Staff Reporter

With unpredictable electricity, rainfall and municipal water supply, South African farmers may need faith like potatoes to manage crop irrigation. 

But, scientific suggestions from their smartphones to prevent under or over-watering would also help.

University of Pretoria researchers say that data from satellite imagery and local weather stations have been “calibrated” for the first time in South Africa to inform irrigation strategies on potato farms in the western Free State. The data will be available as an app showing simple indicators of how much irrigation is needed on a particular day.

Once the technology is fully available to potato growers, it will be fairly easy to adapt it to other crops like maize and onions and for other farming regions. 

“Farmers will be benefiting directly, and also the researchers and agronomists supporting the growers,” says Alex Mukiibi, a PhD candidate at UP’s Department of Plant and Soil Sciences.

While using remote sensing (satellite images) and weather data for more precise irrigation is not new, says Mukiibi, the technology had not been properly adapted for local soil conditions, local potato varieties and local weather patterns until now. 

He explains that remote sensing data must be validated for any unique set of conditions, meaning that it must be checked against true measurements taken on the ground, so that farmers can trust it.

For the scientifically-minded, Mukiibi describes the technical details of this work in the journal Remote Sensing, alongside his supervisor at UP, Prof Martin Steyn, and Prof Angelinus Franke of the University of the Free State.

But for the rest of the country’s potato lovers, this advance means farmers will save on power and water costs, improving sustainability and ensuring that we can enjoy our chips and mash reasonably.

“If we go out for dinner, the team has to eat chips; they cannot choose any other starch,” jokes Steyn. 

“I’ve been working in crop irrigation management and on potatoes for my whole life,” says Steyn. Potatoes are a drought-sensitive crop, and they are expensive to grow, so the risk is very high. We see the negative effects of water, pumping, and load shedding costs on farmers.”

Steyn says that in the 1970s and 1980s, only about 50% of potato growers irrigated their crops, whereas now it is closer to 85%.

However, most farmers are still not using the many tools and technologies already available to enable “smart farming” because they are expensive, difficult for non-experts to use, or unavailable in a single app.

Recognising this gap, researchers like Steyn, Mukiibi, and others are working with the industry to deliver remote sensing-based crop water-use data to farmers’ smart devices simply and quickly.

Potatoes SA funded this first “ground truthing” calibration step. Mukiibi and his technical assistants, Nozi Radebe and Stéfan Steenekamp, collected soil and crop data directly on the ground at specific farms in the western Free State. 

INSIDE EDUCATION

Inside Education Reporter

During the recent three-day Lekgotla deliberations, Minister Angie Motshekga called the gathering the “village where robust discussions brainstorm the education sector factors impacting the holistic development, teaching and learning of the African child”.

The opening session, a Plenary, featured four presentations that set the scene for the proceedings.

Sophia Ndemutila Ashipala, Head of Education Division: African Union (AU), spoke about Building Resilient Education Systems for Increased Access to Inclusive, Lifelong, Quality, and Relevant Learning in Africa for the 21st Century, unpacking the African Union theme launched during the AU Summit. 

The African Union has designated 2024 as The Year of Education in Africa under the theme Educate an African Fit for the 21st Century: Building Resilient Education Systems for increased access to inclusive, lifelong, quality, and relevant learning in Africa.

This theme was unpacked with the Lekgotla theme for a holistic continental and global approach to the Education Sector and South Africa’s unique challenges.

Prof Heila-Lotz Sisitka, Director: Environmental Learning Research Centre, Rhodes University, South Africa presented on the Mainstreaming Education for Sustainable Development into Education (towards ESD 2030). 

She summarised the mainstreaming of ESD in ten points. These are: Empathy and Care; Visionary leadership, good policy and strategy; a Systems approach to mainstreaming all parts of the whole; Intersectoral and inter-agency collaboration and shared ownership; Working collaboratively; Maximising existing programmes, partnerships and resources; Training and co-learning support at all levels; Inclusivity; Sharing of knowledge; and Monitoring, Evaluation and Reporting to Learn together (MERL).

Sizwe Nxasana, Chairperson: NECT Council, spoke about Education for Economic Reconstruction and Recovery: Approach, Process and Content. He highlighted Language, Mathematics and the role of technology in his presentation and reflected on education achievements during the past few years including the NSNP, the shift of ECD, the Three Stream Curriculum Model and Coding and Robotics, “but the journey is far from complete whilst inequality persists,” he said, adding that, Language plays a crucial role in developing crucial content and skills.

Prof Martin Gustafsson, Researcher at the DBE, spoke about Recent South African Trends and what they mean for the future. “Skills for the 21st Century are not only about Mathematics and Science, but this is inevitably an important part.

“The Continental Education Strategy for Africa (CESA) states that the relevance of secondary education remains a concern as it relates to employability, technical and vocational training and articulation with tertiary education.

“Mathematics and Science at this level are critical to developing a well-equipped human capital capable of competing in an increasingly Science and Technology-driven world, as well as the foundation for knowledge-based economies”.

Prof Gustafsson presented SA trends on participation in mathematics, science, practical subjects, urban versus rural data, and gender participation and performance. “We need this reliable data for planning purposes and redirect knowledge and skills for a changing world,” he said.

Day two started with a short presentation on Values in Education compiled by Professor John Volmink, Former Chair of the Umalusi Council. This was followed by four presentations on Digital Transformation in Education. 

The second session for the day started with a discussion on Artificial Intelligence followed by two input presentations on Artificial Intelligence and Digital Learning. 

The third session for the morning featured two presentations on Skilling the Education Workforce and improving teacher quality. Session 3 also included three presentations on the sub-theme: Utilizing Digital learning to contribute to Teacher Development. A panel discussion on Entrepreneurship Education followed this.

The DBE also launched the Spotlight Report on Basic Education Completion and Foundational Learning, providing evidence-based insights and analysis of foundational learning in South Africa, during the Lekgotla.

The report calls for urgent action to increase access for all children and boost primary pupils’ reading, writing and mathematics skills.

This is one of four country reports produced in partnership with UNESCO’s Global Education Monitoring (GEM) Report, the Association for the Development of Education in Africa (ADEA) and the African Union as part of the Spotlight report series on African foundational learning.

The Report offers a diagnosis of the current state of South Africa’s foundational education, focusing on the curriculum and presenting concrete actions to improve basic skills, teacher support mechanisms and learning assessments.

INSIDE EDUCATION

Inside Education

Distance learning students affected by the deregistration of Educor Colleges will receive support from Oxbridge Academy, the distance learning division of JSE-listed ADvTECH.

This follows the pledge of support by The Independent Institute of Education, ADvTECH’s higher education division.

Siyavuya Makubalo, Marketing Manager of Oxbridge Academy, says ADvTECH’s support for distance learners will be a welcome relief to affected students and will ensure that no student is left behind.

“We are committed to helping students continue their distance studies successfully and without interruption,” she says.

As a distance learning college, students can continue with their studies without delay, and would only need to submit their statements of results.

Makubalo says Oxbridge Academy has initiated a centralised process to ensure students are quickly and correctly advised. 

“We enrol students throughout the year, so affected students can continue their studies without delay, and without having to wait for the second semester.”

Affected students who would like to enquire about their options of transferring to Oxbridge Academy can email info@oxbridgeacademy.edu.za or WhatsApp 066 376 376 for assistance.

Oxbridge Academy will assist students with queries regarding similar qualifications and the process for applying for academic credits.

Support for students will be assessed at an individual level, given the variables at play. In general, the process ahead will be as follows:

Oxbridge Academy offers various courses from matric to National Qualifications and National N Diplomas. Through its dedicated and experienced student advisors, Oxbridge Academy will guide students through the necessary steps to ensure they are fully informed. 

Students need to send through their statement of results, which will allow Oxbridge Academy to conduct an academic credit mapping exercise for each student. This will entail assessing the overlap between modules the student has passed on the scholarly record.

Fee credits will be granted for module credits, i.e. the total programme fee will be reduced by the cost of the module/s. Students will only pay for their modules or qualifications with Oxbridge Academy.

“Our focus as Oxbridge Academy is to support former Educor students in successfully obtaining their qualifications without interrupting their study period,” says Makubalo.

INSIDE EDUCATION

Sports Correspondent

Four softball representatives from the University of Fort Hare played starring roles in the USSA national women’s team’s fortunes at the senior National Provincial Championships (NPCs), where they placed third last week.

Assistant coach Nolwazi Mabindisa, strength and conditioning mentor Silindile Mdleleni and players Zizipho Lingela and Sinenjongo Yolwa did their university proud as the team swung and pitched their way into the semifinals in Polokwane.

The University Sports South Africa team then saw off Limpopo in the playoff for third and fourth to claim bronze.

The week proved especially memorable for Mabindisa, who served as team manager last year. While she has won a championship silver as a player, it is the first medal she has brought home as a coach.

Third base shortstop Lingela made her third appearance for the national side but was sadly unable to play every game after suffering an injury midway through the competition.

Yolwa, meanwhile, started as a catcher in the semifinal in only her second outing for the students.

The USSA outfit arrived in Limpopo on Sunday last week and spent three days training for the championship, which kicked off on Wednesday.

They won three of their six round-robin matches to reach the playoff stage. One of these victories was an 11-1 thrashing of Western Province, a powerhouse of South African softball.

Ironically, the women from the Western Cape defeated KwaZulu-Natal in the group stages before the latter went on to oust the USSA team in their semi.

Since the national team trounced the team that defeated the eventual silver medallists, Mabindisa believed her charges had a real chance of reaching the final.

“We lost 3-10 to KZN. It was a very painful loss,” she said. “I suppose nerves kicked in.”

Gauteng eventually won the women’s division, making it two championship victories.

While disappointed that the USSA side could not go all the way, Mabindisa was pleased with their performance given they had gone toe-to-toe with some of the best provincial teams in the land.

Save for a few changes, the same squad will take on Africa’s best universities in the CUCSA (Confederation of Universities and Colleges Sports Association) Games in Pretoria later this year.

From what she had seen in Polokwane, they would be a strong contender for the title.

Mabindisa said that the four UFH representatives’ involvement at the national student level was a sign that softball at the university was on the upswing.

Fort Hare also had five representatives on the provincial side who did battle with the NPCs.

She said having so many coaches and players competing at this level would only strengthen UFH softball.

“To get these types of accolades, it shows we are doing something right.”

Because the championships were held earlier this year, local leagues will now only start in August – an unfortunate scenario for Fort Hare students not playing at the national and provincial levels.

However, Mabindisa is planning to arrange a series of intervarsity games and friendlies to keep her players fresh.

INSIDE EDUCATION 

Lerato Mbhiza

Gauteng Education MEC Matome Chiloane said he was devastated by an incident that occurred on Sunday, where a Grade 11 girl learner from Chipa-Tabane Secondary School in Refilwe, Cullinan east of Pretoria, was allegedly raped and murdered.

According to the Gauteng Department of Education (GDE) spokesperson Steve Mabona the learner was attending extra classes on Friday, 22 March 2024, and Saturday, 23 March 2024.

“It is reported that the learner allegedly left the house on Sunday, 24 March 2024, at around 18:00 PM and did not return. Her mother then filed a missing person’s report with the police that same night,” he said.

“Upon receiving information that the learner was last seen with her cousin, her family then went to the cousin’s house on Monday, 25 March 2024 to ascertain further details regarding her whereabouts.

“They then found the learner’s lifeless body in a room inside the cousin’s house. Police were contacted and arrived at the scene to commence with their investigations”.

The learner was allegedly sexually assaulted before being strangled to death.

The suspect handed himself over to police on Monday night and is set to appear in the Bronkhorstspruit Magistrate’s Court on Wednesday, 27 March 2024.

“We are deeply devastated by the passing of our dear learner, especially through such gruesome circumstances. We solemnly sympathise with her beloved family, extending our most sincere condolences to them and the school community at large,” he said .

INSIDE EDUCATION

Johnathan Paoli

THE Minister of Higher Education, Science and Innovation Blade Nzimande has called upon the institutions under the Educor group to find alternative places of learning for its students in order to complete their studies.

Minister Nzimande gave a media briefing on Tuesday in Pretoria on the deregistration of Educor colleges, namely City Varsity, Damelin, Lyceum and Icesa City Campus.

This follows the department’s cancellation of registrations for these institutions, due to their failure to submit annual financial certificates and tax clearance certificates for the 2021/2022 financial years.

The Minister said his department is willing to offer assistance in finding replacement for the many students left behind in the wake of the announcement.

“It is incumbent upon Educor and its institutions to find alternative institutions for the students to complete their studies either public or private. And by the way, we are a very generous department. We are also willing to assist on that score in the identification of relevant institutions where students will be able to complete their studies,” Nzimande said.

Nzimande said for years, the national department has been inundated by students at Educor campuses complaining about the poor quality of teaching and learning; lack of proper administrative support; poorly qualified staff; corruption and bribery; lack of response for requests for refunds; lack of professionalism; exploitation of poor students; non-payment of staff salaries and underpayment of staff salaries.

The Educor institutions were, therefore, being unreasonable in seeking further extensions, he said.

“They think I must be among the kindest of ministers to keep on granting extension after extension, where they know that they are supposed to comply in terms of the law,” he said.

Furthermore, Nzimande said after “serious issues” were brought to his attention, the Higher Education Quality Committee previously withdrew the accreditation of some programmes for City Varsity, Damelin and Lyceum College.

“Another matter is misrepresentation of student numbers. Educor claims to have 50,000 learners in the system – so they claim. This information is incorrect,” said Nzimande.

The Minister said according to the 2022 annual reports, student enrollment with City Varsity was 540, Damelin had 4012 students, Icesa City campus with 145, and Lyceum College with 8399, for a total of 13096 students under the Educor group.

The Minister reminded the group of its obligations under Regulation 17 which stated that the institutions had to inform its students within two weeks of the deregistration, issue to each enrolled student a copy of his or her academic transcript as contemplated in the regulations, reimburse or compensate any enrolled student who has a lawful claim, make adequate arrangements for affected students to complete their programmes at a comparable public or private institution, cease operating before or at the end of the academic year, and ensure that no new students are enrolled after the date specified by the Registrar.

In conclusion, Nzimande said that there is not much information available about the current leadership structure at Educor and there is no credible evidence to suggest that the management of Educor is working to improve or correct some of the serious governance and compliance failures.

“What we are seeing, instead, are students and staff being left stranded and we wish to urge the affected staff to seek the assistance of the Labor Court and the CCMA,” the Minister said.

INSIDE EDUCATION

Inside Education Reporter

The two-day Free the Children Conference and civil society engagement whose aim is to design a roadmap to support the repatriation of children forcibly removed to Russia at the start of the Ukraine invasion in February 2022  – was held in South Africa recently.

Among the delegates was former Ukrainian President Viktor Yushchenko, 

Ukrainian Ambassador Extraordinary HE Ms Liubov Abravitova, Professor Cheryl            Hendricks – former Executive Head of the African Institute of South Africa in the Human Sciences Research Council, Professor William Gumede – Associate  Professor, School of Governance at Wits University and Executive Chairperson of Democracy Works Foundation. 

Moderator and In Transformation Initiative member Daniel Ngoepe pointed out that South Africa has a history of the struggle for human rights and has a lot in common with Ukraine and its fight for its existence and, more especially, the freedom of the more than 19,000 children abducted from Russian-controlled territories including Ukraine.

Ngoepe said there was no greater crime against humanity than the abduction of Ukrainian children and the children stolen from the Russian-controlled territories. 

He urged society not to just speak up but to act because children everywhere were becoming victims of crime. “Children in Nigeria, South Sudan and in many war-torn countries are subjected to violence and crime”.

“South Africa has a role to play in campaigns, engagements, and finding practical ways to solve the problem. South Africa can reclaim its credibility as the voice for those who are being oppressed, as we did with Palestine, and apply the same principle to the children of Ukraine.”

Ukrainian Ambassador HE Liubov Abravitova said the 10 years of Russian occupation of Ukraine and the two years of its invasion have unleashed untold horror and violence on the people of her country, with thousands losing their lives and thousands more losing their homes.

“The suffering of the children is difficult to pronounce. But more than 500 children have been killed and hundreds of thousands displaced and removed from their homes. The children are targeted and taken to Russia in what Moscow says are attempts at rehabilitation and ending gangsterism.

“This is nothing but an attempt at re-education and collective brainwashing of Ukrainian children. There are many similarities with South Africa during apartheid when children were targeted at a young age.

“Estimates are that during apartheid 8 000 children under the age of 18 were held in prisons with little protection. So our pain is understandable to South Africans.

“South Africa believes in the rights of children as enshrined in your wonderful Constitution. South Africa’s cooperation with Ukraine can help us get the children back.  Your President Cyril Ramaphosa’s initiative and his peace mission is an example of your support for our plight”.

Professor Cheryl Hendricks in her opening remarks said South Africa will always support those who feel injustices because of its past.

Former Ukrainian President Viktor Yushchenko painted a picture of the horrors of what the Ukranians were being subjected to during what he described as his country’s “12th war” with Russia.

“The first victim is always a child when occupiers come into a country,” he said. 

“Thousands of elderly people are raped and murdered. Please don’t look away. Be on the side of the good. Being neutral in the face of evil is to multiply evil. You have lived through what we lived,” he said while appealing to South Africa to support their cause.

Professor William Gumede assured the Ukranians that South Africa’s civil society wants to give support to their cause and that the Democracy Works Foundation needs to build capacity and support those who fight for democracy in Africa and beyond.

Gumede said the economic costs of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine were huge not only for South Africa but for the continent as a whole and that is the reason why it is important for South Africa to help resolve the conflict.

He said Ukraine is waging a colonial war against Russia “the same way South Africans waged a colonial war against apartheid which gave rise to our democracy.

“Our foreign policy,” therefore, Gumede said, “must also reflect our constitutional democracy”. And “As Africans, if we do nothing, we will provoke a global impunity”.

On the issue of children: “Why are children important? Children and women suffer the most during conflict. It is imperative we support children and women in war-torn countries such as Sudan, Nigeria and in Gaza”.

INSIDE EDUCATION

Staff Reporter

The University of Cape Town (UCT) will honour approximately 4 850 graduates – including 26 PhD degrees – during the ongoing March graduation ceremonies taking place over five days.

UCT will also confer honorary doctorates on four distinguished individuals who have contributed exceptionally to their respective fields: Mr Lionel Basil Davis, Ms Shirley Gunn, Professor Brian John Huntley and Professor Lehlohonolo Burns Banda Jiyane Machobane.

The March 2024 graduation ceremonies began on Saturday, 23 March, and will continue until Thursday, 28 March 2024.

See the full schedule of March graduation ceremonies.

UCT Vice-Chancellor (interim) Emeritus Professor Daya Reddy said: “To all our graduates, I extend my heartfelt congratulations on reaching this significant milestone. Your commitment to academic excellence and personal growth has been exemplary, and your achievements are a testament to your hard work and determination.

“Graduation is a time not only of personal celebration, but also one of reflection on the transformative power of education. Your qualification from UCT is a testament to your intellectual capabilities and will serve as a valuable asset in your professional career. As graduates of a premier university in Africa and the world, you have received a high-quality education that equips you to make meaningful contributions to society.”

The four honorary doctorates will be conferred as follows:

Ms Gunn will be awarded the degree of Doctor of Social Science (DSocSc) (honoris causa) on Monday, 25 March at 14:00.

Professor Huntley will receive the degree of Doctor of Science (honoris causa) on Tuesday, 26 March at 14:00.

Mr Davis will be awarded the degree of Doctor of Social Science (DSocSc) (honoris causa) on Wednesday, 27 March at 10:00.

Professor Machobane will receive the degree of Doctor of Social Science (DSocSc) (honoris causa) on Thursday, 28 March at 10:00.

The ceremonies are live-streamed on the UCT graduation feature page and the university’s social media platforms: Facebook and X. Recordings of the ceremonies will be made available at a later stage on the UCT YouTube channel as well as on the graduation feature page.

INSIDE EDUCATION

Inside Education Correspondent

What are the implications of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in higher education and what does applying such a technology responsibly look like for the African continent?

These are some of the questions that were explored during the recent UP – Meta AI Policy Dialogue that was held at the University of Pretoria’s Javett Art Centre at the Hatfield Campus. The policy dialogue brought together leaders and practitioners from the higher education, government and private sectors who explored the use of AI under the theme: “Responsible AI: Current Realities and Future Possibilities for Africa.”

“One of the things we foster at the University of Pretoria is what we call trans-disciplinary work because the world’s problems are not an engineering problem or a computer science problem or a law problem. They encompass different facets and we try and bring all facets to work on challenges and opportunities,” said Professor Sunil Maharaj, Vice-Principal: Research at UP.

“I hope that through this dialogue we’ll have today, we’ll develop actionable and context-specific recommendations and contribute to the development and governance of AI in South Africa and more broadly, in Africa,” he said.

Prof Maharaj added that the dialogue can also “offer guidance to inform the actions and decisions of AI developers, researchers, funders, and policy makers and of course, how we teach and learn going into the future.”

Deputy Minister of Higher Education, Science and Innovation, Buti Manamela, who delivered the keynote address at the dialogue said: “As a continent, we have immense diversity of potential and are standing on the cusp of a technological renaissance. The possibilities for artificial intelligence in Africa today are vast and diverse.”

Manamela said in order for the continent to fully tap into the potential offered by AI it needs to address challenges such as access to technology, infrastructure, data privacy, security concerns and skills development.

“We have to, probably under the African Union, consolidate our discussions as governments so that we have a clearer African agenda in terms of the use and deployment of artificial intelligence,” Deputy Minister Manamela said.

“AI is not just a buzzword,” he added. “It’s a tool that can be used to leverage some of our most pressing challenges from predictive analysis in healthcare, improving patient outcomes and managing diseases, to AI- driven agricultural technologies that promise higher yields for farmers. 

“We’re also seeing artificial intelligence transform the educational sector by personalising the learning experience and making education accessible to all, regardless of geographical location.”

Dr Chijioke Okorie, the founder and leader of UP’s Data Science Law Lab, emphasised the importance of context-specific solutions when developing AI solutions for the African continent.

“Within the AI policy space for the continent of Africa we know what to do, and what we need to do is focus on our context and our realities and use them to inform how to do AI policy research and how to devise policy implementation strategies,” she said.

Dr Okorie pointed out that even within the continent “there are comparable and similar experiences – but the engagement and impact of those similar experiences differ across the board, and so we must be nuanced and contextual in our approach in dealing with this”.

Sir Nick Clegg, the President of Global Affairs at Meta said events such the policy dialogue are important because being clear about what generative AI does and doesn’t do allows society to marry innovation and responsibility with the right blend.

“Transparency and openness are two foundational principles for us when it comes to innovating responsibly,” he said.

“I think it’s important to remember that this technology, far from disempowering people, will play a really vital role in empowering people. It isn’t realistic to imagine that very soon, every single person in this room will have an online AI assistant equal to the very best executive assistants found in corporate life. The degree of personalised help that can be given to people, I think, should lead to an immense democratisation of power.”

Clegg said the value exchange of AI is immensely beneficial for people.

“It’s not just a one-way street where your data is being sucked into some impenetrable machine and you get nothing out of it. We will all get a lot out of this and we can already see the beneficial applications of the technology in education, health, agriculture and in raising productivity across the economy.”

INSIDE EDUCATION

Sports Writer

The Baby Spar South Africa netball team scored impressive wins over Tanzania and Zambia on Day 1 of the Netball World Youth Cup 2025 Qualifiers Africa, which played at the University of Pretoria’s Rembrandt Hall from 18 – 23 March 2024.

The SA U21 team is eyeing qualification for the Netball Youth World Cup in Gibraltar later this year. The recently announced squad is in the hands of newly-appointed Head Coach Precious Mthembu, together with Phumza Maweni, for the duo’s first assignment on the international stage.

South Africa last played at the Netball World Youth Cup some eight years ago, and this is an opportunity for them to return next September in Gibraltar. The Baby Proteas opened the first match day with an encounter against Tanzania.

The team was playing for the first time together today since they were assembled – the hosts were very quick to send a clear message to their opponents as soon as the whistle went off. The Baby Proteas restricted Tanzania to only scoring seven goals over an entire match while they put 75 past them.

The win for South Africa for the host was a great confidence booster ahead of their second match of the match against Zambia to close off the first day of play, and with many excellent choices on offer, the difficult choice of who would be unveiled as the match’s MVP was decided when Sanmarie Visser was voted Player of the Match.

The second match of the day was a battle between Kenya and Zimbabwe, with both teams seeking to secure their seat at next year’s Netball World Youth Cup. Unlike the first match, this was a bit more competitive, with both teams going at each other, with Zimbabwe coming up tops to win their first match 49 – 39.

Malawi squared off against Namibia in the third match of the day. On the opening day, Malawi was the stronger side, thrashing their Namibian counterparts 43 – 28 for a comfortable win.

After the official opening ceremony of the tournament, attended by government dignitaries at the municipality and provincial levels, the final match of the day saw hosts South Africa take on Zambia in the day’s top-billing fixture. 

Coach Precious made a few changes to her starting seven to allow some players who did not play in the earlier fixture a starting run. The hosting team got out of the starting blocks very quickly to convert their chances as early as possible in the match.

Zambia was only allowed to open their scoring after four minutes—such was the home defence and discipline that kept Zambia at bay. At the end of the first quarter, South Africa had a lead of 23 – 4.

There was no letup in the second quarter. They had extended their lead to 35 to Zambia’s 7, and at the end of the match, it was the Baby Proteas that emerged victorious, winning the game 72 – 9.

SA’s Baby Spar Netball team shine

Sports Writer

The Baby Spar South Africa netball team scored impressive wins over Tanzania and Zambia on Day 1 of the Netball World Youth Cup 2025 Qualifiers Africa, which played at the University of Pretoria’s Rembrandt Hall from 18 – 23 March 2024.

The SA U21 team is eyeing qualification for the Netball Youth World Cup in Gibraltar later this year. The recently announced squad is in the hands of newly-appointed Head Coach Precious Mthembu, together with Phumza Maweni, for the duo’s first assignment on the international stage.

South Africa last played at the Netball World Youth Cup some eight years ago, and this is an opportunity for them to return next September in Gibraltar. The Baby Proteas opened the first match day with an encounter against Tanzania.

The team was playing for the first time together today since they were assembled – the hosts were very quick to send a clear message to their opponents as soon as the whistle went off. The Baby Proteas restricted Tanzania to only scoring seven goals over an entire match while they put 75 past them.

The win for South Africa for the host was a great confidence booster ahead of their second match of the match against Zambia to close off the first day of play, and with many excellent choices on offer, the difficult choice of who would be unveiled as the match’s MVP was decided when Sanmarie Visser was voted Player of the Match.

The second match of the day was a battle between Kenya and Zimbabwe, with both teams seeking to secure their seat at next year’s Netball World Youth Cup. Unlike the first match, this was a bit more competitive, with both teams going at each other, with Zimbabwe coming up tops to win their first match 49 – 39.

Malawi squared off against Namibia in the third match of the day. On the opening day, Malawi was the stronger side, thrashing their Namibian counterparts 43 – 28 for a comfortable win.

After the official opening ceremony of the tournament, attended by government dignitaries at the municipality and provincial levels, the final match of the day saw hosts South Africa take on Zambia in the day’s top-billing fixture.

Coach Precious made a few changes to her starting seven to allow some players who did not play in the earlier fixture a starting run. The hosting team got out of the starting blocks very quickly to convert their chances as early as possible in the match.

Zambia was only allowed to open their scoring after four minutes—such was the home defence and discipline that kept Zambia at bay. At the end of the first quarter, South Africa had a lead of 23 – 4.

There was no letup in the second quarter. They had extended their lead to 35 to Zambia’s 7, and at the end of the match, it was the Baby Proteas that emerged victorious, winning the game 72 – 9.

INSIDE EDUCATION