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Safeguarding the future of those who teach
While one may no longer remember the name of the classroom teacher’s pet, chances are that one will never forget the name of that special teacher who changed the course of one’s life.
While we grow up to leave our school tomfooleries behind, teachers continue to leave an indelible mark in the lives of pupils.
“Passionate teachers often inspire and motivate their students. Passion for the subject matter and a genuine interest in the well-being of students can greatly impact the effectiveness of teaching,” said acting Chief Director of Education Human Resource Development at the Department of Basic Education, Lala Maje.
While teachers work hard to shape learners into the adults of tomorrow, who is helping newly qualified teachers to transition into the classroom environment?
This is where the Department of Basic Education’s (DBE) New Teacher Induction Programme (NTIP) comes in.
The programme is intended to support new teachers who are placed in schools within their first two years of permanent employment.
“NTIP is a programme that introduces the new teacher to the teaching profession, to the resources available, to the support that the DBE and all stakeholders avail to the teachers,” said Maje.
Teachers have to register on the learning management system for the programme. The one-year programme comprises seven modules that are linked to the Professional Teaching Standards.
The Professional Teaching Standards and the Ethical Teaching Standards forms the basis of teaching being a profession and that is managed and guided by the South African Council of Educators (SACE).
A teacher must register with SACE before they can practice in schools.
The programme also supports SACE in ensuring that Professional Teaching Standards and the code of ethics are infused in the daily life of teachers,” said Maje.
The induction is based on four pillars namely mentoring, training, professional development and peer support.
The programme was set up after the Teacher Education Summit held by the DBE and the Department of Higher Education and Training in 2009.
Since its inception in 2017, the partnership between the DBE and Flemish Association for Development Cooperation and Technical Assistance (VVOB) has enabled the development of material and programmes which led to the 2020 school calendar year pilot of the programme.
The DBE has also worked with provincial education departments and partnered with the SACE, JET Education Services, the North-West University and the University of Witwatersrand to develop the programme for all new teachers that join the teaching profession.
Support
New teachers are also provided with mentors that are identified by their respective schools.
Feedback received is that teachers are appreciative of the support provided by the programme.
“The teachers find that the topics covered assist them to deal with a number of issues, classroom management, discipline in school and classrooms, diversity management, inclusive teaching, as well as work and life balance, to mention but a few. Teachers want the programme, it provides real life practical experience and examples,” said Maje.
She added that while all the provinces have been supporting new teachers, this was not standardised.
“All provinces have been supporting new teachers; it was just not standardised at national. The support was in the form of workshops on curriculum, on general human resource matters, many webinars on teacher wellbeing and wellness.
“There was no national programme that a teacher can register and complete with evidence that indeed the new teacher underwent an induction programme. The DBE then partnered with VVOB to design a thoroughly researched programme and make it available for new teachers for free.”
Progress
The programme is being implemented on a phased in approach.
“Since the 2020 pilot, there was a round table in March 2023 where a decision was [taken] that the programme be phased in in four provinces [namely the] Free State, North West, KwaZulu-Natal and the Western Cape.
“The other five provinces are implementing however not under the tight monitoring of DBE. This is allowing them to be fully ready when we implement in their provinces in 2024,” she explained.
She added that the provincial education departments are part of the interprovincial meetings that DBE holds with the nine provinces on a monthly basis.
“It should also be noted that all provinces are supporting new teachers. The difference with the model brought by the DBE is [a] common standard across all provincial education departments, as well as the fact that the NTIP model has four pillars.”
Teachers’ Month
In South Africa October is Teachers’ Month and on 5 October, the country joined the world in commemorating World Teachers’ Day.
The day which is commemorated annually, aims to raise awareness, understanding and appreciation for the vital contribution that teachers make to education and development across the globe.
The day has been declared jointly by the International Labour Organization (ILO) and the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) to celebrate the critical work that teachers do.
At the National Teachers’ Awards, held on World Teachers’ Day, the South African government reaffirmed its commitment to reinforcing teacher support and prioritising the professional growth of those who are the key drivers of basic education.
“Such a posture is critical in that it boosts their personal prowess and propels our schools towards unparalleled achievements. The wellness of all public servants in the Department of Basic Education must as such remain a priority,” Deputy President Paul Mashatile said at the 23rd edition of the awards.
The awards honour teachers who have demonstrated exceptional performance and commitment in different areas of their work.
Recognition and experience
Maje who was a teacher herself, said recognition for teachers is essential not only for morale but also for attracting and retaining talented individuals in the teaching profession.
“When teachers feel valued and supported, they are more likely to be motivated, innovative, and dedicated to their students' success.”
Speaking at a media briefing earlier this month, Basic Education Minister Angie Motshekga said that education plays a critical role in providing the country with critical skills that will enable economic growth while also fighting poverty and unemployment.
“Teachers are at the centre of this critical imperative. UNESCO repeatedly stated that the quality of any education system is as good as the quality of its teachers. The continuous improvements that we have experienced within our education system broadly and in our schooling in particular is largely due to the efforts and sacrifices of our teachers,” said the Minister.
The Minister said while the education system is experiencing severe challenges including backlogs in infrastructure development, overcrowding and shortage of other educational resources, “it is our teachers who have made the center to hold.”
Maje said efforts to enhance the recognition of teachers often involve a combination of policy changes, increased investment in education, and societal shifts in perception. She also referred to the Integrated Strategic Planning Framework for Teacher Education and Development. The primary outcome of the plan is to improve the quality of teacher education and development in order to improve the quality of teachers and teaching.
Planning and organising things in time are some of the lessons Maje has learned over the course of the years as a teacher.
She also notes “the knowledge that as a teacher you determine the future of the country with the content that you offer to the young minds.” She further adds that “the limitations of the teacher can be detrimental to development of the young mind.”
It is also important for teachers to keep learning all the time since knowledge is evolving and for them to be active participants in the matters of their respective communities.
Maje also called on teachers to take care of themselves.
“Achieving a work-life balance is an ongoing challenge for many teachers. Learning to prioritise self-care and maintaining a healthy balance between personal and professional life is important for sustained success in the field.”
While learner support is a critical ingredient for success, support for future unforgettable teachers is equally as important. - SAnews.gov.za
Neo
Tue, 10/17/2023 - 09:59
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Imtiaz Sooliman calls for negotiations and compromise. “The only way to solve the problem is to do what is just.”
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Illegal mining suspects to appear before Rustenburg Magistrates' Court
Eleven suspects, who were arrested on Sunday by the Hawks Serious Organised Crime Investigation Unit and members of the South African Police Service (SAPS) in Boitekong, are expected to make their first appearance before the Rustenburg Magistrates’ Court today.
The Flying Squad, Bafokeng Public Order Policing and the Rustenburg Local Criminal Record Centre also formed part of the team that made the arrests. The suspects' ages range between 19 and 39.
The team was following up on information regarding illegal mining activities, which were allegedly taking place at a house in Boitekong.
"Upon arrival, the house was searched and bags containing platinum material were found. Illegal mining equipment including compressors, gas bottles, cutting torches, hammers, iron balls, cutting discs, a welding machine, a grinder and a generator were seized.
"The owner of the house was arrested and charged with illegal possession of platinum, while the other 10 suspects were arrested and charged for contravention of the Immigration Act," SAPS said in a statement. - SAnews.gov.za
Edwin
Tue, 10/17/2023 - 10:06
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Buffalo City residents urged to be cautious during rainy conditions
Buffalo City Metro in the Eastern Cape has warned residents and motorists to exercise caution as rainy conditions persist.
Wards 15, 30, 33, 35, 45 and 49, along with Duncan Village Ward 2 and 6, are the most severely affected.
“However, no one has been displaced or any fatalities reported. Our Disaster Management teams, together with our Human Settlements, are still on the ground collecting information on the affected people,” Buffalo City Metro said in a statement.
According to the city, the Electricity Department and Fire Services, as well as Disaster Management, are still on standby.
Residents are advised to contact Disaster Management on 0437437118 and the Fire Service on 043 705 9000 in the event of any eventuality.
“We advise councillors to be aware of the inclement weather conditions and activate their ward-based structures for any eventualities,” the city said.
The city noted with concern that some of the contributing factors to flooding include the construction of houses in low-lying areas (flood lines)/wetlands, the strain to the drainage system, which is mainly compromised by littering and the illegal building on top of municipal infrastructure.
“Our Disaster Management services are in constant contact with the South African Weather Service to monitor severe weather conditions, and to distribute such to the affected communities and sectors,” the City said.
Motorists traveling around the East London, Mdantsane, and eQonce areas are advised to look out for low-lying roads and bridges.
A number of streets are experiencing blocked drainage, which is caused by illegal dumping. However, the city has deployed jetting machines to unblock stormwater drainage systems.
“Our teams (both internal and external) have been on standby and have been working on all the areas of Buffalo City to unblock stormwater systems and the overflow problem in the city, and will continue to do so until the situation is improved or rescued," the city said.
With regards to the water outage in Dimbaza, the city confirmed that power has been affected, and as a result, the whole system is empty, and it will take about a week to recover the system. This was due to no production of water and pumping from Amatola Water's Laing WTW for three days. – SAnews.gov.za
Edwin
Tue, 10/17/2023 - 10:37
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Lamola calls for end to violence in Israel-Palestine
Minister of Justice and Correctional Services, Ronald Lamola, has called for the urgent cessation of violence in the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.
Lamola was addressing the 61st annual meeting of the Asian African Legal Consultative Organisation (AALCO) in Bali.
The most recent uptick in violence has been ongoing for about 10 days and follows a long standing conflict whose origins can be traced to the proclamation of the State of Israel in 1948.
“At the outset, we wish to express our condolences to all victims of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. The atrocities committed against civilian populations are causing great concern, and we urgently call for an immediate cessation of violence from all parties involved.
“Our primary concern is the urgent humanitarian assistance those affected require, and we implore that all basic life-supporting necessities be provided to alleviate their suffering,” he said.
Lamola warned that delays in resolving the deadly conflict have “led to an unending cycle of unspeakable atrocities and human rights violations”.
SA's foreign policy
Lamola told the meeting that “supporting Palestinian nationhood” has been a part of government’s foreign policy since the dawn of democracy.
“South Africa’s foreign policy aims to promote a viable and sustainable peace plan for the Middle East, wherein Palestine's sovereignty, territorial integrity, and economic viability are secured, and there is sovereign equality between Palestine and Israel.
“As a matter of international law, the principle of self-determination for the Palestinian people is widely recognised and enshrined in various international covenants, instruments, and the United Nations Charter.
“South Africa’s policy position on the Israeli-Palestine conflict aligns with the Oslo Accords, the Roadmap, and the Arab Plan 2002, recognising the two-State option as the only viable solution,” he said.
The Minister called on members of AALCO to work together to find a “permanent solution to the conflict, in accordance with relevant United Nations resolutions, international law, and internationally agreed parameters”.
“As global citizens, we envision a world where every nation adheres to international law and collaborates to promote peaceful coexistence. Achieving this noble goal requires collective effort from all of us.
“As members of the international community, we have a responsibility to take action whenever we observe any violations of international law or impediments to peace. However, we cannot attain this objective alone. We must work in unison and extend support to each other,” Lamola said. – SAnews.gov.za
NeoB
Tue, 10/17/2023 - 10:45
“We’ve been waiting for files for years”
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Pandor clarifies content of her discussion with Hamas leader
The Department of International Relations and Cooperation (DIRCO) confirmed on Tuesday that Minister Naledi Pandor received a request to call the Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh to discuss getting humanitarian aid to Palestine.
“During the call, and in line with the government's position, Minister Pandor reiterated South Africa’s solidarity and support for the people of Palestine and expressed sadness and regret for the loss of innocent lives, both Palestinians and Israelis.
“Minister Pandor and the Hamas leader discussed how to get the necessary humanitarian aid to Gaza and other parts of the Palestinian territories,” the statement read.
However, according to the department, reports that Pandor also offered support for the ‘Battle of Al-Aqsa Flood’ are untrue and meant to “impugn” the Minister and the South African government.
“Minister Pandor’s call with the Hamas leader is in line with South Africa's readiness to engage all interlocutors as part of facilitating dialogue to end the ongoing conflict. South Africa, therefore, calls on all sides to seize the opportunity for peace as opposed to violence, and for the international community to actively advocate for the implementation of its own international resolutions and establish a credible peace process.”
Meanwhile, according to the department, South Africa stands ready to share its experience in mediation and conflict resolution as it has done on the continent and around the world.
According to the latest reports, about 2 808 Palestinians have been killed in Israeli air raids, while Israelis killed in Hamas’s attack and military operation stands at about 1 400, including 286 soldiers.
President Cyril Ramaphosa used his weekly newsletter on Monday to call for an immediate cessation of acts of war between Israel and Palestine, the opening of humanitarian corridors and a United Nations-led negotiation process towards resolving the conflict.
President Ramaphosa said this must lead to a just and lasting peace that satisfies the human rights, dignity and aspirations of all the people on both sides of this conflict.
The President noted that South Africans, like many across the globe, have watched with great anguish and pain the devastating violence and destruction in Israel and Gaza since Saturday last week.
“It has never been our nature as South Africans to reserve our empathy only for those with whom we share an ethnic, racial, religious or cultural affinity.
“As South Africans, we have made it part of our national DNA to stand firm against all forms of prejudice, including racism, anti-Semitism, Islamophobia and xenophobia. Our thoughts and prayers are with the people of both Palestine and Israel as they go through these difficult times,” the President said.
He said he hoped that the Israeli and Palestinian people come together, reconcile and choose the path of a just peace. – SAnews.gov.za
Gabisile
Tue, 10/17/2023 - 13:55
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Africa can produce more energy than it requires - Minister Ramokgopa
Africa can produce more energy than it requires within the next 30 years if it takes advantage of its natural resources.
This is according to Minister in the Presidency for Electricity, Dr Kgosientsho Ramokgopa, who was delivering a keynote address on Green Hydrogen at the Africa Energy Week held in Cape Town.
“We need to have a Pan African view in the exploitation of this energy carrier and our view is that by 2040 Africa can produce up to 50 times more energy from renewables than the world’s estimated demand.
“This is as a result of our location advantages. I think we have some of the radiation levels of any parts of the world and we also have some of the best wind speeds along the coastal areas,” he said.
The Minister emphasised, however, that Africa must provide its own “interpretation” on what a just energy transition constitutes.
“We have got an opportunity to define a Just Energy Transition with African characteristics and in this instance, it is about universal access, the exploitation of critical minerals that are key to development of green hydrogen and realising its potential.
“We can see that by smelting African iron ore locally, we are likely going to create much needed jobs and therefore the skills that are required to support that transition. In that way, in addition to broadening the industrial base, we are really getting people in good quality jobs…this is in addition to the decarbonisation agenda,” he said.
Honing in further on green hydrogen, Ramokgopa moved to allay fears that green hydrogen production will bear a heavy toll on South Africa’s water resources.
“It is important that in the conversation around the potential of green hydrogen, we confront what essentially is an objective inherent risk associated with the exploitation of this resource and the strain that it’s putting on our water resources.
“There’s a rich body of literature that suggests that coastal countries can use sea water to produce green hydrogen and therefore eliminating the strain that is likely it’s likely going to place on limited water resources...especially countries like South Africa where water is a scarce commodity,” he said.
The Minister explained that Sub-Saharan Africa’s resources have the capacity to “produce anything between 5000 and 13 000 million tonnes per year” of green hydrogen.
“We think that could come at about $2 per kilogram…essentially by 2050 and therefore making green hydrogen financially competitive compared to other energy sources.
“I did make the point that it could also contribute significantly to the national revenue funds of many African countries of up to $20 billion and that could distributed to ensure that we are able to expand on social infrastructure, improve the quality of life of our people and ensure that we put Africa on a pedestal for significant growth going into the future,” he said. – SAnews.gov.za
NeoB
Tue, 10/17/2023 - 15:29