By Johnathan Paoli

A skills development dialogue organised by Sibanye-Stillwater in partnership with Inside Education saw panellists calling for a frank consideration of ways to expand educational development in the country.

The event, at the University of Johannesburg, brought together educators, policymakers, and industry leaders during the week to discuss critical issues surrounding early childhood development (ECD), basic education, and the transformation of the Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) sector.

The first panel focused on the essential role of ECD centres in fostering a skills-oriented culture from a young age.

Panellists emphasised that these centres were more than just daycare facilities; they served as foundational blocks for lifelong learning.

Shamiso Chideme from Tshikululu Investments highlighted the urgent need to support under-resourced ECD centres, advocating for their evolution into vibrant hubs of learning and development.

“We must capacitate these centres to ensure they can provide quality education and care,” Chideme said.

Sibusiso Khumalo from education platform iCAN4IR reinforced the significance of early intervention, noting that “anything that ends wrong starts wrong”.

He explained that systemic challenges observed in later grades often have roots in early childhood experiences.

Tsakani Baloyi from the Gauteng education department added that while a set ECD curriculum existed, its effective implementation remained a challenge, especially in centres managed by local community members.

Baloyi observed that resource allocation for ECD centres need not be exorbitant, as children thrived through imaginative and creative learning experiences.

“Proper planning and execution can make a world of difference,” she said.

The second panel delved into the state of basic education and its readiness for a skills-based approach.

A key issue raised was the country’s low child literacy rates.

Basic Education deputy director-general Barney Mthembu explained that while learners could read, the materials often failed to engage their interest.

“We must ask ourselves if we are producing content that resonates with our students,” he said.

Ernest Rangaka from the Tlou Institute echoed this sentiment, highlighting the importance of engaging learners with materials relevant to their ever-changing environments.

Oupa Bodibe from the Gauteng education department raised concerns about the recent shift in teacher training from colleges to universities, suggesting that training colleges provided a more appropriate setting for developing practical teaching skills.

The panel also tackled the challenge of fostering a culture of reading among children.

Bodibe noted that promoting early reading was almost impossible when parents themselves do not model a reading habit.

Rangaka further pointed out that students often struggled to translate their skills into entrepreneurial ventures, highlighting the need for a more integrated approach to education that allowed learners to leverage their abilities effectively.

The final panel focused on the transformation of the TVET sector to create an optimal environment for a new calibre of students.

Pule Mashele from the Higher Education Department stressed the need for TVET colleges to equip students not only for employment, but also for entrepreneurship.

“We must prepare our students to explore the possibility of being employers themselves,” he said.

Zuko Mbolekwa from Ekurhuleni East TVET College acknowledged the diverse age range of students, which could sometimes create apprehension among parents.

He assured attendees that TVET lecturers were trained to address the academic and social needs of all students, ensuring a supportive learning environment.

The dialogue highlighted the importance of understanding the unique challenges faced by young learners, particularly in mixed-age classrooms.

Mbolekwa emphasised the sensitivity and training of TVET staff in catering to the varied needs of students, ultimately fostering a nurturing educational space.

The dialogue served as a crucial platform for discussing the interconnectedness of ECD, basic education and TVET, with panellists sharing valuable insights on how to cultivate a skills culture in the country, stressing the need for investment in resources, training and engaging educational content.

INSIDE EDUCATION

By Lungile Ntimba

University of Johannesburg Prof. Basie von Solms, who has been at the forefront of global cybersecurity research for 50 years, has been awarded the Isaac L. Auerbach Award by the International Federation for Information Processing (IFIP).

It is only the eighth time that the award, which is named after the federation’s founding president and early computing pioneer Isaac L. Auerbach, has been given in the IFIP’s 64-year history.

“This award is the pinnacle of my long-standing relationship with IFIP. I am honoured to have represented South Africa for so many years and to contribute to the advancement of information processing on a global scale,” Von Solms said in a statement this week.

Earlier this year, he was ranked 5th in the world for lifetime contributions to cybersecurity research by ScholarGPS, highlighting his immense impact in a field that has never been more critical. 

Cybersecurity has become one of the most serious concerns for individuals, businesses and governments.

According to the university, Von Solms’ work has been pivotal in shaping how the world understood and combated digital threats.

“Cybersecurity is more critical than ever in today’s world of evolving digital threats. Ongoing research and collaboration are essential to staying ahead of these challenges,” he said.

According to security firm Check Point, South African business alone faced an average of 1000 attacks a week.

Von Solms has contributed to the transformation of information security since the early 1980s. Over the years, he rose to prominent leadership roles, including serving as the first African IFIP president from 2007 to 2010.

UJ said that alongside his research advancements, he has mentored over 30 doctoral students and numerous master’s students, many of whom focused their studies on information and cybersecurity.

His also serves as an Associate Director at the University of Oxford’s Global Cybersecurity Capacity Centre and as a board member of the Centre for Cybersecurity Capacity Centre of Southern Africa.

Von Solms dedicated the award to key institutions that have supported him throughout his journey – the Institute for IT Professionals of South Africa and UJ.

“I am incredibly thankful for the time and freedom UJ has granted me to participate in IFIP over the years.

“This award is a recognition not just of my work, but of the support from my colleagues, students and UJ. It has been an honour to contribute to the advancement of this field, and I look forward to seeing how the next generation builds on this legacy,” he said.

Prof. Annah Moteetee, who is the Dean of the Faculty of Science, said: “We are immensely proud of Prof. Von Solms’ contributions to both UJ and the global community. His work has been nothing short of groundbreaking and we celebrate him for this extraordinary recognition.”

INSIDE EDUCATION

By Thapelo Molefe

Basic Education Minister Siviwe Gwarube has revealed that she has received briefings from provinces regarding food poisonings, and the incidents appear to be isolated.

This comes after five children died after eating food that was allegedly expired and sold from a local spaza shop in Soweto, and 70 Grade 12 learners from various schools in the West Rand were treated in hospital following a suspected food poisoning incident that happened during a matric camp.

They have been discharged.

The minister expressed her deepest condolences to the affected families, saying: “One learner is a learner too many in our system, and it breaks my heart to have to look at the faces of parents and tell them that their loved ones are gone.”

Gwarube assured that preliminary investigations indicated that the incidents were unrelated to the National School Nutrition Programme (NSNP), a R10 billion initiative providing daily meals to 9.7 million learners. 

She emphasised her commitment to protecting the programme, citing its critical role in ensuring learners receive at least one nutritious meal daily.

“So that is why I seek to protect that line item in our budget at all costs, even in the face of budget cuts, because we want to make sure that the food is of quality. Number two, that learners never suffer food poisoning from the hands of the government,” she said.

On Thursday, Minister in The Presidency Khumbudzo Ntshavheni called on South Africans to stop supporting spaza shops owned illegally by foreigners who she accused of selling poisonous food that claimed the lives of innocent children.

However, Gwarube said provincial authorities were currently investigating the source of the food poisoning, with one incident linked to the matric camp and another occurring separately in Limpopo.

“It’s unclear whether or not these learners’ bought food from a particular shop,” Gwarube said.

The minister wished the learners a speedy recovery and assured that her department was  working closely with provinces to prevent similar incidents.

“When they have had such a bright future, it’s an absolute tragedy. And this is why, again, my obsession with looking after this National School Nutrition Programme is something that I’m unwavering on,” Gwarube said.

She said that they would leave no stone unturned to make sure the money for the programme was not stolen or squandered.

INSIDE EDUCATION

By Johannah Malogadihlare

The University of Cape Town’s (UCT) Centre for Bioprocess Engineering Research is working on a five-year project that will convert waste disposals into energy source and water.

The project is led by Dr Thanos Kotsiopoulos. It includes leading research, feasibility studies and proof-concept living labs on campus and forms part of UCT’s Vision 2020 that focuses on environmental sustainability.

Its aim is to expand the anaerobic digestion (AD) process that uses anaerobic bacteria to breakdown waste.

Energy source produced can be used for cooking or to produce water that can later be used to irrigate on-campus vegetable gardens.

“The project aims to address certain environmental challenges we face. These include increasing food waste volumes, the costs associated with disposing this waste, as well as the significant carbon and water footprints that emanate from landfill disposal,” said
Kotsiopoulos.

The project would allow the practice of growing plants in an air or mist environment (vertical farm) and solids generated through AD could also be used as fertiliser.

“The constructed arrangements of the vertical farms have the potential to contribute to UCT’s interior and exterior landscaping design while also functioning as prospective low-cost climate control arrays that offset building cooling requirements and electricity costs,” he said.

UCT is currently facing significant sustainability challenges like climate change, waste management and resource depletion.

“By using organic waste as a feedstock to produce biogas, the project demonstrates how we can decrease fossil fuel resilience and conserve water. This approach advocates for utilising available resources and reduces those environmental impacts associated with traditional practices,” said Kotsiopoulos.

Additionally, he said that a group of fourth-year students were involved in developing a heat transfer model to simulate the energy balance across the green wall system.

“This model demonstrated that vertical green walls can significantly reduce energy usage to maintain a stable internal environment,” said Kotsiopoulos.

UCT emphasised that the project’s success would change the way it viewed waste and its potential as a resource.

INSIDE EDUCATION

By Johnathan Paoli

Sibanye-Stillwater has underscored the urgent need for the country to prioritise skills development as a cornerstone for economic growth.

The company’s stakeholder relations executive vice president Thabisile Phumo highlighted the stark contrast between South Africa and countries like China, where vocational training was often seen as a first choice rather than a fallback option.

She was speaking at the Skills Development Dialogue under the theme: “Reimagining Education for a Better Future”, hosted by Sibanye-Stillwater and Inside Education at the University of Johannesburg on Thursday.

“In China, people become artisans not as a plan B, but as a first option because they understand the value of skills. We have to know that economies are built by skills,” she said.

Phumo stressed the need of Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) colleges in addressing this crisis.

“There is space for university education, but there is an even bigger space for TVET education because we are a country in crisis,” she said.

Phumo proposed the implementation of quotas for gifted learners from matric to enrol in TVET colleges, emphasising that this approach could significantly alleviate the skills shortage that plagued various sectors, including engineering, healthcare and information technology.

“May our children aspire to be artisans. May they see the value of skills that can be used here and beyond,” she said.

The event, which aimed to explore the integration of skills-based learning into the education system from early childhood, reflected a broader government initiative to prioritise TVET education.

With limited access to traditional university pathways for many South Africans, TVET colleges represented a viable alternative for skills development, fostering pathways to gainful employment and economic stability.

Phumo noted the potential benefits of a more skilled workforce, and said the positive ripple effects of an approach focused on skills extended beyond economic benefits; they empowered individuals to pursue new opportunities and personal success.

“By making training and skills development accessible, we can help people upskill themselves and stand a better chance of escaping poverty.”

The dialogue also called for collaboration among students, educational institutions, and public-private partnerships to bridge the skills gap effectively.

Phumo urged students to align their educational choices with market demands and pursue internships and apprenticeships to enhance employability.

As the nation faces the dual challenges of economic stagnation and high unemployment, the call for a renewed focus on skills development resonates deeply.

Phumo’s vision for a South Africa built on a foundation of skilled artisans and professionals presents a pathway to not only combat poverty, but also drives innovation and economic growth. The dialogue served as a vital platform for discussing the importance of skills-based education as South Africa seeks to navigate its current crisis and build a more prosperous future for its citizens

INSIDE EDUCATION

By Johnathan Paoli

The country’s education system must urgently be reshaped to better equip young people for the challenges of the modern economy, according to Higher Education and Training Deputy Minister Buti Manamela.

“The measure of our collective success is preparing young people to participate meaningfully in society,” he told an Inside Education and Sibanye Stillwater skills development dialogue on Thursday.

The event held under the theme “Reimagining Education for a Better Future” was held at the University of Johannesburg. It brought together prominent figures and stakeholders from the education sector.

Manamela underscored the integral role of education and vocational training in the National Development Plan (NDP), stating that quality education was the cornerstone of economic inclusion and employment opportunities.

Highlighting the importance of Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) Colleges, Manamela expressed his personal commitment to these institutions, which he believed could play a pivotal role in addressing the skills gap in the labour market.

“By 2030, we aim for 2.6 million students to benefit from TVET Colleges, engaging in skills training that aligns with the demands of the economy,” he said.

The deputy minister discussed ongoing initiatives, including the rollout of Fourth Industrial Revolution (4IR) Centres of Excellence across 16 TVET Colleges, aimed at providing students with advanced skills relevant to a rapidly evolving job market.

“These centres will serve as crucial platforms for collaboration among various stakeholders, including Sector Education and Training Authorities and TVET institutions,” he told the gathering.

As part of the discussion on embedding skills-based education from the foundational phase, Manamela reflected on the recent basic education lekgotla, where strategies were shared on equipping learners with essential skills for the future.

He acknowledged the need for early exposure to career options.

“Career guidance should begin as early as primary school, fostering awareness of vocational pathways among young learners,” he said.

In recognising the challenges faced by youth who were not in employment, education or training, Manamela urged communities to rally together to reintegrate them into educational and training frameworks.

He emphasised the importance of community-driven initiatives, such as the recently observed Community Education and Training month, which aimed to reconnect young people with educational opportunities.

The dialogue also celebrated the Decade of the Artisan, marking 10 years of collaboration between the Department of Higher Education and Training and the Basic Education Department.

This initiative has expanded access to skills-based training and awareness of artisan careers for young people.

Manamela reiterated the NDP’s vision for improved educational and economic opportunities for youth, saying: “In the 21st Century, young people deserve a chance to thrive amidst both unprecedented opportunities and risks.”

The event served as a call to action for all stakeholders in the education sector to work together towards a future where quality education was accessible to all, ultimately paving the way for a more inclusive and productive society.

INSIDE EDUCATION

By Johnathan Paoli

Higher Education and Training Deputy Minister Buti Manamela will deliver the keynote address at an upcoming skills development dialogue hosted by Inside Education, in collaboration with Sibanye Stillwater and the University of Johannesburg (UJ).

The event, themed “Reimagining Education for a Better Future”, aims to explore the integration of skills-based learning within the country’s education system.

Scheduled for Thursday, the dialogue will examine how skills-focused education can be introduced early in the learning journey, starting from Early Childhood Development and foundational phases.

This initiative is crucial as the country grapples with high unemployment rates, particularly among the youth.

The Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) sector has emerged as a key player in addressing this issue, providing pathways to employment and economic stability.

Manamela said that by embedding skills-based learning into the education framework from an early age, the country could equip its students for the demands of the job market and unlock socioeconomic opportunities.

He emphasised the importance of collaboration among various educational stakeholders to foster a system that prioritised practical skills and competencies.

The dialogue will feature three expert panels comprising curriculum developers, ECD specialists, education policymakers and representatives from TVET institutions.

Together, these experts will engage in discussions aimed at formulating actionable strategies to enhance skills education in South Africa.

In addition to Manamela, the event will also be attended by Basic Education Deputy Minister Reginah Mhaule, Gauteng Premier Panyaza Lesufi, and UJ Vice-Chancellor Letlhokwa Mpedi.

INSIDE EDUCATION

By Johnathan Paoli

The KwaZulu-Natal education department has declared its preparedness for the upcoming 2024 National Senior Certificate (NSC) exams, with MEC Sipho Hlomuka outlining extensive work that has been done to ensure there are no issues.

He told reporters on Wednesday that this year’s examinations would see a total of 172,433 full-time candidates and 18,019 part-time candidates participating across the province.

The MEC outlined the scale of the logistics, noting that KwaZulu-Natal has the largest examination system in the country.

With 6343 invigilators overseeing sessions in 6710 examination rooms, the province is implementing a meticulously organised distribution plan for exam materials, utilisng 13 nodal points and 103 distribution centres.

A staggering 120 question papers will be printed, amounting to 30 million copies.

Reflecting on the success of the previous year, Hlomuka expressed pride in KwaZulu-Natal’s achievement as the second-best performing province in the country during the Class of 2023 results.

The department has set ambitious targets for 2024, aiming for a pass rate of at least a minimum of 90%.

It was 84.4% last year.

Hlomuka emphasised the importance of maintaining high education standards.

“As a province, we always say that our aim and target is to pass all candidates who sit for the final exam…,” he said.

To support this goal, the department introduced the 2024 Academic Improvement Plan at the start of the year.

Each of the 12 districts has developed localised plans to enhance student performance, particularly focusing on schools that previously scored below 40%.

The MEC highlighted various initiatives undertaken to prepare learners, including the Winter Classes Programme held in July, which provided nearly 99,000 pupils with additional tuition.

Upcoming weekend sessions aim to further support matriculants in their final preparations.

“Marking of the examinations will begin on December 1 and conclude on December 10,” Hlomuka said.

He outlined the logistical efforts involved, which included 32 marking centres and thousands of markers and support staff.

Results will be released in January next year.

Hlomuka also announced plans for a pledge signing ceremony on 18 October, where candidates would commit to upholding the integrity of the examination process.

This initiative is part of a broader effort arosss the country to ensure credibility and transparency during the examination period.

The MEC also expressed his gratitude to educators, organised labour and all stakeholders involved in the process for their unwavering commitment to student success, and urged parents and the community to rally behind the Class of 2024,

Meanwhile, the Democratic Alliance in the province has called for caution in light of the optimism expressed by the MEC.

DA education spokesperson Sakhile Mngadi said that while his party’s state of readiness tour expressed certain hopes, oversight inspections at the Ilembe schools have revealed little to no change at the district’s worst-performing school in 2023.

He said this was due to little assistance by the provincial department to date and having had no permanent principal since July.

He said his party will escalate its findings at Sabuyaze Secondary School to Hlomuka and his department as a matter of urgency in a bid to assist wherever possible ahead of the NSC exams.

INSIDE EDUCATION

By Johnathan Paoli

One of Basic Education Minister Siviwe Gwarube’s priorities is eradicating pit toilets in schools, which continue to be a hazard and claim the lives of pupils

Gwarube told the National Council of Provinces (NCOP) that around 4000 pit toilets have been identified nationally, with just over 200 remaining as of now.

She emphasised the government’s commitment to clearing this backlog by March 2025, and reiterated that no child should be subjected to unsafe sanitation conditions.

“Eradicating pit toilets is one of my top priorities. We have completed 527 projects aimed at replacing inappropriate toilets, with another 581 projects are in progress,” Gwarube said.

The minister acknowledged that while new toilets had been built, some remained unsealed, posing ongoing safety risks.

She was speaking during the NCOP’s social cluster question and answer session on Tuesday.

On budget cuts in basic education, Gwarube pointed to the broader economic context, which included substantial debt servicing and a history of corruption draining resources.

She made it clear that while education remained a critical area of focus, the constraints on funding were severe.

“Each province has immense power over how they allocate their budgets. We can recommend, but the final decisions rest with them,” she explained.

Gwarube reassured the NCOP that no teachers would be retrenched despite the ongoing budget cuts, but acknowledged that provinces might opt not to fill certain posts.

The minister also addressed concerns regarding underperforming infrastructure projects and the role of implementing agents, expressing frustration over repeat offenders who failed to meet contractual obligations.

“We are adopting a zero-tolerance approach to shoddy work,” she asserted, indicating plans to blacklist non-compliant providers.

Gwarube confirmed that an independent audit of school sanitation facilities would be undertaken to ensure transparency and accountability.

The government aims to create a real-time data system to monitor progress effectively.

Looking ahead, Gwarube expressed a strong commitment to collaboration with provincial education departments, stressing that while she could not instruct provinces, she was actively working to facilitate improved outcomes.

“It’s essential that provinces use their allocated funds effectively, particularly for infrastructure development,” she noted.

As the minister concluded her address, she reaffirmed her dedication to improving the educational landscape in the country, underscoring that the challenges faced were dynamic and required ongoing vigilance and adaptability.

The session highlighted the urgent need for reform and a commitment from the department to address both infrastructural and systemic challenges, ensuring that the rights of every learner to safe and dignified education were upheld.

INSIDE EDUCATION

By Johannah Malogadihlare

The community of Naledi in Soweto is utterly devastated following the deaths of four children who are suspected to have died from food poisoning.

Gauteng education MEC Matome Chiloane confirmed that three children were from Karabo Primary School and one from Khauhelo Primary School.

“According to information at our disposal, a Grade 1 boy, a Grade 2 girl and a Grade 3 boy from Karabo Primary School sadly passed away on Sunday…. While a Grade 1 boy learner from the school remained in ICU at a local medical facility,” Chiloane in a statement.

A grade 2 boy from Khauhelo died on the same day after allegedly consuming snacks purchased from a spaza shop in Naledi.

It is believed that they ate chips.

Police are still investigating the matter, and the department has provided counselling to the learners, educators and family members affected by the incident. Gauteng Premier Panyaza Lesufi is expected to visit the families of children on Tuesday.

INSIDE EDUCATION