NSFAS and Blade Nzimande snub Parliament hearing on student funding failures
The portfolio committee will issue a summons if NSFAS and the minister fail to attend the next meeting
Education
NSFAS collaborates with government agencies to identify unqualifying students
NSFAS collaborates with government agencies to identify unqualifying students
Higher Education and Training Minister, Dr Blade Nzimande, says the National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS) will continue its collaborative work with other government entities to verify all applications for funding.
Nzimande said the scheme is working with the South African Social Security Agency (SASSA), South African Revenue Service (SARS), and the Department of Home Affairs to verify information submitted by students applying for funding.
A report from the NSFAS Board shows that 45 927 students were correctly or erroneously disqualified for funding due to processing gaps, which fall under three broad categories. The three categories include Hybrid Applications, Missing Parental Relationships, and Latency Data from the Higher Education Information Management System (HEMIS).
Hybrid Applications are continuing students who applied, while Missing Parental Relationships are first-time entering students, who were previously funded and later rejected because of additional parental relationships that were verified, based on additional information sourced from government agencies.
On Hybrid Applications, Nzimande said, the report shows that about 14 703 records were continuing students who applied erroneously because of migrating from the old to the new system, and in some instances, it was students panicking because they did not see their funding status and applied for funding.
“I can confirm that all these students are now funded. The balance of 31 224 students remains not funded and this is due to the assessment of financial eligibility, as NSFAS continues to pick up additional parental relationships and academic ineligibility,” Nzimande reported at a briefing on Tuesday.
On the Missing Parental Relationships, Nzimande noted that some students had initially declared one parent or the “incorrect” parent, who was not picked up by the Department of Home Affairs, and as such, a decision was made to initially fund the student.
“However, based on review of this trend, through a relationship matrix that is built internally at NSFAS, we established additional parental relationship of students. This was exposed to SARS verification and SARS came with the feedback that the combined family income of these families exceeds the threshold. This led to the discontinuation of funding for some of the students.
“Another criterion is the Academic Eligibility review, which was incomplete due to the delays in data received from HEMIS and this impacted the N+Rule (the number of years students will receive funding to obtain a qualification),” the Minister said.
Over 170 000 appeals received
Nzimande said NSFAS has received a total of 178 426 appeals due to the disqualifications, and these include 63 331 appeals that were approved and 8 528 that were rejected.
“Out of these 178 426 appeals received, 30 712 were invalid appeals, meaning students either withdrew or their appeals were duplicated. Then there are 41 438 appeals that required the submission of external dependencies, such as submission of documentation.
“About 20 908 are awaiting supporting document appeals, meaning the student submitted incorrect documents at the time of appeal and were requested to provide further documents. In addition, 20 530 students, through results from Higher Education and Training and our institutions, indicate that they did not progress. Students appealed the decision and indicated that they have passed,” Nzimande explained.
The Minister said 11 284 appeals are currently in evaluation, which are assigned to a case worker to process each appeal.
He assured that all the appeals will be attended to urgently. – SAnews.gov.za
GabiK
Wed, 09/20/2023 - 10:51
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Call for rearrest of man accused of kidnapping nine-year-old girl
Call for rearrest of man accused of kidnapping nine-year-old girl
Law enforcement agencies have been called to swiftly rearrest a man who is allegedly involved in the kidnapping of a nine-year-old girl.
According to a report, the child from Sigedleni in Ixobho, in Southern KwaZulu-Natal was reported missing on 30 August 2023 and found in a harrowing situation on 02 September 2023.
It was reported that the child was being locked inside a house by a neighbour who allegedly sexually abused her.
The accused was initially apprehended and brought before the local magistrate's court. However, he was released last week after a rape case was not placed on the court roll.
KwaZulu-Natal Social Development MEC Nonhlanhla Khoza has expressed deep dismay at the incident and called for rearrest of the accused.
“Cases of rape and gender-based violence (GBV) are very serious and should not be allowed to go unpunished. We expect the police and relevant authorities to take immediate and decisive action to ensure that justice is served and that the perpetrator does not evade accountability,” Khoza said.
The MEC said it was disappointing that the suspect was let off the hook after the case was not put on the court roll.
“The department is committed to working closely with law enforcement agencies, community organisations and all stakeholders to provide support and assistance to the affected child and her family. We are also dedicated to implementing measures that will help prevent such heinous acts from occurring in future,” the MEC said.
Khoza said the department has dispatched a team of social workers to meet with the family and ensure the safety of the girl.
Campaign against substance abuse
Meanwhile, Khoza will today spearhead a campaign aimed at combating substance abuse and eradicating the illegal drug trade within the Mpembeni area of Umhlathuze, particularly in Ward 13.
The campaign seeks to address the significant challenges posed by drug peddling, including prevention, rehabilitation, community education and law enforcement efforts.
The key objectives of the campaign include:
• Engaging with local residents to raise awareness about the dangers of substance abuse and the importance of community unity in fighting this issue.
• Collaborating with law enforcement agencies to increase patrols and intelligence efforts to combat drug trafficking and apprehend those involved.
• Ensuring that individuals struggling with substance abuse have access to treatment and rehabilitation services to aid in their recovery and reintegration into society.
• Implementing educational programs in schools and community centres to prevent the initiation of drug use among youth.
• Offering support to families affected by substance abuse, providing guidance, counselling and resources to help them cope.
“Khoza, along with key stakeholders from law enforcement agencies, local government officials, community leaders and experts in the field will roll out this critical campaign,” the department said.
The event will be held at Mpembeni Sportsground. – SAnews.gov.za
GabiK
Tue, 09/19/2023 - 10:47
545 views
Outstanding Young Chefs and Bakers Triumph in the RCL FOODS Young Chef & Baker Challenge Semi-Finals
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Gary Kirsten announced as ambassador for The Guardian safeguarding organisation
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World leaders called to champion women, children health agenda
World leaders called to champion women, children health agenda
President Cyril Ramaphosa has called on Heads of State and Government to join the Global Leaders Network to champion the women, children and adolescent health agenda.
The President was addressing the High Level Partnership for Maternal, Newborn and Child Health (PMNCH) event on Monday at the UNICEF headquarters in New York, USA.
“As Heads of State, we can provide leadership and inspire ambitious action. We have the convening power to mobilise our peers and advance policies, programmes and financing initiatives for improved outcomes.
“As part of our agenda, we must challenge the disregard in many communities and countries for the sexual and reproductive health and rights of women,” President Ramaphosa said.
The President spent the first and second day of his working visit to the United States - for the 78th United Nations General Assembly - discussing sustainable development goals and investments in South Africa.
On Sunday, President Ramaphosa held a bilateral meeting with Professor Klaus Schwab, CEO of the World Economic Forum (WEF), to discuss South Africa’s participation at WEF and the progress the country is making on the reforms aimed at advancing inclusive economic growth.
The President also met with United States Congressman, Gregory Meeks. Both President Ramaphosa and Congressman Meeks acknowledged the need for greater cooperation between the US and South Africa in tackling global issues that are impacting the African continent, primarily, the impact of the Russia-Ukraine conflict on Africa.
“Congressman Meeks welcomed the briefing on the conclusion of the investigation into the docking of the LadyR vessel in Simmons Town, South Africa, and expressed his commitment to contributing to the strengthening of US-Africa diplomatic and trade relations, and to attending the AGOA forum in South Africa later this year,” the Presidency said.
President Ramaphosa concluded his first day of engagements with a meeting with the United Nations Secretary General, Antonio Guterres.
The two leaders discussed developments related to the reform of the international financial architecture and other initiatives in support of the Sustainable Development Goals, as well as the reform of the United Nations Security Council. The Secretary General commended South Africa for its important role in advancing these efforts.
The President also delivered remarks at the Sustainable Development Goals Summit, where he joined the call to address the fundamental development challenges that have long characterised an unequal world.
“The President emphasised the need for targeted investment, technology transfer and capacity building support especially in key areas such as industralisation, infrastructure, agriculture, water, energy, education and health. The President further underscored the requirement for sustained financial support, including supportive trade policies from the international community,” the Presidency said.
Later on Monday, President Ramaphosa led the business roundtable discussions with the US Chamber of Commerce and the US-Africa Business Center.
President Ramaphosa used the occasion to position South Africa’s economic reform agenda, which is focused on expanding industrial capacity as an opportunity for more US investment that can leverage off the demonstrated manufacturing base of South Africa. – SAnews.gov.za
DikelediM
Tue, 09/19/2023 - 12:01
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Young scientists to compete for top honours at Eskom Expo International Science Honest
This year’s Eskom Expo for Young Scientists International Science Fair (ISF) is set to be a global showcase of talent, featuring participants from 35 regions across South Africa, alongside international learners from 10 countries. From 3 to 6 October 2023, a total of 330 local young scientists and 20 participants from Ghana, India, Kenya, Lesotho, …
Call to incorporate sport into the school curriculum
Call to incorporate sport into the school curriculum
Minister of Sport, Arts and Culture Minister, Zizi Kodwa, has called for sport to be incorporated into the school curriculum.
“School sport is the bedrock of sport development in the country. School sport and physical education are contained in the National Development Plan and are integral to development in the country,” the Minister said.
He made these remarks on Sunday as he reflected on the recently held National School Sport Indaba, which gathered sport leaders and administrators, representatives in education, international experts, government officials, former players, and activists in the sport sector under the theme: 'Towards an integrated and united school sport system'.
The Minister said the National School Sport Indaba gave impetus to the establishment of a blueprint for school sport in South Africa.
“The indaba has set the path forward for government, the sport and education sectors, and commercial, community and civil society partners to work together towards building a sustainable national school sport programme,” he said.
The indaba focused on a new theory of change, realising the need to resolve all obstacles that are in the way of an inclusive, accessible and quality school sport system in the country.
The National School Sport Indaba came to the following resolutions:
- Policy: To give effect to the collaboration agreement between the Department of Sport, Arts and Culture and the Department of Basic Education through robust implementation, formal plans and monitoring of the agreement through formal practices.
- Resources: To advocate for the building of school-based sports facilities that are aligned to the broader community spatial design, to optimise the use of currently available school facilities, and encourage private public partnerships through a suitable model, which is to be investigated.
- Development pathway: Focus on getting children playing regularly. School sport must be educator-driven and build capacity across all role-players in the ecosystem through formal training programmes. Physical education should be introduced as a stand-alone subject.
- Stakeholder relationships and structures: A national macro body for school sport, supported by the Department of Sport, Arts and Culture, the Department of Basic Education, and the South African Sports Confederation and Olympic Committee (Sascoc), should be established.
- Governance and transformation: Regulate the integration of the country’s fragmented school sport system.
- SAnews.gov.za
nosihle
Mon, 09/18/2023 - 09:29
425 views
Inspired Education partners with The Royal College of Music and Forte to provide students with world-leading music programme
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Interfaith communities called to collaborate with government
Interfaith communities called to collaborate with government
Deputy President Paul Mashatile has encouraged interfaith communities to collaborate with government to tackle societal challenges.
Mashatile made the call during a fundraising gala dinner for the 100th anniversary of the Evangelical Lutheran Church of Southern Africa, Alexandra Parish, held at the Marlboro Community Hall.
“Now, more than ever, we must join forces to counter what has grown to threaten our communities. Among the many challenges confronting our communities, we must address access to quality education, poverty, unemployment, drug and substance abuse, child abuse, crime, corruption, lack of housing, teenage pregnancy, and [the] high HIV infection among young people,” Mashatile said.
In his address on Saturday, Mashatile said the church plays a crucial role in fighting social ills, irrespective of the denomination or community it serves.
As a well-established moral and social leader, the church has effectively addressed social problems through outreach, education, and advocacy.
The Deputy President expressed satisfaction with the church's endorsement of governmental function in addressing societal challenges, mostly centred on addressing fundamental necessities, advancing equality and fairness, and fostering a sense of community and social responsibility.
He noted that, social cohesiveness is widely recognised as a fundamental element of every given society, necessitating the active participation of all individuals in the collective endeavour to foster a harmonious social fabric.
He emphasised the importance for the interfaith community to continue collaborative efforts to foster inclusivity among all people. This is irrespective of racial, religious, or cultural backgrounds.
“As a church, we must ask whether we have attempted to fulfil our community responsibilities or joined the masses who care about themselves. Resolving these challenges necessitates a collaborative endeavour involving not just governmental entities but also the active participation of all segments of society, including interfaith communities.
“Interfaith initiatives, which include community service, serve as a vehicle for social change [and] these initiatives can specifically address issues like poverty and inequality. In its capacity as a moral and social leader, we strongly encourage the church to collaborate with us to tackle these societal difficulties as well as others effectively.”
He called on the church to foster a sense of belonging.
“Moreover, from feeding the homeless to educating underprivileged children, the church must continue to show a deep commitment to serving society. These acts of kindness and generosity benefit the recipients and inspire others to do the same, thus creating a culture of giving and kindness.”
The Deputy President expressed his appreciation to those who attended the event in support of the refurbishment of Dr Knack Primary School.
The refurbishment of the educational institution will positively impact academic advancement and the overall welfare of pupils, while also serving to attract and retain highly qualified personnel and educators.
He also commended the Evangelical Lutheran Church, in partnership with the Jewish Women's Organisation, for running a soup kitchen, which provides much-needed food to the Alexandra community, and for their after-school programme, which assists students with their homework.
He further urged everyone to emulate the Lutheran Church's example and assist in combating poverty in their communities by sharing what they have with those less fortunate.
“As a government, we recognise and appreciate the work done by churches and religious institutions in promoting social cohesion and supporting our communities. Your contribution to building strong communities and bringing people together is invaluable,” the Deputy President said. – SAnews.gov.za
GabiK
Sun, 09/17/2023 - 14:39
124 views
FPB CEO appointed as Vice Chair of Global Online Safety Regulators Network
FPB CEO appointed as Vice Chair of Global Online Safety Regulators Network
Film and Publication Board (FPB) Chief Executive Officer, Dr Mashilo Boloka, has been appointed as Vice Chairperson of the Global Online Safety Regulators Network (GORSN).
Boloka’s appointment as Vice Chairperson, was made by the Global Online Safety Network during a meeting hosted by the UK’s Communications Regulator, the Office of Communications (OFCOM) in London.
His one-year term will run until 2024.
Welcoming the new leadership, outgoing Chairperson and eSafety Commissioner’s Julie Inman-Grant, said they are happy to hand over the reins to OFCOM under the capable stewardship of Gill Whitehead.
“The 2024 Vice Chair will be the incredibly energetic Mashilo Boloka, CEO of the South African Film and Publication Board. We will continue to stand shoulder to shoulder in working together to work towards creating a safer, more positive online world,” Inman-Grant said.
Boloka’s appointment follows the FPB’s acceptance as a member of the GORSN earlier in July 2023.
The network was established in November 2022 to promote online safety and share information and good practice around online regulation.
Dr Boloka said the network represents a collaborative initiative to fight the borderless online harms, pursue harmonisation to avoid fragmentation of online safety legislation and coordinated online safety measures.
“As the Film and Publication Board of South Africa, we are excited to be a member of this Network. As the only representative on the African continent, we will ensure that voice of other regulators on the continent and the other developing worlds is heard.
“We will persuade other regulators on the continent to join the Network so that they can seize the opportunities it provides, information sharing on experiences and best practices so that we can together promote a safer online environment and fight online harms wherever it exists,” Boloka said.
During the London meeting, the Network discussed the need to promote regulatory coherence and underscored the importance of collaboration on shared issues, including industry engagement and new and emerging technology.
It also agreed on creation of a technology and public education working group. – SAnews.gov.za
GabiK
Sun, 09/17/2023 - 09:24
437 views
How One Pretoria Teacher’s Decision Made A Profound Impact On 10 Learners
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South Africa, Germany sign agreement for vaccines production
South Africa, Germany sign agreement for vaccines production
The Department of Science and Innovation (DSI) and Germany's KfW Development Bank have concluded a financing agreement for the production of vaccines.
Under the agreement the German government, through KfW, will provide South Africa with €20 million for vaccine production over a period of five years.
The grant is exclusively for financing equipment for the development, production and certification of active pharmaceutical ingredients for vaccine production in South Africa.
Announcing the signing of the agreement, Higher Education, Science and Innovation Minister Dr Blade Nzimande said the grant will be used, among other things, to support the mRNA technology transfer hub that South Africa is hosting for the World Health Organisation (WHO), to build vaccine manufacturing capacity in low and middle-income countries, “although it will go beyond this in providing support”.
“The objective of the technology transfer hub is to establish or enhance sustainable mRNA vaccine manufacturing capacity in regions with no or limited capacity, introduce new technologies in low and middle-income countries, promote regional research and development, strengthen regional bio manufacturing know-how and workforce development, and develop regulatory capabilities to support and accelerate regional approval and distribution of mRNA vaccines,” Nzimande said.
In response to the WHO decision made during the COVID-19 pandemic, Nzimande said the German government indicated its commitment to supporting vaccine production in South Africa.
The agreement, signed on 25 July 2023, makes the DSI the recipient of the KfW financial support on behalf of the South African government, and recognises the DSI and its Director-General, Dr Phil Mjwara, as the custodian and leader of the South African vaccine manufacturing strategy.
The Minister said the German decision to work with the department could be seen as a vote of confidence in its leadership's management of international funds.
"The German investment will build on the strategic investments by DSI and other partners, and KfW has agreed to work in alignment with the South African vaccine manufacturing strategy," Nzimande said, adding that the funding could support catalytic initiatives under this strategy.
The South African Medical Research Council (SAMRC) will be the project executing agency and will report to the DSI through a steering committee.
SAMRC President and CEO, Professor Glenda Gray said, the Council is delighted to be part of the program, which will provide critical support to establishing a vaccine manufacturing industry in Sub-Saharan Africa.
“In addition to complementing the activities of the mRNA hub program, this partnership will seek to provide critical support in filing gaps in the pre-clinical research domain,” Professor Gray said.
KfW will appoint an implementation consultant to support the KfW and to assist the SAMRC.
The consultant will be responsible for providing sector-specific support for project planning, management, monitoring and evaluation, among others.
Ambassador Andreas Peschke, from the German Embassy in Pretoria, reiterated the important role played by South Africa in strengthening continental vaccine manufacturing capacities, indicating that “the country is at the very forefront of continental efforts for local pharmaceutical and vaccine research and production.”
“[South Africa’s] world-class research institutions and a solid industry meet the prerequisites for independent vaccine research, development, and production,” Peschke said. – SAnews.gov.za
GabiK
Fri, 09/15/2023 - 10:49
613 views
SA eyes growing trade, exporting coal to Vietnam
SA eyes growing trade, exporting coal to Vietnam
South Africa is looking forward to broadening existing bilateral trade with Vietnam, says Deputy President Paul Mashatile.
“As South Africa we’d like to increase our exports to Vietnam because we believe there is big potential for growth,” said the Deputy President on Friday.
He was speaking at the President Guesthouse in Pretoria where he was hosting his Vietnamese counterpart, Vice President Vo Thi Anh Xuan on an Official Visit to South Africa.
He told the delegates that South Africa is looking into providing the Southeast Asian country with agricultural agro-processing products.
“Vietnam is also interested in acquiring coal from South Africa and we’ll be able to provide that.”
While bilateral relations have been characterised by “good progress”, the country’s second in charge is of the view that there is room for improvement in some areas.
“There will be areas, Vice President, where we will continue to ask for your support. But we want in particular to work with Vietnam on a number of peace initiatives that we’re engaged with.
“We’re aware that Vietnam supports our peace initiatives on the African continent,” he said.
The two nations are celebrating 30 years of diplomatic relations and the Official Visit aims to reinvigorate and strengthen friendship ties and solidarity as well as to consolidate the multifaceted partnership further.
“I would like to take this opportunity to extend my utmost gratitude and sincere appreciation to you for graciously accepting and honouring my humble invitation for an Official Visit.”
He also thanked Vietnam for supporting South Africa to be part of the sectoral dialogue partner of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ESEA), which was approved recently.
Vietnam is South Africa’s fifth-largest trading partner in the ASEAN region.
Meanwhile, the total bilateral trade between South Africa and Vietnam in 2022 was valued at R23.8 billion, with imports from Vietnam valued at R18.5 billion and exports to Vietnam valued at R5.2 billion.
The Deputy President told the Vice President that South Africa places great significance on their “enduring” and “robust” relationship with Vietnam.
“Our relations are based on strong historical ties, solidarity and the integral role Vietnam played in the fight against colonialism and racial discrimination.”
He also reflected on the bilateral relationship that has evolved and strengthened over the years, resulting in a diverse and multifaceted partnership characterised by enhanced collaboration in several domains.
He said this includes rapid progress in people-to-people links and strong government-to-government relations.
“As we move forward, it is our sincere hope that these networks, which have already demonstrated their immense potential, will not only maintain their current level of strength and stature but also experience significant and continuous growth in the years to come.”
Deputy President Mashatile said he was pleased that some of the leaders in government have also further consolidated their relations in the energy, mineral resources and higher education sectors.
“South Africa has prioritised new investments as a source of economic growth stimulation with a view to create jobs and reduce poverty and inequality by promoting investment, improving our competitiveness, and leveraging technology and innovation.
“Your presence here highlights the importance that both our countries attach to deepening and broadening our existing bilateral relations, especially in growing our trade and economic ties.” – SAnews.gov.za
Gabisile
Fri, 09/15/2023 - 11:45
457 views
Upcoming FEM Safetember Conference Shines the Spotlight on Workplace Health & Safety
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Mashatile to host Vietnamese Vice President on Official Visit to SA
Mashatile to host Vietnamese Vice President on Official Visit to SA
Deputy President Paul Mashatile will on Friday host Vietnamese Vice President Vo Thi Anh Xuan on an Official Visit to South Africa.
The Official Visit, according to the Presidency, occurs within the context of the commemoration of 30 years of diplomatic relations between South Africa and Vietnam.
The aim is to reinvigorate and further strengthen the ties of friendship and solidarity between the two countries to consolidate the multifaceted partnership.
“South Africa and Vietnam enjoy friendly and constructive relations grounded in a shared history of struggle for freedom and common values supportive of the agenda of the Global South.
“The Official Visit presents an opportunity to highlight the excellent relations between the two countries and to foster closer ties with the government and people of Vietnam,” the Presidency said.
Bilateral mechanisms between the two countries include the inter-governmental partnership forum for economic, trade, scientific, technical and cultural cooperation and the joint technical committee.
These, according to the Deputy President’s Office, serve as a vehicle to review bilateral relations and identify priority areas for technical cooperation.
Total bilateral trade between South Africa and Vietnam amounted to R23.8 billion in 2022, with the trade balance in favour of Vietnam.
The focus areas for discussions between the two governments will include trade, investment, promotion of agricultural products, market access, higher education, mineral resources and energy.
The leaders will also talk about regional and multilateral issues.
The Deputy Ministers of Foreign Affairs, Industry and Trade, Agriculture and Rural Development, Planning and Investment, Education and Training will accompany Vice President Xuan.
She will also be joined by senior government, senior leaders of the Communist Party of Vietnam and a business delegation. – SAnews.gov.za
Gabisile
Wed, 09/13/2023 - 13:22
90 views
Copper 360 School of Mining launches first courses
Nababeep, Northern Cape: The Copper 360 (Altx CPR) School of Mining debuted its first set of courses on 11 September at its Concordia operation in the Northern Cape. The company announced the development of the training facility in August. The school will launch with seven courses: Basic Surface Geology, Sampling, Ore Body Technician, Mineral Resource …