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Gauteng school finalists in National EduPlant School Garden Competition 2023 September 2023. Five schools based in Gauteng have been selected as finalists in the annual national EduPlant School Gardening Competition 2023. Boitumelong Secondary School, Gahlanso Primary School, and Peter Zongwane Primary School in Tembisa; Masizani Primary School in Atteridgeville, Tshwane; and MC Weiler School in …
Basic Education Committee adopts Basic Education Laws Amendment Bill
The Portfolio Committee on Basic Education has adopted the Basic Education Laws Amendment (BELA) Bill.
In a statement on Tuesday, committee chairperson, Bongiwe Mbinqo-Gigaba, said this brings the bill, which has been more than 20 years in the making, in line with continuing the transformation agenda of the basic education sector.
Some of the proposals that were adopted in the bill include making Grade R the new compulsory school-starting age; penalties for parents who do not ensure that their children are in school and confirmation that corporal punishment is no longer allowed at schools, with penalties for those found guilty of such offences.
Mbinqo-Gigaba said during voting on the bill, the majority of members of the committee voted in support of the bill, while three members voted against the adoption of the bill.
Mbinqo-Gigaba said the proposed amendments are to align the bill with developments in the education landscape and to ensure that systems of learning are put in place in a manner that gives effect to the right to basic education, as enshrined in section 29(1) of the Constitution of the Republic of South Africa, 1996.
She emphasised that the committee extensively deliberated on all clauses of the bill.
“In some instances, all members of the committee agreed that certain proposed amendments did not belong in the bill and ensured that they were removed, whereas in other instances, the committee vigorously debated clauses which saw the majority of members of the committee agreeing to retention of such clauses. This is all to ensure that we better the education landscape of the next generation.
“The committee held extensive public hearings across the country. We heard oral submissions in Parliament from stakeholders and thousands of written submissions were considered when debating and drafting this legislation,” Mbinqo-Gigaba said.
In terms of language policy, the amendment states that the governing body must submit the language policy of a public school and any amendment thereof to the Head of Department (HOD) for approval.
The language policy must also take into consideration the language needs of the broader community. The committee further adopted the proposed amendment that the Head of Department, after consultation with the governing body of the school, has the final authority to admit a learner to a public school.
“The contentious proposed amendment, regarding home education, was partially agreed to. This amendment provided for the HOD to, when considering an application, require a delegated official to conduct a pre-registration site visit.
“It was agreed that the said site visits can happen at any place of choice, should parents not agree to such visits at their homes. Furthermore, a report at the end of each phase will now be required by a qualified educator or assessor to prove the competency of the learner in that phase,” the committee said.
Some proposed amendments were scraped in totality. The proposed amendment regarding the sale of alcohol on school premises after hours during functions did not get support from the committee.
The proposed amendment dealing with members of a governing body, who must disclose on an annual basis all their financial interests and the financial interests of their spouse, partner and immediate family members also did not garner support and was deemed too onerous an administrative task.
The bill and the report of the committee will now be referred to the National Assembly for debate and consideration. – SAnews.gov.za
DikelediM
Wed, 09/27/2023 - 15:32
The Totalsports Women’s Race organizers are thrilled to collaborate with the Department of Cultural Affairs and Sport, in conjunction with Western Province Athletics, to jointly host the Cape Town edition of the Totalsports Women’s Race, which will also include the renowned Big Walk, on Sunday, 01 October 2023. “We’re delighted to collaborate with an event …
Western Cape mops up after devastating floods
The allure of the tech industry, with its promise of innovation and dynamic growth, has many aspiring professionals keen to carve out a niche in software development. However, the path to securing a coveted role in a software development company can often seem labyrinthine, especially for newcomers. With the right strategies, though, this journey can …
In the realm of professions, software development stands out as both an art and a science. It’s a field where creativity meets logic, and innovation is the name of the game. But as with many professions, there’s often a question looming for aspiring developers: Is a formal degree essential? The Traditional Academic Route In …
Johannesburg, 26 September 2023- Procter & Gamble (P&G), a global leader in consumer-packaged goods, is set to take center stage at the 11th edition of the Global Citizen Festival, a renowned international event during UN Week. This year’s festival, streaming globally, will spotlight P&G’s commitment to addressing period poverty and providing access to sanitary pads …
The Portfolio Committee on Basic Education has today adopted the Basic Education Laws Amendment (BELA) Bill.
Committee Chairperson, Ms Bongiwe Mbinqo-Gigaba, said this brings the Bill that has been more than 20 years in the making, in line with continuing the transformation agenda of the basic education sector.
Some of the proposals that were adopted in Bill includes making Grade R the new compulsory school-starting age, penalties for parents who do not ensure that their children are in school and confirmation that corporal punishment is no longer allowed at schools with penalties for those found guilty of such offences. In terms of language policy, the amendment states that the governing body must submit the language policy of a public school and any amendment thereof to the head of department for approval. The language policy must also take into consideration the language needs of the broader community. The committee further adopted the proposed amendment that the Head of Department, after consultation with the governing body of the school, has the final authority to admit a learner to a public school.
The contentious proposed amendment, regarding home education, was partially agreed to. This amendment provided for the head of the department to, when considering an application, require a delegated official to conduct a pre-registration site visit. It was agreed that the said site visits can happen at any place of choice should parents not agree to such visits at their homes. Furthermore, a report at the end of each phase will now be required by a qualified educator or assessor to prove the competency of the learner in that phase.
Some proposed amendments were scraped in totality. The proposed amendment regarding the sale of alcohol on school premises after hours during functions, did not get the support from the committee. The proposed amendment dealing with members of a governing body that must disclose on an annual basis all his or her financial interests and the financial interests of his or her spouse, partner and immediate family members also did not garner the support and was deemed too onerous an administrative task.
Ms Mbinqo-Gigaba said during voting on the Bill today, the majority of members of the committee voted in support of the Bill. Three members voted against the adoption of the Bill.
Ms Mbinqo-Gigaba said the proposed amendments are to align the Bill with developments in the education landscape and to ensure that systems of learning are put in place in a manner that gives effect to the right to basic education as enshrined in section 29(1) of the Constitution of the Republic of South Africa, 1996.
She emphasised that the committee extensively deliberated on all clauses in the Bill. “In some instances all members of the committee agreed that certain proposed amendments did not belong in the Bill and ensured that it was removed, whereas in other instances the committee vigorously debated clauses which saw the majority of members of the committee agreeing to retention of such clauses. This is all to ensure that we better the education landscape of the next generation.
“The committee held extensive public hearings across the country, we heard oral submissions in Parliament from stakeholders and thousands of written submissions were considered when debating and drafting this legislation,” added Ms Mbinqo-Gigaba.
The Bill and the report of the committee on it will now be referred to the National Assembly for debate and consideration.
Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Republic of South Africa: The Parliament.
Inter-faith leaders called to work with govt in dealing with social ills
Deputy President Paul Mashatile has called on the faith-based community to partner with government to make tangible contributions towards addressing the social ills facing the country.
Mashatile convened an engagement between government and inter-faith leaders on Tuesday to strengthen existing partnerships towards the country’s social cohesion and nation-building project.
“Not a day goes by that we are not confronted by acts of violence and criminality. This is not the South Africa we fought for. It is certainly not the South Africa we want ourselves and future generations to live in,” he said.
The country’s second-in-command raised his concern at the deterioration of the social and moral fabric, including gender-based violence and femicide, poverty, unemployment, drug and substance abuse, child abuse, crime, corruption, teenage pregnancy, and the high rate of HIV infection among young people.
“It is disheartening that the women and girls of our country no longer feel safe in their homes, on the streets, in public transport and at their places of work.
“Many of our people are abusing alcohol and using drugs, which is causing numerous social problems such as unsafe behaviour on our roads, violence, crime, and truancy.”
The Deputy President also raised concerns about youngsters who are still engaging in unsafe sex, leading to high rates of teenage pregnancy and the spread of sexually transmitted diseases.
To address these difficulties, he believes a collaborative effort must be employed involving governmental entities and all segments of society, of which inter-faith communities are an essential component.
“Inter-faith efforts, like community service, can be used to effect societal change. Now, more than ever, we must join forces to counter what has grown to threaten our communities.”
The Deputy President reiterated that the State is committed to addressing social ills and improving lives.
He also took the time to talk about how South Africa transitioned from an oppressive State machinery to a democratic nation, where all people enjoy equal rights and protection before the law.
“Today, our churches, our mosques, our synagogues and our temples are pillars of society doing valuable work in education, in feeding the poor and the needy, and in being a consistent and powerful voice that speaks out against injustices in our country.”
He expressed his appreciation for the role of faith-based communities in guiding the nation when it strayed from its mission to unite and develop the country.
“It is the excellent work you are already doing in our communities that we want to harness and build upon. Whether it is in providing education and awareness around alcohol and substance abuse, in offering counselling and support to couples and families, or in mobilising people around anti-crime initiatives, you have been our valued partners as we seek to address these social problems.”
He called on leaders to safeguard the significance of religious and sacred sites, as these sites hold immense cultural value, and are crucial to ensuring traditions are not eroded over time.
“As we all know, our nation thrives in its cultural richness and religious diversity.”
Despite the many challenges, he is of the view that South Africa can emerge strong if it embraces its diversity.
He also lauded the role played during apartheid by faith leaders like Beyers Naudé, Desmond Tutu, Peter Storey, Allan Boesak and Dr Martin Luther King Jnr.
“Reflecting on this history and also acknowledging the temporal disparities and distinct challenges of our current era, we must draw from the lessons of the past, and use them as a compass for addressing some of the social challenges that exist in our modern culture.” – SAnews.gov.za
Gabisile
Tue, 09/26/2023 - 11:38
Public Service Month
By Nomonde Mnukwa
Local government has long been recognised as the sphere of government that is closest to the people and crucial in improving their lives. It is responsible for the provision of basic services such as water, electricity and sanitation.
This year marks 23 years since local government was established under a democratic government to ensure that basic services are provided in an impartial, fair and equitable way. This milestone would not have been possible without the commitment of public servants, throughout the country, who serve selflessly with dignity and respect.
To mark this milestone, September is recognised annually as the Public Service Month (PSM) to recognise men and women who serve the nation with pride and distinction. These include doctors, nurses, police officers, teachers and many others who play an invaluable role in delivering services and building the country as envisioned in 1994.
This year’s commemoration comes less than a year before we observe 30 years of freedom and democracy. The commemoration will provide us with an opportunity to reflect on the contribution of public servants in building the South Africa we want.
It is also an opportune moment for public servants to interrogate what has worked and what needs improvement as we build on the achievements of the last 30 years.
As government, we know that the majority of public servants are committed to the cause of improving the lives of people and go beyond the call of duty. These public servants understand that to be a public servant is an honour and privilege and an opportunity to change our society for the better.
We have seen these dedicated public servants during our fight against the COVID-19. Most of them ventured onto the streets every day while other citizens were at home under lockdown because their job and calling in life is to protect and serve. They were first in the line to keep us safe and provided much needed services.
Public servants have showed us during COVID-19 that they have what it takes to provide better services and improve the lives of people. Our challenge now is to extend that commitment, professionalism and selflessness to our daily interactions when serving citizens and contribute to making South Africa great.
It is not simply enough for public servants to wake up and say they are going to work to earn a salary. We should find joy in serving people, it should be about improving the quality of life of the citizens, fixing traffic lights and roads or doing anything else that makes a difference in people’s lives and help us grow our country.
This year’s PSM is held under the theme: “Building a Professional Public Service for Inclusive Quality Service Delivery” which is the foremost priority of the administration. However, building a capable state that will improve the lives of the people of this country starts with having a professional and competent public service in line with the National Development Plan and Batho Pele principles.
The National Development Plan serves as a blueprint for the work that needs to be done to achieve a prosperous society for our country, while Batho Pele guides how public servants must conduct themselves especially when they serve the public.
The vision of building a capable and developmental state has been advanced by various administrations since 1994 and in 2020, Cabinet approved the National Framework Towards the Professionalisation of the Public Service aimed at ensuring that only qualified and competent individuals are appointed into positions of authority.
The empowerment of public servants is also being done through the National School of Government, which is working with the Public Service Sector Education and Training Authority and the Department of Public Service and Administration to provide appropriate training and learning pathways to public servants.
During Public Service Month we strive to showcase the many services offered by government and therefore the Thusong Service Week recently took place to raise awareness of the important services that are offered in Thusong Centres across the country. At the centres, people can access government services including application for identity documents, birth, death and marriage certificates.
They can also get office services such as phone, fax, scan, copy, print and postal services, including advice for small business development and accessing applications for services that are offered by the South African Social Security Agency. Communities can obtain copies of the government newspaper, Vuk’uzenzele and they also are exposed to the other programmes that allow for interaction between government and South Africans.
As we conclude the Public Service Month, we call on public servants to continue to ensure that their professional ethics are beyond reproach. This is the only way we can build a country that works for everyone as envisioned by our founding fathers.
*Nomonde Mnukwa is Acting Director General of GCIS
Janine
Tue, 09/26/2023 - 10:54
Nzimande visits Japan to strengthen hydrogen economy cooperation
The Minister of Higher Education, Science and Innovation, Dr Blade Nzimande, is leading a delegation to Tokyo, Japan, as part of efforts to build a hydrogen economy in South Africa.
The engagements will profile the work of the Department of Science and Innovation (DSI) in hydrogen energy, and promote collaboration, investment and innovation in support of the deployment of hydrogen at scale, as envisaged in the Hydrogen Society Roadmap for South Africa.
The roadmap, launched by the DSI in 2022, is a national coordinating framework to facilitate the integration of hydrogen-related technologies in various sectors of the South African economy, a vital part of stimulating economic growth, in line with the Economic Reconstruction and Recovery Plan.
“Establishing a manufacturing sector for hydrogen products and components is one of the roadmap's key outcomes,” the department said.
The engagements kick-started on Monday, 25 September, with Minister Nzimande and the delegation participating in the Tokyo GX Week Plenary Session.
The GX Plenary is hosted by Japan's Minister of Economy, Trade and Industry (METI), Yasutoshi Nishimura, as part of the Tokyo GX Week 2023.
Tokyo GX Week, according to the DSI, aims to accelerate efforts towards net zero emissions.
“The programme of international meetings related to energy and the environment aims to achieve green transformation (GX), moving countries away from fossil fuel-dependent economic, social and industrial structures, towards clean energy that will lead to economic growth and development, as well as reduced greenhouse gas emissions.”
The Minister will also address the 6th Hydrogen Energy Ministerial Meeting, which will be attended by Ministers and world leaders in the energy and environment fields in both the private and the public sectors.
Today, the DSI will host a South Africa-Japan workshop with the Japan External Trade Organisation.
The aim of the workshop, the department said, is for South African and Japanese entities to discuss putting together a large-scale demonstration project on hydrogen.
“Minister Nzimande and Mr Nishimura are expected to sign a memorandum of cooperation between the DSI and METI to facilitate cooperation on developing a sustainable and affordable hydrogen and ammonia supply chain.”
“The two countries have a shared recognition that this is key to achieving net zero emissions,” said the DSI.
South Africa and Japan have a longstanding relationship and common interests in science, technology and innovation (STI).
Bilateral cooperation in STI between the two countries has been growing steadily since the agreement on STI in 2003.
The engagements will continue until 27 September. – SAnews.gov.za
Gabisile
Tue, 09/26/2023 - 10:12
As the country observers World Pharmacist Day, the Gauteng MEC for Health and Wellness, Nomantu Nkomo-Ralehoko has paid tribute to pharmacy professionals saying that they play a critical role in patient care and in improving health outcomes.
September is Pharmacy Month in South Africa and culminates in the annual World Pharmacist Day on 25 September. This year's theme is: "Pharmacy strengthening health systems”.
The focus of the month has been on promoting health education, providing access to primary healthcare and vaccines and empowering patients on antimicrobial stewardship and encouraging them to approach their pharmacist for their medication queries.
“Pharmacists contribute significantly to the achievement of the sustainable development goal number 3, by ensuring medicine availability for non- communicable and communicable diseases. They are part of a multidisciplinary approach to achieve better health outcomes. They ensure that the right medicine is given to the right patient, at the right time, for the right condition, and at the most cost-effective price,” explains MEC Nkomo- Ralehoko.
Pharmacists play a leading role in ensuring that the Gauteng Department of Health (GDoH) maintains 96% medicine availability within public health facilities, and they remain a resource that should be utilised optimally to promote healthcare for patients and to also strengthen the health system.
World Pharmacist Day continue to be celebrated annually since its inception at the 2009 International Pharmaceutical Federation Congress held in
Istanbul, Turkey and has allowed pharmacist through practice and emerging innovation to support the futuristic health care needs of the health system.
During October 2023, the GDoH will host its Annual Pharmacy Managers Conference, under the theme: “Pharmacy Resilience in an era of disruption: What can we do differently”. This is aimed at addressing the role of pharmacy in strengthening health outcomes, in the rollout of the National Health Insurance and pharmacy technology in advancing the pharmacy profession and the risk of not preparing today for tomorrow.
Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Gauteng Department of Health (GDoH), South Africa.
Deputy President to open UNESCO engineering conference
Deputy President Paul Mashatile is expected to deliver a keynote address when engineers from across the globe gather from Monday at the UNESCO 9th Africa Engineering Week and 7th Africa Engineering Conference at the CSIR in Pretoria.
According to the Presidency, the event will be held under the theme, 'Celebrating and Growing Engineering Excellence in the African Region' and seeks to celebrate engineering excellence prevalent in the African continent.
“The Deputy President will be supported by the Minister of Public Works and Infrastructure, Sihle Zikalala, as the host department; Minister in the Presidency for Electricity, Dr Kgosientsho Ramokgopa; Deputy Minister of Higher Education, Science and Innovation, Bhuti Manamela, as well as Governors and Ministers from the African continent.
“The event will feature the who is who of the engineering fraternity in Africa and abroad, who will be attempting to solve the world and the African continent’s pressing challenges.
“Furthermore, scores of aspiring engineers from South Africa will also get the opportunity to obtaining knowledge and skills,” the Presidency said.
Meanwhile on Tuesday, the Deputy President is expected to convene an engagement with inter-faith leaders to “strengthen existing partnerships with the faith sector towards the country’s social cohesion and nation-building project”.
“The engagement will consider practical steps towards institutionalising partnership between government and inter-faith leaders as part of the Deputy President’s delegated responsibilities. It will also address the challenges and seek to resolve issues raised by the inter-faith community.
“The Deputy President will be supported by the Ministers of Social Development and Sport, Arts and Culture; Deputy Minister of Social Development, Premier of Gauteng Province and senior government officials,” the Presidency said. – SAnews.gov.za
NeoB
Sun, 09/24/2023 - 08:48
Delivering Accessible Learning Environments and Job Opportunities for School Leavers In the lead-up to the Matric class of 2023’s final exams, anxiety looms. While some will pursue tertiary education, the majority face the highly competitive job market and the harsh prospect of unemployment. Rajan Naidoo, Managing Director of EduPower Skills Academy, says that in this …
This follows chaos and violence during protests in the town in recent weeks
Pulamadibogo learners discharged from hospital
About 87 learners from Pulamadibogo Primary School in Soshanguve, who were hospitalised after consuming muffins laced with marijuana, have now been discharged, says Gauteng Education MEC, Matome Chiloane.
The affected learners were admitted at Dr George Mukhari Academic Hospital on Wednesday and have been discharged, as their condition and health significantly improved. Only three girl learners remain in hospital, and they are still receiving the necessary medical attention to return to full health.
Police investigations into the circumstances surrounding this incident still continue.
“We are relieved that the affected learners were discharged following this saddening incident. We wish the remaining learners speedy recovery,” MEC Chiloane said.
Meanwhile, the two suspects who were arrested in connection with this case will appear at the Soshanguve Magistrates Court this morning.
“We are informed two suspects arrested for allegedly selling space cookies to Pulamadibogo learners are appearing at Soshanguve Magistrates Court this morning,” DBE spokesperson, Steve Mabona,said. – SAnews.gov.za
DikelediM
Fri, 09/22/2023 - 10:10
The National Lotteries Commission briefed Parliament on the steps it is taking to clean up the organisation
The Portfolio Committee on Tourism received a briefing from the Department of Tourism and South African Tourism on Tuesday on the implementation of the Budget Review and Recommendation Report (BRRR) recommendations for the 2021/2022 financial year and implementation of the recommendations made in the Limpopo and North West oversight visits reports.
Responding to the presentations delivered by the department and the South African Tourism (SAT), the committee expressed its dissatisfaction with how the recommendations have been implemented. The committee was of the view that the department did not respond to the recommendations as it provided general responses to specific recommendations.
In some instances, the department just indicated that the recommendation was noted without tangible explanation of its translation into action. The committee said the responses were incomplete and lacked detail. The committee called on the department to furnish it with a comprehensive report that addresses matters raised in the BRRR and given it until Friday, 22 September 2023 to submit adequate responses to the committee.
The committee will also afford the department an opportunity, in a closed meeting session, to provide an update on the outcomes of its forensic audits and consequence management taken against companies and officials who have been found to have committed financial malfeasance in the implementation of tourism infrastructure projects and other departmental programmes. This decision was taken after relentless, but futile efforts by the committee to get an update on the forensic audit report commissioned by the department.
The committee expressed its concern and shock when it was informed that the moratorium has not been fully lifted on the appointment of staff at SAT. The committee was assured by the Minister of the department that the moratorium had been lifted and that the entity will be able to start the recruitment process. However, on Tuesday 19 September 2023, it emerged that the moratorium has only been lifted on critical posts only.
The committee learned that the former Acting CEO was removed by the board based on the whistle-blower alert that led to an investigation. The committee acknowledged that the whistle-blower information was about an alleged bribe taken by the former Acting CEO. The committee accepted the decision of the board in bringing somebody without a cloud hanging above to allow a full investigation. However, the concern is not about the replacement of the former CEO, but rather about appointing the CFO as an Acting CEO of the organisation.
The Chairperson of the committee, Ms Tandi Mahambehlala, voiced her concern after the committee learnt that the Acting CFO at SAT, Ms Nombulelo Guliwe, has been appointed as Acting CEO at the entity. She said: “There is something problematic about this appointment and arrangement.” The committee raised an issue with financial delegations of the CFO as an Acting CEO in that there will be no clear demarcation if the Acting CEO who is the CFO takes financial decisions with organisational implications.
Ms Mahambehlala said the appointments of the CFO and the CEO should be corrected. She said good governance does not allow the CFO to act as CEO. “It is a wrong practice and as a committee we will stand by our conviction. This is an unfortunate situation where governance has been compromised at SAT, where someone is a referee and a player something which compromises the entity. We are a committee vested on knowledge and education, hence today we can refer to King IV report on the principles of governance.”
The King IV code of governance and principles assist the country and everyone in public administration for effective governance. National Treasury subscribes to these codes and implements them accordingly. “We now have an entity that disregards such important aspects as if it has no capacity. We take this matter seriously,” said Ms Mahambehlala.
On continued underperformance by SAT, the committee was concerned that although the entity has developed an audit action plan and a monthly dashboard to track performance, it was still underperforming whilst incurring over expenditure.
Regarding the first presentation that was delivered by the National Heritage Project Company, which has a monumental procession of 100 life size bronze statues located at Century Cit, Ms Mahambehlala said: “We note what the Director-General of the department suggested, in saying the government cannot fund establishments if the land of the tourist attraction or business is being run and operated privately.”
She added: “For the state to be able to assist, the Heritage Monument Project needs to have land that is leased by government. The committee will advise the National Heritage Project Company to approach the Department of Public Works and Infrastructure to identify and provide a suitable land to support the project."
Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Republic of South Africa: The Parliament.
Gauteng launches Khanya Lesedi Sports School of Specialisation
Gauteng Education MEC Matome Chiloane has officially lunched Khanya Lesedi Sports School of Specialisation in Ratanda, Heidelberg.
Khanya Lesedi is a distinguished public school with a rich history of academic excellence, sport achievements, artistic endeavors and social development.
Established in January 1898, the school has consistently excelled in sports disciplines such as soccer, netball and athletics, and it has proudly represented the Sedibeng cluster at the district, provincial, national and even international levels.
Chiloane said it is encouraging that students have the privilege of interacting with sports icons and legends, who offer coaching clinics and guidance based on their respective sports.
“Community involvement is encouraged, allowing local residents to access school facilities. This collaboration also holds the promise of revitalising the township economy, drawing spectators and boosting local businesses as outside communities come to witness sporting events at the school,” Chiloane said.
The school is home to many of South Africa’s successful athletes such as the late world 400m champion, Moses Mabaso, who earned National Springbok colors during his time at the school, ultimately receiving a scholarship at Waterkloof in Pretoria.
In a subsequent decade, twin athletes from the school represented the country in Botswana and Hungary. Among the school's standout athletes are Emma Manana, who excelled in events like 800m, 1500m, and cross-country for five consecutive years from 1990 to 1995, and John Tshabalala, an exceptional athlete in 5000m and cross-country for a similar duration.
More recently, Bontle Lekone and Thabang Dube represented South Africa in soccer in Italy, adding to the school's impressive athletic legacy.
Given this remarkable track record, Chiloane said Khanya Lesedi has earned its status as a Sports School of Specialisation, providing students with opportunities to nurture their talents alongside academic pursuits.
The school features a real racing track, through which learners can run various lengths of races, hurdles and marathons. Accessible at the school is also a tennis court, volleyball court, soccer pitch, basketball court, and various equipment that can be used for javelin, discus and long jump, among other athletic sports.
The MEC added that the specialised curriculum extends beyond physical activities, incorporating scientific innovation in physical health.
“Subjects like Sports Science and Exercise, Geography, Physical Science, and Life Science play vital roles in shaping various aspects of sports training, from pitch conditions to dietary requirements tailored to different sporting codes. ICT, coding and robotics are also taught at the school through our Multi-Certification Skills Programme,” the MEC said. – SAnews.gov.za
DikelediM
Fri, 09/22/2023 - 10:24
Three quarters of public schools still don’t have libraries, in spite of a 2013 promise
In a rapidly evolving educational landscape, many parents and students are exploring alternative avenues to traditional schooling. Whether it’s the desire for a personalised learning experience, the need for remedial assistance, or the quest for excellence in standardised tests like the SAT, NBT, or GED, there’s a diverse range of educational solutions available. In this …
Introduction Education is the cornerstone of personal growth and development, and it’s essential to ensure that every student receives the support they need to thrive academically. In today’s competitive world, after-school tutoring, subject-specific tuition, academic coaching, and other forms of supplementary education have become invaluable tools in nurturing high performers and providing remedial or assisted …
What does rugby have to do with cryptocurrency? Well, unless you’re using it to buy tickets to watch the Bokke game or merchandise, the correlation may seem tenuous. Until you look at how this exceptionally strategic, dynamic and uniting sport provides all the guidelines every investor should have in place before making any financial decisions. …
NSFAS makes headway in direct payment solution
Higher Education and Training Minister, Dr Blade Nzimande, says the National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS) has made strides in the implementation of its Student-Centred Model.
The Student-Centred Model is aimed at the implementation of the NSFAS direct payment solution, known as the NSFAS Bank Account, and the development of the NSFAS Student Accommodation Portal.
Briefing media on developments at NSFAS on Tuesday, Nzimande said the Student-Centre Model is premised on an approach that places the needs of students at the heart of the scheme’s operations. It also aims to streamline all processes that affect the disbursement of funds for tuition, transport, food and accommodation.
The Minister said 509 220 claims, with a total of R40 billion, have been received from university students, and out of this, an amount of R29.6 billion has already been paid to 491 457.
“There are 23 389 students with exceptions that we are currently funding. These exceptions occur when NSFAS cannot confirm the funding pathway or funding rules are not complied with, as per submitted registration records.
“The biggest exceptions relate to institutions claiming incorrectly by including meals yet they are catered by institution. This means it is double dipping, which must be attended to,” Nzimande said.
NSFAS has also received 250 548 claims from Technical Vocational Education and Training (TVET) college students to the value of R6.8 billion, with R4.8 billion already being paid to 209 352 students.
Nzimande reiterated his call to all beneficiaries, who have not been on-boarded (registered) or converted onto the new payment system, to urgently register in order to enable NSFAS to pay their allowances without any further delay.
According to data, 90% to 99% universities’ students have been onboarded. This exclude the University of South Africa (UNISA), which stands at 67%, and the University of Fort Hare at 56%.
Nzimande said the NSFAS institutional support teams will extensively focus their attention in all institutions whose percentages are low so that they improve on their onboarding processes.
“The team will continue to hold bi-weekly meetings with the institutions’ finance offices and the direct payment partners so that institutions have a platform to raise the challenges and areas of clarity, where both NSFAS and the partners are present.
“In relation to our TVET colleges, the process of onboarding continues, as they have multiple academic terms,” Nzimande said.
Bank charges
Regarding bank charges to student accounts, Nzimande said he has directed NSFAS to relook the entire bank charges regime to find possible measures to further reduce bank charges for the beneficiaries.
“I have been briefed that NSFAS negotiated for a R12 monthly bank charge, which excludes money transfer costs to other banks. I will await the NSFAS board final determination in this regard.
“I have been assured by the NSFAS board that reports that NSFAS disbursed incorrect amounts to beneficiaries are misleading and untrue. However, should it happen that such instances may have occurred, I urge the affected students to immediately report these to NSFAS,” Nzimande said.
Warning to students inappropriately benefitting from NSFAS
Meanwhile, Nzimande has issued a stern warning to students, who are inappropriately benefitting from the scheme.
He said the appropriate criminal and legal action must be taken against anyone found defrauding the system. – SAnews.gov.za
GabiK
Wed, 09/20/2023 - 09:46