platform that aims to improve the safety and hygiene of schools, ensuring a healthier environment for pupils to learn and thrive.

“What we are doing here today is testament to the power of technology, collaboration and a shared commitment to address the challenges facing our education system,” Gwarube said on Monday.

“The Safe Schools App is more than an application. It is a bold statement to resolve to eliminate unsafe sanitation facilities in schools, and we do so with transparency, with efficiency and accountability.”

The minister told reporters that the app, which was developed by Vodacom, would achieve three key objectives, including providing real time tracking and monitoring of progress to eliminate pit toilets.

“The app includes a dynamic heat map that will allow [the department] to track the progress of pit toilet eradication across the country. This feature ensures that government has access to real time information about our efforts [to deal with the] backlog,” Gwarube said.

In the past, stakeholders such as the SA Human Rights Commission, have raised concerns that the data on pit toilets may be incomplete or unreliable.

“So, this Safe Schools App empowers communities to report any remaining pit toilets in the areas, helping us to close those gaps and ensure that every school is accounted for,” said Gwarube.

The minister said the app could eventually be used as a tool to monitor and track other critical initiatives, such as the National School Nutrition Programme, infrastructure development and the distribution of learning and teaching materials.

“We will be integrating these functions. The app enhances our ability to manage resources effectively and respond swiftly to emerging challenges…,” she said.

“We have a vision that someday we will be able to track the delivery of nutritious meals in our schools, the delivery of textbooks to our schools, and that teachers and principals may be able to report when things have not happened directly on the app… We want to use technology to improve the education sector,” she said.

Hundreds of schools still have pit toilets. The department’s deadline to eradicate pit latrines is 31 March 2025.

INSIDE EDUCATION

By Levy Masiteng

In a bid to empower students, the Finance and Accounting Services Seta (Fasset) has joined forces with Higher Health to launch a transformative Civic and Soft Skills Programme.

Fasset CEO Ayanda Mafuleka told Inside Education that the initiative was designed to help students at three TVET colleges develop a wide range of key skills, including effective communication, problem-solving, leadership, teamwork, decision-making and conflict resolution.

The programme, which will be launched at three TVET colleges, delves into critical areas such as civic education and responsibility, mental health, gender-based violence, voter education, financial literacy and climate change.

It will equip students with the knowledge and tools to navigate complex gender dynamics and help nurture a generation that is capable of confronting GBV and fostering a more inclusive society.

“A programme such as this will not only educate, but also ensure that our learners feel protected and better understand the various forms of diversity. As a Sector Education and Training Authority, we are concerned about the wellbeing of our beneficiaries and ensuring we deliver well rounded talent to the sector, thus a programme such as this one will assist expertly,” Mafuleka said

Speaking at the signing of a Memorandum of Agreement between the two organisations, Higher Health operations director Nthuseng Mphahlele said the programme would be rolled out as an online course, targeting 150 learners at the College of Cape Town in the Western Cape, eThekwini TVET College in KwaZulu-Natal, and Vhembe TVET College in Limpopo.

She said Fasset and Higher Health shared a commitment to drive social change, promote a more inclusive and compassionate society, and empower young people with the skills and knowledge they needed to succeed in an increasingly complex world.

Fasset CFO Zakariya Alli and Higher Health CEO Ramneek Ahluwalia both emphasised the importance of empowering students with soft skills for workplace success and social entrepreneurship.

“(A total of) 85% of job success actually comes from soft skills. Soft skills not only have the power to strengthen hard skills and the skills economy, but to also create more jobs through social entrepreneurship, thus reducing unemployment,” Ahluwalia noted.

Both organisations expressed their excitement about the future of the partnership, with plans to expand the initiative and explore additional opportunities to empower students and drive social change.

Participants who complete the course will receive a certificate, enhancing their employability and personal growth.

The organisations said this collaboration would help bridge the skills gap in the country by providing students with the knowledge and tools they needed to succeed in both their personal and professional lives.

INSIDE EDUCATION

By Johannah Malogadihlare

Fort Hare’s softball team, the Titans, have set their sights on podiums in both the men’s and women’s sections at the University Sports South Africa (USSA) softball tournament in Vanderbijlpark, Gauteng, this week.

Titans coach Siphelo Gadudu said the team showed exceptional performance last year, and he has instilled a great belief in the squad that more silverware could be brought back to the Eastern Cape.

“I am pushing them very hard. I am deliberately stressing them in the field so they will be able to respond properly during the USSA games,” Gadudu said.

Many have praised the impact he has made since joining the team 12 months ago with his coaching style of pushing players to their limits, while allowing them the freedom to express themselves.

The couch expressed how he helped the team prepare for the tournament, with players required to adjust to different weather conditions on the Highveld.

“It was drizzling last week, and we also had a session in that. The rain made the field wet, so now we will be able to play on ground like that,” Gadudu said.

The university has retained most players from last year with the addition of a few new players. It is its policy to introduce the best players in their system to easily slot in when others graduate.

Last year, Fort Hare’s ladies finished second and the males fourth.

INSIDE EDUCATION

By Johnathan Paoli

Gauteng Education MEC Matome Chiloane said his department is making significant strides in preparation for the 2025 school year, with a focus on learner placement, the successful completion of the 2024 National Senior Certificate (NSC) exams, and ensuring schools are ready with the necessary resources.

Chiloane provided an update on the placement of Grade 1 and Grade 8 learners for 2025 and said the online application process, which began in July, has seen 325,734 applications (99.97%) being successfully placed, leaving 124 Grade 8 applications still in progress in the Kempton Park area, a high-growth zone.

“The department is fully prepared to ensure a smooth and successful reopening of schools in the province for the 2025 academic year, with all necessary systems, resources, and support structures in place to foster a conducive learning environment,” he said.

Chiloane explained that incomplete applications were not processed for placement, and parents who face challenges will be able to choose available schools starting on Wednesday till the end of January next year.

A total of 8379 applications for Grade 1 and 10653 applications for Grade 8 were not completed.

The department is focusing on placing learners within their home zones or closest available schools, and funding has been secured to build additional classrooms and mobile units to alleviate overcrowding in high-demand areas.

This includes 625 mobile units and 453 additional classrooms to address the shortage of spaces.

The MEC said the 2024 NSC exams concluded successfully, with 189,693 candidates in Gauteng, including both full-time and part-time learners.

While there were isolated incidents of security breaches, including impersonation and the use of prohibited materials, the department confirmed that the integrity of the exams was largely maintained.

Chiloane highlighted that exam materials were delivered on time, and issues at examination centers were swiftly resolved.

He said the main marking of the exams took place from the beginning of the month until Friday, with over 12,000 markers appointed.

Results will be announced nationally on 13 January, with Gauteng’s results revealed during a special ceremony the following day.

High-performing learners and schools in the province will be recognised and rewarded with bursaries, trophies, and other prizes.

He said his department preparedness was focused on five key areas.

The department has procured textbooks and stationery for 2,086 schools, achieving a 96.6% retrieval rate of textbooks from matriculants.

Additionally, Learner and Teacher Support Materials (LTSM) distribution was completed on time, ensuring all schools are equipped for the new year.

Chiloane confirmed that over 850 schools received new furniture in 2023-2024, supporting classroom needs for the new academic year.

He said his department continues to expand digital learning in schools, providing devices to over 200,000 learners and 21,000 teachers, with efforts including updating devices and ensuring schools are well-equipped for digital content delivery.

The department is expected to transport over 227,000 learners in 2025, with a R1.1 billion allocation for the Scholar Transport Programme.

Chiloane stressed that the contract, which started in July, is monitored for vehicle road-worthiness and safety.

Furthermore, the MEC revealed that over 1.7 million learners benefit from the department’s nutrition programme.

The department has hired additional food handlers to support meal preparation.

In terms of safety, Chiloane urged communities to help protect school facilities from theft and vandalism during recess, with increased vigilance from local law enforcement.

“Your vigilance is crucial in preventing potential criminal activities on school grounds,” he said.

The MEC is expected to meet with the parents of the 124 Grade 8 applications who have not been placed on Monday evening, in an effort to speedily facilitate the immediate accommodation of the learners in schools next year.

INSIDE EDUCATION

By Thapelo Molefe

The Auditor-General has raised significant concerns about Manufacturing, Engineering and Related Services Seta’s (Merseta) governance and financial management.

A presentation at the Portfolio Committee on Higher Education this week revealed that the entity, tasked with driving skills development in South Africa, received a qualified audit opinion for the second consecutive year due to ongoing financial mismanagement, systemic inefficiencies and repeated compliance failures.

“Merseta’s audit outcome is a clear indication that the necessary corrective measures are not being implemented effectively,” said AG senior audit manager Zamahlangu Mditshwa. 

“The entity failed to resolve discrepancies in its financial reporting, particularly regarding discretionary grant expenditures from prior years. This, coupled with material misstatements in financial statements and irregular expenditure of R2.9 million, points to a worrying regression.”

The AG highlighted key operational shortcomings, including a lack of coordination between Merseta’s operational and financial units. 

This disconnect led to repeated errors in financial reporting and undermined the credibility of its performance information. 

“The root cause is the absence of a structured and functional relationship between operations and finance. Without this, we will continue to see a ripple effect of mismanagement and non-compliance,” added Mditshwa.

AG senior manager Desmond Phungula provided further details, explaining that the audit identified payments made outside contract periods, exceeded contract values, and unsupported performance achievements in certain programs. 

“For Programme 3, we found that one reported achievement was not backed by evidence, and several targets were not met. Additionally, irregular expenditure occurred because payments were made without adhering to proper controls,” Phungula said.

The AG also pointed to broader systemic issues affecting Merseta and other Sector Education and Training Authorities. 

A lack of an integrated system for data sharing among Setas has led to duplicated learner funding and instances where deceased individuals are still listed as beneficiaries. 

“We identified cases where Merseta funded learners multiple times or learners were recorded in multiple Setas. This is a glaring inefficiency,” Mditshwa said. “An integrated system is critical to eliminate these costly errors.”

Another concern raised was the significant interest retained by Setas instead of being utilised for their core mandate of skills development. 

“We need to revisit the legislation to ensure that funds are not misdirected. Skills development is too critical for South Africa’s future to allow for these inefficiencies,” Mditshwa urged.

The AG recommended a series of interventions, including strengthening project management, improving internal controls and ensuring proper accountability through consequence management. 

“It is essential that we create a culture of accountability. Action plans must address root causes, not just symptoms, and there must be consequences for those responsible for repeated failures,” Mditshwa emphasised.

Phungula also underscored the urgency of timely reporting, noting that late submissions compromised oversight and corrective actions. 

“We finalised Merseta’s audit in October, halfway through the next financial year. This delay limits the time available to address identified issues before the next audit cycle,” he said.

INSIDE EDUCATION

By Johannah Malogadihlare

The Gauteng Liquor Board has warned liquor traders, parents and learners about the dangers of “pens down” parties to celebrate the end of the matric exams, following tragic incidents in the past that have claimed young lives.

“The fact that we continue to see alcohol-fuelled end of exam celebrations, despite repeated warnings and awareness campaigns, underscores the severity of this problem. We must act decisively to stop these dangerous gatherings before more lives are lost,” Gauteng Liquor Board chief director Fati Manamela said on Tuesday.

Provincial education departments and the Basic Education Department have cautioned learners from excessive celebrations.

“I urge matriculants to refrain from alcohol abuse during ‘pens down’ events or matric rage parties. These moments should be a celebration of achievement, not a risk to life and safety,” Basic Education Minister Siviwe Gwarube said last week.

Manamela also reminded liquor traders of their legal responsibility not to sell alcohol to minors and report any suspicious activities linked to underage drinking.

“We are not against young people celebrating their achievements, but it must be done legally, responsibly and under proper supervision. Everyone has a role to play in ensuring their safety and protecting the future of our youth,” Manamela said in a statement.

Manamela urged parents and caregivers to ensure the safety of the learners.

“Parents and guardians significantly influence their children’s decisions. We urge them to stay vigilant and actively discourage their children from attending these unsafe parties.

“This is a critical period in their lives. They are future leaders who should be focused on achieving their dreams of higher education and meaningful careers,” he said.

The board appealed to law enforcement agencies to also play their part to protect matriculants.

INSIDE EDUCATION

By Johnathan Paoli

Gauteng education MEC Matome Chiloane has expressed deep sorrow over the tragic deaths of two learners from Wilhelmina Hoskins Primary School in Riverlea over the last two days, which has left the school community in mourning.

A Grade 7 learner was shot dead at his family’s home in Riverlea on Saturday by unknown assailants, with authorities now investigating the circumstances surrounding the boy’s death.

In an unrelated incident, a Grade 4 learner passed away on Monday, after reportedly falling ill from consuming biscuits purchased at a local spaza shop. Around 30 children have died in the province since the start of the food contamination crisis.

Emergency services were called to his home to provide medical care, but he was pronounced dead during the treatment.

Chiloane extended his heartfelt condolences to the grieving families and the broader school community.

“Indeed, we are saddened by these deaths and wish to convey our condolences to the families and the school community during this difficult time,” he said.

The department has dispatched its Psycho-Social Support Unit to Wilhelmina Hoskins to offer counselling and emotional assistance to learners, staff and affected families.

The support sessions will begin on Tuesday.

The investigation into the learner’s death will focus on determining whether the biscuits he consumed were contaminated and, if so, tracing the source of any potential health hazard.

Chiloane’s department has previously pledged to work with local leaders, law enforcement and health authorities to address these issues and ensure that learners have safe environments both at school and at home.

INSIDE EDUCATION