Staff Reporter

Learners of Kamagugu Primary School in the Mpumalanga Province commemorated Nelson Mandela International Day by taking part in a fun walk. They received prizes for their creative artwork submitted during the 2022/2023 World School Milk Day Recycling Art Challenge. 

The Challenge was introduced to the Basic Education Sector in the previous financial year as part of the World School Milk Day (WSMD) annual celebration. 

The Challenge has assisted the sector in raising awareness of the importance of dairy in children’s development. The 2022/23 Challenge included build-up classroom activities such as the recycling art challenge competition linked to nutrition education in Life Orientation. 

As part of the project, learners were required to produce art using dairy containers. Winning nominees were nominated through the assistance of Provincial Education Departments (PEDs).

Director for the National School Nutrition Programme (NSNP), Neo Sediti, said that the Challenge targeted all primary schools (Quintile 1-5), as well as special schools to ensure inclusivity. 

“Educators selected participating learners and grouped them according to grades to create artistic pieces from recycled dairy packaging materials after lessons about the importance of milk and dairy were presented to them. Entrants competed in three categories: Grades R to 2 for dairy animals (cows, sheep, goats); Grades 3 to 4 for self or landscape portraits (collage and/or mosaic); and Grades 5 to 7 for fashion (outfit and accessories). Approximately 37 nominations were submitted on 14 October 2022, and the DBE subsequently identified Kamagugu Primary School as the overall winner.”

The initiative was a collaboration between the DBE and the Consumer Education Project (CEP) of Milk South Africa, as one of the NSNP partners. 

“The challenge was a response to the global Climate Change and Environmental Health Rights agenda by involving learners in the General Education and Training (GET) band. The 2023 WSMD was celebrated under the theme, “Dairy gives you Go for a healthy me and environment,” Ms Sediti added.

Deputy Minister Mhaule said that the main objective of the NSNP was to promote healthy eating among learners. 

“The meals provided at schools are intended to provide nutrition and energy for mental and physical activities for the body and brain to function optimally, making learners alert and receptive during lessons. This also helps in improving the quality of learning. Whilst learners are provided with nutritious meals, they are also taught to establish and maintain healthy eating and lifestyle habits through Nutrition Education. 

“The frequent promotion of healthy eating is critical in curbing obesity in children. The provision of milk to schools will also assist in promoting balanced diets to learners. Milk is vital in growth and development, immunity, healthy bones, skin and nerves. There are several other benefits from milk than just building strong bones; milk products such as cheese, butter, cottage cheese and flavoured milk are both delicious and healthy. Milk consumption is essential to maintaining good health and is a great source of calcium for all ages. We salute our partners for their continued support in strengthening the NSNP in the sector.”

INSIDE EDUCATION

Staff Reporter

Several universities are set to do battle at an inter-varsity football tournament. 

UJ, TUT, NWU, VUT, UFS, CUT, UFH and UWC will take on each other over seven rounds between July 27 and September 7.

The hottest university football tournament is back, as the 2023 Varsity Football tournament kicks off on July 27. 

Varsity sports fans can look forward to an action-packed competition that entertains and is a stepping stone to greatness for participants.

Since the first tournament in 2013, Varsity Football has grown. 

Lisa Roux, head of Varsity Sports, said the possibilities of playing in the tournament and its impact on the players’ lives have been great.

Varsity Football is described as a place where future football stars are born and where they showcase their skills

“It’s where the field of dreams becomes a reality and where lives are transformed. This season, Varsity Football will again be more than just another tournament. It will be a cultural phenomenon that you can’t afford to miss out on. We’re talking about the vibe, the people, and the endless opportunities that define Varsity Football.”

This year, UJ, TUT, NWU, VUT, UFS, CUT, UFH and UWC will take on each other over seven rounds between July 27 and September 7. 

The semi-finals against the top four teams are scheduled for September 14, while the final will be contested on September 28. 

All matches take place on Thursday evenings, with featured games broadcast on SuperSport.

The 2023 Varsity Football Women’s tournament will occur between August 11 and 19. UFH, UKZN, UP, Wits, UJ, UWC, DUT and TUT are vying for top honours.

TUT beat UJ 2-1 in last year’s men’s final and will undoubtedly be out to claim an unprecedented fourth Varsity Football title. 

The Pretoria-based team were the champions in 2016 and 2018 and also made it to the final in 2015, 2017 and 2019. 

The opening round of the 2023 Varsity Football tournament begins on July 27.

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Staff Reporter

Universities South Africa (USAf) has expressed sadness at the passing of Anshu Padayachee, Chief Executive Officer at Technological Higher Education Network South Africa (THENSA), an associate organisation in higher education. 

Dr Padayachee passed away last Thursday. 

“On behalf of the Board of Directors of USAf, we express our most profound condolences to family, friends and colleagues of this true compatriot,” said Dr Phethiwe Matutu, Chief Executive Officer of USAf. 

She described Dr Padayachee’s passing as a tragic loss for THENSA, the organisation she previously served and South Africa’s higher education sector at large.”

Dr Matutu said that having been at the helm of THENSA from 2016 to date, Dr Padayachee made a significant contribution to the universities of technology and other comprehensive institutions affiliated with it. 

She was central and instrumental to the name change from the South African Technological Network (SATN) to the now THENSA, facilitating the most impactful partnerships and development programmes within that consortium. 

Her contribution to higher education dates back to when she was Deputy Vice-Chancellor: Academic and Research at the Durban University of Technology (DUT) from 1998 to 2003. 

After her time at DUT, she served as CEO of the South Africa–Netherlands Research Programme on Alternatives in Development (SANPAD), a doctoral research preparation programme for candidates in Africa, which evolved from an aid initiative into a model of innovation called SANTRUST. She served in this capacity for 13 years before going on to do consultancy work for another eight years after joining the SATN. 

Dr Padayachee was a selfless human being who saw nothing but good in other people. “She was an astute leader with a clear vision of what she wished to achieve with THENSA,” she said. 

“She was also uniquely generous, going out of her way to create opportunities for people in the sector to thrive. I only met her recently, but I formed a deeply positive impression of her.” 

Dr Matutu said South Africa’s higher education sector had lost a true compatriot, a champion for transformation and redress, and a genuine capacity developer. 

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STAFF REPORTER

Inside Education Foundation, a leading non-profit organization dedicated to youth development and empowerment, is proud to announce the launch of the 2023 100 South African Shining Stars, to coincide with late struggle icon Tata Nelson Mandela.

The Foundation is calling for nominations of exceptional young individuals who epitomises the values of Madiba by making a significant impact in their respective communities.

The annual 100 SA Shining Stars initiative aims to recognize game changers, disruptors, innovators, and high-potential professionals under the age of 35 who are shaping the future of South Africa. By highlighting their achievements and contributions, Inside Education Foundation aims to inspire and empower other young people across the country.

“We believe the youth are the driving force behind positive change in our society,” said Matuma Letsoalo, chairman of the Inside Education Foundation.

Letsoalo added: “Through the South African Shining Stars initiative, we want to celebrate and honour the extraordinary achievements of the young ambassadors, who are making a real difference in their communities. We encourage all South Africans to nominate deserving individuals who exemplify excellence and dedication.”

Nominations are open to achievers from all provinces in South Africa who are actively contributing to community development in various fields, including:

Education

Health

Sport & Recreation

Justice & Law

Arts, Culture, Media and Entertainment

Science & Technology

Business & Entrepreneurship

Environment

Civil Society and Youth Activism

Philanthropy

Politics & Governance

Transport & Tourism

To nominate a deserving candidate or self-nominate, participants are invited to click here and complete the easy and quick nomination process. Nominees must be South African ID holders between the ages of 18 and 35, and their work and vision should have had a tangible impact on their communities and South Africa as a whole.

The nomination period opens on 18 July 2023 and will close on 30 September 2023. A distinguished panel of adjudicators will select the 2023 100 SA Shining Stars finalists.

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Staff Reporter

Nelson Mandela University has launched a multi-year global Giving Campaign, to raise R30 million to support four projects, based on empowerment and social redress.

University Vice-Chancellor Professor Sibongile Muthwa is leading the campaign with the endorsement of the Nelson Mandela Foundation, whose Mandela Month theme for 2023 is “Climate change and food security”.

Prof Muthwa explained that funds raised would go towards projects that address student hunger, bursaries, support a greenhouse project and empower sustainable community food kitchens.

“We are launching this fundraising drive in the build-up to international Mandela Day on 18 July. It is an opportunity to pay tribute to Nelson Mandela, South Africa’s most beloved statesman and global icon, someone who became the world’s moral compass.”

Prof Muthwa said the story of how Mandela, a young man born in a remote rural village, became one of the greatest statesmen of the 20th century was one of overcoming hardship and never losing sight of hope.

“It is a story that inspires generations of young people the world over.

“We are seeking your help to provide opportunities for thousands of young people who, because of their social circumstances, are faced with hardship and adversity.

“Who knows? With your assistance we could be nurturing the next generation of Nelson Mandelas.”

The new campaign is over and above the University’s day-to-day fundraising initiatives, which range from raising funds for postgraduate bursaries, to capital projects such as new buildings and laboratory equipment.

Globally, student numbers at universities have significantly increased. This has also been the case in South Africa.

However, government subsidies to universities in South Africa have been declining in real terms, made worse by, among other factors, rising inflation and the effects of COVID-19.

“This is why all universities need to raise third stream income. It helps to maintain high quality education, as well as broaden the net to accommodate academically deserving students who cannot fund their studies,” said Prof Muthwa.

She appealed to all stakeholders to donate any amount to the campaign, “as every cent counts”.

The campaign will benefit four projects aimed at helping students and the broader community: deal with financial exclusion challenges, student hunger, provision of community kitchens and a greenhouse project tackling unemployment by supporting a group of technical and vocational education and training college graduates with a greenhouse and community food systems project, using environmentally sustainable technologies.

INSIDE EDUCATION

LaMia Ruby

On Mandela Day, 18 July, South Africans are encouraged to give up 67 minutes of their time to help others.

But due to the many problems South Africans face and the ever-increasing unemployment rate, more than 67 minutes is needed to address these issues.

Mandela’s vision was for a just and fair society where every citizen had equal rights and opportunities. When addressing these issues, we should focus on meaningful and sustainable efforts.

Unemployment represents a significant challenge that South Africa faces today. It occurs when individuals actively seeking employment need more opportunities to secure jobs.

Unfortunately, a significant portion of our country’s unemployed population comprises young people aged 15 to 24. As Mandela Day approaches, we must come together to address this pressing issue and empower our youth.

Statistics reveal that a staggering 10 million young South Africans are currently unemployed. This number emphasises the urgent need for action. Unemployment, if addressed, can lead to a host of negative consequences.

One of the key factors contributing to unemployment is the legacy of apartheid, which has resulted in the uneven distribution of job opportunities across the country. To combat this, we must focus on creating new avenues for employment.

Embracing renewable energy sources could help address the adverse effects of load shedding and create employment opportunities for the youth.

Equipping young people with the knowledge, skills, and resources necessary for farming allows them to generate income while fostering self-sufficiency.

Skills shortages are another critical aspect that needs to be addressed.

The government should allocate a substantial portion of funds towards providing unemployed youth with the necessary materials, tools, knowledge, and skills required in sectors experiencing skill gaps.

By bridging these gaps, we create a more inclusive workforce that can meet the demands of various industries.

On Mandela Day, we must unite to empower our youth and create sustainable job opportunities.

Let us honour Nelson Mandela’s legacy by working towards a South Africa where unemployment is a thing of the past and every citizen has the opportunity to thrive and contribute to our nation’s success.

INSIDE EDUCATION

Edwin Naidu

‘South Africa talks a great deal but lacks a great deal of implementation capacity.’

This was the opinion of Professor Tshilidzi Marwala, Rector of the United Nations University and Under-Secretary-General of the United Nations, during a policy debate around unemployment held at the University of Pretoria’s (UP) Future Africa Institute in Hatfield, Pretoria.

The debate, themed ‘Rethinking traditional approaches to tackling unemployment in South Africa: Exploring feasible, well-designed grant-based approaches for the unemployed to complement active labour-market policies’, was hosted by Southern Africa – Towards Inclusive Economic Development (SA-TIED) programme and independent research forum Econ3x3.

SA-TIED is a programme that looks at ways to support policy-making for inclusive growth and economic transformation in the southern Africa region through original research in collaboration with the United Nations University World Institute for Development Economics Research (UNU-WIDER), South Africa’s National Treasury, the International Food Policy Research Institute, and other governmental and research organisations in the region.

Econ3x3 is an independent forum for critical public debate on unemployment and employment, income distribution, and inclusive growth in South Africa, and it publishes accessible research-based contributions and expert commentaries.

The debate at UP encouraged an analysis of the success of grant-based approaches to tackling unemployment in other developing countries.

Participants suggested that South Africa could learn from other countries by assessing the relationships between grants and active labour market policies and how, collectively, these can boost employment.

“Many of the things I heard during this debate are quite important, and they are worth repeating, but I have to add that this is not the first time I am hearing these sentiments,” said Prof Marwala, who is also a UP alumnus and the former Vice-Chancellor and Principal of the University of Johannesburg.

We are starting not from point zero but from negative.

“My message to South Africa and South Africans is that it is time to implement. We do talk quite a great deal about implementation capacity. We need to start doing things. And I am reminded of what the first Prime Minister of Ghana, Kwame Nkrumah, once said: ‘Like never before, we need thinkers of great thoughts; like never before, we need doers of great deeds.’ It is time for us to start doing.”

He said South Africa’s struggles with implementation stem from a pressing shortage of technical capacity, which can be easily seen in the inadequate skill sets among the country’s political groupings.

“Go and look at some of the layers of our government. Go to local governments. I come from Limpopo province in Thohoyandou, and we can see that we need engineers to be able to run that municipality,” Prof Marwala said.

“Where will we get them because we do not train enough technically skilled people in South Africa? They do not want to go and live in rural areas, and we need to change that mindset. But we also need to expand our training process.”

“Secondly, organisational and managerial skills are something that we need to develop actively, but we need to start at a young age. The idea that somebody can suddenly start knowing what needs to be done when they have just graduated from university is false.

“Education starts in our homes at the earliest of ages, and we need to be actively involved in making sure that we have a cohort of cadres who are equal to the task when it comes to confronting the problems that we are facing as a society.”

Discussing timelines for when South Africa should implement solutions, Prof Marwala said: “We obviously ought to have known in the past. Today is too late. It needs to have been done in the past. When should we start? We should start now. And we should know that we are beginning not from point zero but from negative. We have lost time. We have lost ground. This is urgent. Our people want jobs. Our people want prosperity. We need to have good roads. We need to once and for all replace informal settlements with decent living areas for our people. We need to fix our education and health systems.

INSIDE EDUCATION

Staff Reporter

Schools throughout the country face a variety of challenges when it comes to ensuring the efficient functioning of the Representative Council of Learners (RCLs).

But these young minds, who have a critical governance role under the South African Schools Act (SASA), a Representative Council of Learners (RCL) promotes quality learning and teaching in schools as the elected representative structure.

In terms of the Act, they can allow learners to voice their concerns and formulate strategies that respond to various challenges faced at schools.

Minister of Basic Education, Mrs Angie Motshekga, together with Deputy Minister Dr Reginah Mhaule, last month addressed the 2023 National RCL Conference under the theme, “Advancing learner participation and Functionality of Learner Leaders in South African Schools.”

The Conference was hosted to strengthen the functioning of RCLs in provinces while seeking to create a platform where the Department and stakeholders can engage in progressive ways to improve RCLs to highlight the challenges schools face in ensuring the efficient function of RCLs.

Minister Motshekga said it made her proud to witness the enthusiasm and dedication of young minds shaping the future of the educational landscape.

“Your mission as the youth of 2023 is to use the words of wise African statesman Thomas Sankara: “We must dare to invent the future”.

The Minister further stated that the youth have the potential to drive positive change, overcome societal challenges and build a more inclusive and prosperous South Africa.
Minister Motshekga concluded her ad- dress by highlighting the importance of learner leadership towards positive discipline in schools and the power of reading.

She said this platform acknowledges the potential of learner leadership in schools, nurtures the passion for reading, and explores the significant role that learner leadership plays in maintaining discipline within our educational institutions.

Deputy Minister Mhaule also touched on the importance of being a true leader. “Being a leader begins at this very moment; I urge you to go out there and make it a mission to make a difference in our country and to transform society for the better. Positive action will make you a true and selfless leader who puts the needs of others first.”

The Conference drew inputs from various representatives, including the Agape Youth Movement (AYM), Ubuntu Youth Leadership (UYL), the National Education Collaboration Trust (NECT), the Ngangezwe Foundation and the University of South Africa (UNISA).

The selected RCLs engaged in robust discussions whilst applauding the DBE for their inclusion in the mission towards shaping a brighter future for the next generations.

INSIDE EDUCATION

Edwin Naidu

The South African Cabinet has urged all fellow South Africans to rally behind our team Proteas – as they battle it out in the 2023 Netball World Cup, the first of its kind to be hosted in the African Continent.

The Netball World Cup 2023 (NWC2023) in Cape Town, South Africa, will run from 28 July to 6 August and will be the first to take place on the continent with 16 teams battling it out across the ten days, in the hope they will be crowned champions in netball’s most prestigious event. The Road To Cape Town began in March 2019, when Netball South Africa was announced as the host for the staging of the 16th Netball World Cup.

Since then, many key milestones have been achieved in the build-up to the World Class Event, including all five Netball World Cup 2023 Qualifiers. As the tournament nears, the Vitality Netball World Cup (VNWC2023), the official Trophy Tour, ended last month.

Having travelled across the country over June, the famed trophy crossed from the Eastern to Western Cape provinces of South Africa – the Western Cape being its final destination before being handed to the VNWC2023 champions when they were crowned on 6 August.

Even more significant was that the handover took place at the Tsitsikamma Khoisan Village – so honouring the indigenous inhabitants of South Africa.

The Khoikhoi and San are believed to be among the oldest cultures in the world. Apart from its pristine beaches, the Tsitsikamma is well-known for its enticing tourist attractions, including one of the highest bungee, jumps in the world at the majestic Bloukrans Bridge
and the Tsitsikamma Canopy Tours through Outeniqua Yellowwood trees that are up to 700 years old.

After a special celebration in Kareedouw with dignitaries, cultural groups and performances by local entertainers, the NWC trophy was taken to the Tsitsikamma Khoisan Village, where Eastern Cape MEC for Sport, Recreation, Arts and Culture Nonceba Kontsiwe officially completed the handover to Anroux Marais, the Western Cape Minister of Cultural Affairs and Sport.

“The Western Cape Government is pleased and honoured to receive this trophy and to embark on a tour across our province to get all communities excited for the Netball World Cup,” said Marais. “Cape Town is ready and looking forward to hosting the
Netball World Cup for the very first time on African soil.

“Although all the matches are being played in Cape Town itself, we want to include the whole province in the build-up and actual tournament, and so we are delighted that various municipalities have partnered with us to host fan zones and viewing centres.

“These will ensure that people across the province can watch the live matches for free at a venue close to their homes. “During this trophy tour, we will also encourage people to watch the matches at these venues so that we can make sure that no one is left out in supporting our home team,” added Marais.

In a statement, members of the Cabinet headed by President Cyril Ramaphosa called on ‘everyone in the country to support our girls as they strive to make history by winning gold on the African Continent’.

“In the next few days, the eyes of the sporting world will turn to Cape Town, in South Africa, for the start of the 2023 Netball World Cup from 28 July to 6 August. This is the first time this prestigious global showpiece is being held on the African continent.”

Earlier, the Cabinet urged South Africans to get into the spirit of the 2023 Netball World Cup tournament, where 16 nations will be participating, including our own Proteas. South Africans are urged to fly the flag and the Protea colours on Fridays each week, and
communities in Cape Town and elsewhere are encouraged to prepare to host international players and guests who are likely to visit all parts of the country.

“South Africa works diligently and innovatively to attract such global events which place a spotlight on the country and create economic opportunities and support jobs in a range of sectors,” Cabinet said in a statement.

Defending champions New Zealand may come to Cape Town as favourites, but their coach Noeline Taurua reckons the trophy currently belongs to every team.

“We don’t believe that we have ownership of that cup,” said Taurua. “The cup now belongs to everybody so that every game will be tough. That mentality to win every game is paramount, so it’s not a guarantee at all.”

New Zealand claimed the trophy for a fifth time when they beat Australia by just one goal in the final four years ago in Liverpool. Six of the players from that squad will compete in this year’s tournament. Having since had to settle for bronze at the Birmingham 2022
Commonwealth Games after being beaten by Jamaica in the semi-final, the Silver Ferns are aware that repeating their heroics of four years ago will come with its challenges.

“I think there is pressure that goes along with whether you’re defending or not. Our messaging that we’d like to put across is that we are out there to win like everybody else,” explained Taurua, who has coached the Silver Ferns since 2018. “I think Australia are number one

because they are the best, and you can’t deny the consistency of their ability to perform under intense pressure. “I think another thing that we have to be mindful of is that everybody has the opportunity to put out a good performance every time [they are] out on
court; you can’t negate anybody. Home support for the Proteas would also put them in with a shout! Let’s rally behind the Netball South Africa team.

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