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Dr Velenkosini Matsebula is a Senior Lecturer in Development Finance at Stellenbosch Business School. As we enter the final quarter of 2023 and closer to the Fourth Industrial Revolution (4IR), marked by unprecedented technological advancement and global interconnectivity, we must acknowledge a stark reality: extreme poverty persists. While we commemorate the International Day of the …
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
“We’ve been waiting for files for years”
Committed to using technology for good, Samsung partners with Africam and The Black Mamba Anti-Poaching Unit to expand its Wildlife Watch pilot. Harnessing the technology in its Galaxy S21 Ultra and new S23 Ultra devices to broadcast live, 24/7 streams of wild animals in the Balule Nature Reserve, part of Kruger National Park. Coinciding with …
Minister welcomes return of Kusile Unit 1
The Ministry of Electricity says the return to service of unit 1 at Kusile Power Station marks a critical milestone in the quest to "recover South Africa’s economy”.
Eskom on Monday announced that the unit had returned to service a month and a half ahead of schedule since it was taken offline late last year.
The ministry said the Minister in the Presidency for Electricity, Dr Kgosientsho Ramokgopa, has welcomed the development.
“The return of the unit, which had been out of commission, together with unit 2 and 3 since August 2022 following safety concerns with the structural integrity of the stack, comes two months ahead of schedule and adds 800MW onto the grid.
“This marks significant overall improvements to generation performance with Kusile Unit 3, which came back online on 29 September 2023, also returning back to service two months ahead of schedule.
“The third of the units (Unit 2) is now expected to similarly return to service in November 2023, whilst Unit 5 will come into commercial operation in December 2023,” the statement read.
The Ministry highlighted the impact that the return of the unit will have.
“The return of the Kusile units represents a critical milestone in our quest to recover South Africa’s economy, protect jobs, advance universal access and improve the quality of life.
“The Minister remains focused on bolstering the country’s electricity generating capacity by giving accelerated attention to the expansion and strengthening of transmission infrastructure to accommodate new renewable generation capacity.
“The Minister congratulates Eskom’s Generation team for the sterling hard work to bring back stability and credibility to the Eskom generation fleet and reducing the intensity and severity of load shedding,” the statement said. – SAnews.gov.za
NeoB
Tue, 10/17/2023 - 10:58
Sony Unveils INZONE Buds – Truly Wireless Gaming Earbuds with the Industry’s Longest Battery Life[i], Advised by Fnatic INZONE Buds join the acclaimed INZONE range as its first truly wireless gaming earbuds, bringing the industry’s longest 12-hour battery life1 with less than 30ms low latency. Also introducing the lightweight INZONE H5 wireless headset and a …
Berlin/Cape Town/Zug – October 2023 – UBUNATION, a dynamic community and platform driven by compassion, kindness, and respect for others, is thrilled to unveil its inaugural campaign and collection in partnership with the We Love Football Academy (WLFA). WLFA, a non-profit organization headquartered in Cape Town, South Africa, is dedicated to empowering youth for a …
CAPE TOWN, SOUTH AFRICA, 11 October 2023 – Dutch-based technology platform Lisa BV will launch its smart leasing platform in South Africa after acquiring its core leasing technology platform from Inospace, South Africa’s largest last-mile logistics operator. Rael Levitt, founder and CEO of Inospace, announced Lisa’s breakthrough market entry today and confirmed that Inospace has …
KZN Premier welcomes provincial 4IR commission
KwaZulu-Natal Premier Nomusa Dube-Ncube says the Provincial Fourth Industrial Revolution (4IR) Commission is a game-changer in the march towards positioning KwaZulu-Natal as a smart province.
Speaking at the 4IR Commission inaugural meeting at the Archie Gumede Conference Centre in Mayville, Durban, on Friday, Dube-Ncube said the establishment of the commission is a "good progression from the approval of the Provincial Digital Transformation Strategy by the Executive Council in May 2020", whose main objectives is to guide the province towards government automation, integration and digitisation of services.
All this, Dube-Ncube said, is aimed at making service delivery efficient, and seizing economic opportunities and innovation to drive the digital transformation strategy of the province.
The 4IR Commission was appointed by the Premier after endorsement by the Executive Council in May 2023.The main target is to develop an integrated provincial 4IR strategy to achieve competitiveness in the key economic sectors, including agriculture, the oceans economy, finance, mining, manufacturing, information and communications technology (ICT) and electronics, tourism and business with science, technology and innovation, as a cross-cutting enabler.
Dube-Ncube said the commission will also accelerate the implementation of the Provincial Digital Transformation Strategy, and gain insight from professionals within the ICT sector.
The Premier said the commission represents a significant step forward in the province's journey towards embracing the transformative power of technology and innovation in a rapidly changing world and bridging the digital divide.
In establishing the 4IR Commission, Dube-Ncube said the province is demonstrating its commitment to harnessing the vast potential of this new era.
“We have assembled a distinguished group of experts, including innovators and thought-leaders, who will serve as the guiding force in navigating this uncharted territory. Their collective knowledge and wisdom will be instrumental in shaping our nation's approach to the Fourth Industrial Revolution,” Dube-Ncube said.
The 4IR Commission comprises the following members:
• Dr Leon Rolls: Chairperson of the 4IR Commission.
• Professor Chris Adendorff: Deputy Chairperson of the Commission.
• Langelihle Zulu: Commissioner.
• Dr Stella Bvuma: Commissioner.
• Dr Sibongiseni Thosetjane: Commissioner.
Rolls underscored the need for the 4IR Commission to build hope for a better and smarter future for KZN.
“We must be a connected smart province with a thriving digital economy. The time for talking and unending learning from other countries is over. We are going to vigorously implement this strategy now,” Rolls said. – SAnews.gov.za
GabiK
Mon, 10/16/2023 - 11:19
A substantial group of Tygerberg MTB Club members is eagerly awaiting SA’s MTB Party of the year, the Savanna Origin of Trails MTB Experience, that is set to showcase the sport of mountain biking against the backdrop of Stellenbosch’s legendary trails on Saturday 18 and Sunday 19 November 2023. “The Savanna Origin of Trails MTB …
Teacher supply and demand by 2030: Securing SA’s future
South African teachers aren’t operating on survival mode since the public sector has solved the teacher shortages, writes Angie Motshekga.
As South Africa marks Teachers' Month, coinciding with last week's ceremony honouring the best in our teaching cohort, it's imperative to recognise the vital role teachers play in moulding our nation's future. The public sector's successful resolution of teacher shortages means our educators are no longer merely on “survival mode” even though resource constraints remain. Their impact, frequently extending beyond the classroom, is immeasurable. The significance of the Funza Lushaka Bursary Programme in bolstering South Africa's teaching profession is commendable. Here in black and white are facts and figures about teachers in SA today.
Since its inception, the Funza Lushaka Bursary Programme has facilitated the training and integration of new teachers into our educational system. From 2007, marking the year when bursars completed their studies and became eligible for placement in 2008, up to the most recent data for 2023, a cumulative total of 52 099 teachers have successfully completed their training through the Funza Lushaka programme.
This underscores its success in supporting teachers and rejuvenating the nation’s educational system with well-trained professionals.
The impact of Funza Lushaka on teacher placement: A decade in review
As we delve deeper into the data related to the Funza Lushaka Bursary Programme, another significant aspect comes to the fore – the successful placement of these trained educators within our educational system. This ensures that our investment in human capital translates into tangible benefits for our learners and the broader education sector.
From 2013 to 31 August 2023, spanning a decade and seven months, we have witnessed impressive placement rates across our Provincial Education Departments (PEDs).
Eastern Cape: Out of 6 608 trained teachers, 4 869 have been successfully placed, representing a placement rate of 74%. However, 1 739 remain unplaced.
Free State: Here, we see a higher placement percentage. Of the 3 092 educators, 2 752 have found positions, marking an 89% placement rate, leaving only 340 unplaced.
Gauteng: This province has seen the training of 9 423 teachers, with 8 002 of them (or 85%) being effectively integrated into schools. However, 1 421 are still seeking placement.
KwaZulu-Natal: With 9 012 trained educators, 6 908 have been placed (77%), while 2 104 await placement.
Limpopo: This province boasts one of the highest placement rates at 94%. Of 4 623 educators, 4 347 have been placed, leaving a mere 276 unplaced.
Mpumalanga: Here, 4 006 teachers were trained, and 3161 (or 79%) have been placed, leaving 845 awaiting placement.
North West: An impressive 96% placement rate is observed here. Of the 2 543 educators, 2 436 have found their roles in the education system, with only 107 still unplaced.
Northern Cape: Another province with an excellent placement rate of 96%. Of 1 166 educators, 1 115 have been effectively placed, and 51 remain unplaced.
Western Cape: From 6 867 educators, 5,127 have been successfully placed, making the rate 75%. However, 1 740 educators are still seeking placement.
Of the 47 340 educators trained over the past decade and seven months, 38 717 have been effectively placed within our educational system, representing an overall placement rate of 82%. While this achievement is worth celebrating, the data also underscores the need to address the 8 623 educators awaiting placement.
In other words, since 2013, 38 717 out of 47 340 Funza Lushaka graduates have found placement in schools, representing approximately 81.78% of these graduates. This translates to an average placement of about 4 300 graduates per annum. To put this into perspective, Funza Lushaka Bursary Scheme graduates placed in schools account for 20-25% of all graduates absorbed into the public education system each year. This figure is a testament to the programme’s significant contribution to rejuvenating the teaching profession.
The financial magnitude of investing in tomorrow’s teachers
However, a programme of this magnitude comes with substantial financial commitment. Between 2007 and 2022, the cumulative financial outlay for the scheme across all participating Higher Education Institutions (HEIs) amounts to a staggering R13 115 645 580.95.
These figures highlight the vast number of future educators being nurtured through the programme and the immense financial commitment to ensuring their readiness to shape the next generation. It’s essential to view this not merely as an expenditure but as a significant investment in the future of South Africa’s basic education system.
Investing in today’s educators for a brighter tomorrow
In 2023 alone, across all HEIs, some 10864 students have been funded to pursue their dreams of becoming educators. This comes at the cost of the fiscus of R1 164 539 332.47. This figure showcases a substantial investment into nurturing teaching professionals who will go on to play an integral role in our basic education system.
It’s worth noting that behind each bursary is an aspiring educator, a beacon of hope equipped to inspire our nation’s youth. This investment signifies belief in the transformative power of education and those who deliver it.
Teacher supply and demand by 2030
The cepartment’s research indicates two major factors: the ageing teaching workforce, which necessitates a new influx of educators, and a surge in learner numbers due to population growth. Given the current learner-educator ratio (LER) of 29.8:1, we employ around 405 000 educators in the public sector. However, by 2030, to maintain this LER, we’d require about 428 000 educators. Failing to meet this could result in the LER spiking to 31.6:1, signifying larger class sizes and potentially diminishing the quality of education. The challenge is further compounded when considering that funding plays a significant role in our ability to recruit and maintain these educators.
But here’s the silver lining: there’s already a surplus. Every year, while 31,000 fresh teacher graduates step out, only 18 000 to 20 000 are absorbed into the public sector, creating a significant reservoir.
However, quantity alone isn’t the solution. As the curriculum evolves with the Three Streams Model focusing on technical vocational and technical occupational streams, the quality and specialisation of training become paramount. Our bursary schemes must pivot, possibly minimising the general academic stream and emphasising the new curricular needs.
*Angie Motshekga is the Basic Education Minister in South Africa.
Matona
Mon, 10/16/2023 - 09:59
Beyond Public Employment Programmes to Pathway Participants into viable work and earning opportunities – by Sandy Dlamini Zhanda, Siphesihle Qange & Struan Robertson, Seriti Institute In the realm of employment creation projects, public employment programmes (PEPs) have played a crucial role in providing work and earning opportunities while alleviating the socioeconomic impact of unemployment. Significantly, …
Health Department to introduce new vaccines to improve existing coverage
As part of efforts to improve coverage of existing vaccines, the Department of Health is set to introduce new vaccines to be included in the routine expanded program on immunisation at a cost of R3.5 billion.
Health Minister, Dr Joe Phaahla, made the announcement during a media briefing following a meeting with Health MECs held in Centurion on Thursday.
Phaahla noted that South Africa continues to experience outbreaks of vaccine-preventable diseases, despite a strong childhood vaccination programme.
He said there is an ongoing need to improve coverage of existing vaccines and add new vaccines to the expanded program on immunisation schedule.
The Minister said the department is introducing a better packaged/derived vaccine that will prevent Whooping Cough, Tetanus and Diphtheria and reduce the chances of these conditions resurfacing within the communities.
“We are also introducing a combination vaccine of measles and rubella that will protect young girls, particularly during pregnancy which may lead to birth defects,” Phaahla said.
He said all these changes, recommended by the Ministerial-appointed National Advisory Group on Immunisation (NAGI), will be implemented with effect from January 2024.
Expansion of online birth registrations rollout
The Minister also announced that the Department of Home Affairs has made budget provision for the set-up and operational costs for the expansion of Online Registration System by an additional 91 health facilities during 2023/24 financial year.
This forms part of collaborative efforts between the Departments of Health and Home Affairs to ensure that all births are registered on time, through the Online Birth Registration system, which has been rolled in 161 health facilities with ability to issue birth certificates on the spot.
“These facilities will be allocated full-time Home Affairs officials to provide birth registration service during office hours. The establishment of the system in these new facilities will commence by the end of October 2023. This initiative will go a long way in providing early birth registration,” Phaahla said.
Integration of COVID-19 vaccinations into primary health services
Meanwhile, the Minister announced that the department has decided to make a number of changes related to COVID-19 vaccinations, which include transitioning from a mass vaccination campaign to integrate vaccination into routine primary health care services.
This is in line with World Health Organisation (WHO) recommendations.
Phaahla said the current available Pfizer vaccine stock purchased as part of the COVID-19 national vaccination rollout will expire at the end of October 2023, while the J&J vaccine doses will expire at the end of February 2024.
The EVDS (Electronic Vaccination Data System) will continue to record all COVID-19 vaccinations until 29 February 2024, thereafter those vaccinated will receive a paper-record of vaccination, but they will still be able to download vaccination certificates as long as they have at least one vaccination code.
“The department plans to procure vaccines for administration in the public sector and will continue to work with the private sector to facilitate availability of vaccines. All restrictions limiting procurement of vaccines by private sector providers will be lifted,” Phaahla explained.
He added that the investigation and causality assessment of COVID-19 vaccination-related Adverse Events Following Immunisation (AEFIs) will continue and mechanisms for processing No Fault Compensation Scheme claims will be retained.
Phaahla also gave an update on various issues affecting the public health system, including cost containment measures; audit outcomes and performance against targets; medico-legal claims, among others. – SAnews.gov.za
GabiK
Fri, 10/13/2023 - 10:44
Inspired Education Group, the global leader in premium education, is proud to announce the expansion of its Virtual Reality (VR) and Metaverse-based learning programme to selected schools in South Africa. Following a successful pilot in five international schools, Inspired is now taking this innovative approach to education to Reddam House Helderfontein and Reddam House Waterfall …
The Ministry of Health, Cancer Unit has recorded 577 cases of cancer between January 2023 and June 2023, 33 of which are cancers of the breast. While many cancer patients in middle-income countries succumb to the disease, 50-year-old Fikile Hlatjwayo is lucky to have survived the deadly disease. Hlatjwayo was diagnosed with breast cancer in 2015 and started treatment, which at that time was only available in South Africa through the Phalala Fund. It was only in 2022 that the Ministry of Health established an oncology unit in Manzini, through support from the Bristol Myer Squibb Foundation (BMSF). This came as a relief to cancer patients like Hlatjwayo as services became available in the country. This enabled patients to receive not only medical support but also support from family, true to this year's theme of Global Breast Cancer Awareness month “Closing the care gap, the role of families”.
The establishment of the oncology unit enabled the Ministry of Health to construct a radiation facility. The official opening of Manzini Oncology Hospital has witnessed an increase in the number of clients accessing services and the only facility that provides strictly cancer in-patient care. This has eased the burden on Mbabane Government Hospital, which was the only center that provided chemotherapy services, and reduced the referral to neighboring countries/private facilities. Currently, the hospital has one Oncologist who works in both Manzini and Mbabane Hospital. Further, the Ministry of Health has assigned some Medical Officers to work in the Oncology Unit.
Hlatjwayo says the availability of cancer treatment in local facilities has lessened the stress of having to spend a lot of time away from her family whilst receiving treatment in neighboring countries. “I was diagnosed with breast cancer in 2015 and I received treatment again in 2022 because some cancer cells were found in my lungs, but now I am okay. I would like to thank my husband and my children for the support that they gave me throughout my journey with cancer,” she said.
During the launch of the Global Breast Cancer Awareness month in Mbabane, Principal Secretary of the Ministry of Health Khanyakwezwe Mabuza mentioned that this year's theme indeed focused on the role played by family in giving hope and support to cancer patients and overcoming stigma. Mabuza said, just like Hlatjwayo's family, awareness and education can enable families to create a better place for all those who need care and support.
“Understanding and acquiring knowledge about the condition of the sick relative, treatment options that are available and the importance of preventive care empowers families to actively participate in the health care discussion. There is no doubt that without families there is no way we can survive or conquer this scourge,” he said.
The PS outlined that families can foster an inclusive natural environment where individuals feel safe to express their needs. He added that having breast cancer is not an easy road, so by promoting open communication, families can contribute to breaking down the barriers and stigma that surrounds the disease.
“There is a lot of misconception with regards to breast cancer, and families become advocates for the loved ones. This allows the individuals to seek healthcare without fear of judgment and discrimination, he said. Mabuza further emphasized that the Ministry of Health has prioritized cancer control and has ensured universal cancer prevention. He further applauded the Eswatini Breast and Cervical Cancer Network as well as Eswatini Hospice at Home, among others, for ensuring that cancer patients receive the necessary support.
Speaking at the same event, WHO Representative Dr Susan Tembo mentioned that globally, there are more than 2.3 million cases of breast cancer that occur each year, which makes it the most common cancer among adults. In 95% of countries, breast cancer is the first or second leading cause of female cancer deaths, and nearly 80% of deaths from breast and cervical cancer occur in low- and middle-income countries like Eswatini. Dr Tembo reiterated that breast cancer places a tremendous strain on individuals, families, communities, health systems, and economies, hence it must be a priority for the Ministry of Health and Government.
“Cancer in women including breast cancer leaves a devastating impact on the next generation. A study on cancer, suggests that with an estimated 4.4 million women dying of cancer in 2020, nearly 1 million children were orphaned by cancer, 25% of which were due to breast cancer. Children who lose their mothers to cancer experience health and educational disadvantages throughout their lives, triggering generational, chronic social disruption and financial harm in many cases,” she said.
To mitigate the burden of breast cancer, WHO has released a number of tools including the Global Breast Cancer Initiative Framework which provides a roadmap to attain the targets to save 2.5 million lives from breast cancer by 2040. The new Framework recommends that countries implement the three pillars of health promotion for early detection, timely diagnosis, and comprehensive management of breast cancer to reach the targets. Dr Tembo further urged the Government of Eswatini to ensure that this framework is integrated into primary health care, not only to advance health promotion but also to empower women to seek and receive health care throughout the life cycle.
Distributed by APO Group on behalf of WHO Regional Office for Africa.
Mdzananda staff were busy building a fence for Khayelitsha residents who wanted to adopt a dog
University says it is NSFAS’s responsibility to resolve the issue with students
Fostering ventures specializing in the entertainment business in Africa Sony Group Corporation (“Sony”) announced today that it has established “Sony Innovation Fund: Africa” as an initiative to support the growth of the entertainment businesses in Africa. Since 2016, Sony has been participating in the ecosystem of new business creation around the world and has contributed …
Significant gains in access to education
Government’s policies geared at tackling school dropouts and increasing the completion of secondary schooling are producing positive results - as persons aged 20 years and older with no formal education reduced from 19.1% in 1996 to 6.9% in 2022.
This is according to South Africa's Census 2022 national results, which was handed over to President Cyril Ramaphosa by Statistician-General Risenga Maluleke at the Union Buildings in Pretoria on Tuesday.
“Furthermore, persons aged 20 years and older with some primary education decreased from 16.6% in 1996 to 7.4% in 2022. Over the period, there has been a noteworthy increase in the number of persons completing secondary education (16.3% in 1996 to 37.6% in 2022) and post-school education (7.1% in 1996 to 12.2% in 2022).
“In 2011 and 2022, business, economics and management sciences and education were dominated by females, while males continue to dominate in engineering as well as electrical infrastructure studies,” Maluleke said.
He said post-apartheid South Africa has experienced an expansion in the completion of secondary schooling for previously disadvantaged population groups.
“South Africa has geared up to intensify its measures through policy reforms to tackle school dropouts and increase completion of secondary schooling. However, race disparity in educational attainment intersects with other forms of disadvantage, including poverty and the urban-rural divide,” Maluleke said.
Considering the relatively high children and youth population due to the demographic dividends of the country, concerted efforts have been made by government to expand the education system.
This had been done through establishing more institutions, especially in the Early childhood development (ECD) sector, giving much-required attention to remote and rural areas, introducing new and skill-based programmes in institutions and providing funding such as the National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS) for disadvantaged learners planning to undertake higher education.
“The period between 1996 to 2001 showed a large increase in the percentage of young children under the age of compulsory education participating in education (23.1 percentage points among 5-year-olds and 21.2 percentage points among 6-year-olds).
“However, it is the decade between 2001 and 2011 that showed an unprecedented increase in participation among 5-year-olds with a rise of 35.5 percentage points in participation from 45.6% to 81.1%. Furthermore, nearly nine out of ten (92.4%) children of this age were attending educational institutions in 2022, which is a nearly 70 percentage points increase from 1996,” Maluleke said.
He said among 6-year-olds, less than half (49.1%) were attending educational institutions in 1996 but subsequently increased by 21.2 percentage points in 2001.
“The data also show high attendance rates among 6–7-year-olds in 2022, who would most likely be attending Grade R. However, the attendance rate starts to decline by age 15, with only six out of ten (59.9%) 18-year-olds attending educational institutions in 2022; a reduction from 75.7% in 1996,” Maluleke said.
In 1996, more than half (54.6%) of the 20-year-olds were in education, which reduced to 37.0% in 2022.
ECD programme
In South Africa, 3.4 million children aged 0 - 4 years attended ECD programmes in 2022, of which 2.5 million attended a crèche/educare centre or pre-school/nursery school/Grade 00/Grade 000/Grade R.
“About 570 000 children had parents who preferred that they stay with day mothers/gogos/childminders. The majority of children attending ECD programmes were attending a crèche/educare centre (59.8%) while 12.2% attended pre-school/nursery school/Grade 00/Grade 000/Grade R.
“Close to 27.0% of children stayed either with day mothers/gogos/childminders or participated in home/community playgroups. While more than 3 million black African children attended ECD programmes, seven out of ten (72,3%) attended ECD facilities, with 60,7% attending a crèche/educare centre and 11,6% attending pre-school/nursery school/Grade 00/Grade 000/Grade R.
“By contrast, among white children 83.4% attended ECD facilities with one-third (32.5%) attending pre-school/nursery school/Grade 00/Grade 000/Grade R and the rest attending a crèche/educare centre (50.9%). Close to 17.0% of black African children stayed with day mothers/gogos/childminders,” he said.
Maluleke also noted the use of day mothers/gogos/childminders for childcare was also high among Indians/Asians (19.6%).
Among coloured children, close to 19.0% participated in home/community playgroups. Results showed that there were slight differences between sexes.
An analysis of persons aged 5–24 shows that overall, the percentage of individuals attending an educational institution increased by three percentage points between 1996 and 2022.
“Attendance increased to almost universal level between 1996 and 2022 for children aged 5 years and 6 years, while the attendance rate starts to decline by age 15–24 over the same period. Attendance also increased for black Africans, coloureds and whites over the period, while Indians/Asians showed little change,” he said. – SAnews.gov.za
nosihle
Thu, 10/12/2023 - 13:45
The vast, 100 hectare site is a hive of activity, with local contractors Stefanutti Stocks heading up the construction work with approximately 500 people currently on site. Piling, earthworks, retaining structures and columns of Westown Square are virtually all complete and the walls of the 50 000m² retail experience, the first project within Westown, are …
Shongweni Park to comprise 1 260 apartments in 20 phases over the next four years at Westown, near Hillcrest in outer west Durban Complements its two coastal estates in Umhlanga and Ballito Shongweni Park lifestyle estate will be developed according to Balwin’s Classic brand and include one-, two- and three-bedroom apartments Each apartment sold with a …
President: South Africa derives great benefit from BRICS membership
“Rest assured, BRICS is a great benefit to our country and it’s an association that we are very proud of and that we intend to continue with.”
These were the words of President Cyril Ramaphosa as he fielded questions in the National Council of Provinces (NCOP) on the benefits of South Africa being part of the BRICS group of countries.
The group is now known as the BRICS Plus group following the addition of six new member countries - namely Argentina, Egypt, Ethiopia, Iran, Saudi Arabia and the UAE.
“We, as a country, have benefitted a great deal [through] the association with other BRICS countries. China today is our largest trading partner and this has largely been cemented, upheld and encouraged by our membership of BRICS,” President Ramaphosa said on Thursday.
The President said South Africa continues to reap economic benefits from its association with the group, with talks during bilateral events going beyond political engagement.
“Indeed, many other BRICS members, who have now been admitted, are going to find that BRICS is an important forum that goes beyond just the political engagements at that level but also involves economic development, trade extension, technology extension and many other beneficial areas that advance humanity.
“[Just] the association in BRICS leads to a great deal of economic benefits for our country and we have seen such. Our trade with BRICS countries has grown in leaps and bounds, and many of the areas in which our trade has grown has been by virtue of being associated in BRICS. So there is a clear economic benefit there,” he said.
The President said the expansion of the BRICS group of countries, up from five members to 11, will give a “great boost, particularly to the Global South”.
He hinted at the possible further expansion of the group, which would give further credence to the group’s growing influence in global matters.
“We are, as it is now, going to consider membership applications from many other countries that want to be part of BRICS. So BRICS continues to grow. It continues to grow in importance, economically, politically, as well as [where] trade is concerned.
“BRICS is the great attraction that many countries now see for development and we want to keep BRICS as an important forum, as an important partnership that progresses countries that are associated with it or part of it,” he said.
Answering a question on the financial impact of South Africa’s hosting of the BRICS Summit in August, President Ramaphosa insisted that the economic benefits outweigh the costs.
“The summit that we held here was… a hugely successful summit and we are proud that the people of South Africa were part of it, embraced it and also enabled it to happen here on South African soil.
“The mere holding of a summit as large as the BRICS Summit – and this, by any measure, was the biggest BRICS Summit – brings together a huge number of people, many of whom come to South Africa either for the first time, and they come to spend their money here.
“One country alone, China, brought up to 600 people who, due to their presence here, needed beds to sleep in, needed food and transportation, etc,.. Many other countries brought a number of delegates just to come and attend.
“When you have an event like that, it inevitably leads to an economic benefit immediately because many of these people come with money from their own countries to spend here, so it increases the number of people who work,” President Ramaphosa said. – SAnews.gov.za
NeoB
Thu, 10/12/2023 - 15:17
92.1% of SA population owns a cellphone
South Africa's Census 2022 national results has shown an upward trend in ownership of refrigerators, televisions and cellphones.
“The overwhelming majority (92.1%) of households in the country owned a cellphone in working order, a notable increase from the 3.3% in 2001. Just under four-fifths (79%) of households owned televisions compared to the 52.6% in 2001,” Statistician-General Risenga Maluleke said.
Furthermore, the data from Census 2022, which he handed over to President Cyril Ramaphosa on Tuesday in Pretoria, shows that the ownership of a refrigerators/freezers increased from 53.8% in 2001 to 83.2% in 2022.
“In contrast, households owning a radio decreased significantly from 73% in 2001 to 50.3% in 2022. In addition, there is a downward trend in households that owned a landline telephone over the period 2001–2022,” Maluleke said.
Households residing in formal dwellings
The report noted that there has been an upward trend in households residing in formal dwellings - an increase of almost 24 percentage points (from 65.1% in 1996 to 88.5% in Census 2022).
Formal dwellings include formal houses with a brick/concrete structure, flats and apartments, cluster houses, townhouses, semi-detached houses or any formal dwelling situated in a backyard, such as a room or garden cottage where a household or single person resides.
“The proportion of households that resided in informal dwellings halved (from 16.2% in 1996 to 8.1% in 2022). In 2022, just over two-fifths (41.6%) of the dwellings that households resided in were owned and fully paid off, with similar proportions recorded in 2001 and 2011.
“The proportion of households that occupied their dwellings rent-free increased from 18.6% in 2011 to 25.6% in 2022, while rented dwellings decreased slightly from 25% in 2011 to 23.2% in 2022. Only 6.6% of households resided in dwellings that were owned but not fully paid off (for example, those still repaying a bond to the bank), declining from 11.8% in 2011,” he said.
Households were asked whether the dwelling they resided in was a government-subsidised dwelling or RDP.
“Two-fifths (40%) of households in the Northern Cape reported that they resided in government subsidised dwelling/RDP housing, only slightly higher than the proportion of households in the Free State (37.6%). Households in Limpopo recorded the lowest proportion of government subsidised dwelling/RDP housing (18.3%), well below the national average of 29.9%,” Maluleke said.
Access to internet
Generally, there has been an upward trend in access to internet services over the period 2011–2022.
Maluleke attributed this to rapid advancement in communication services, such as cellphone ownership.
“Overall, households with no access to internet decreased threefold (from 64.8% in 2011 to 21.1% in 2022). A substantial percentage of households reported accessing internet mainly through a cellphone or other mobile device (60.5%) compared to 16.3% recorded in 2011.
“There was an increase in the percentage of households accessing internet mainly at home, from 8.6% in 2011 to 13.3% in 2022. It is also noted that households accessing internet mainly using other methods decreased significantly. Households accessing internet mainly at work decreased by four percentage points (from 4.7% in 2011 to 0.3% in 2022),” he said.
Migration
The Census 2022 shows that there has been an increase in the number of the population born outside South Africa.
“The results indicate that there were more male immigrants compared to females. Furthermore, the prevalent ages of migrants were between ages 20 and 44 years, suggesting that young adults are more likely to migrate than children and the elderly.
“In Census 2011, males aged 25–29 reported the highest number of immigrants with 260 885, whilst in 2022 male immigrants aged 30–34 (235 297) numbered the highest.
“The top five sending countries remained the same between the two censuses (Zimbabwe, Mozambique, Lesotho, Malawi, and the United Kingdom). India also maintained the 2011 rank in 2022. Namibia, Eswatini, Somalia, Portugal and Germany went down the rank in 2022,” Maluleke said.
Countries that moved up the rank were: Ethiopia, Nigeria, Congo, Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), Bangladesh, Botswana, and Pakistan.
China is the only country that moved out of the top 20 sending countries in 2022. Whereas Ghana is the new entry into the top 20 sending countries in 2022. – SAnews.gov.za
nosihle
Thu, 10/12/2023 - 14:17
Launch of BMA a step in the right direction in securing South Africa’s borders
By Dr Michael Masiapato, PhD.
The Musina heat of 37°C gathered thousands of attendees to witness the historic launch of the Border Management Authority (BMA).
The Border Management Authority aims to ensure that South African borders are less porous and more efficient in facilitation of trade as well as ensuring the legitimate movement of goods and people. South Africa has 72 ports of entry comprising of 53 land ports, 10 aviation or international airports and 9 marine (sea) ports. Over and above managing the 72 ports of entry, we are managing the vulnerable segments of our border lines and community crossing points.
The initial multi-departmental approach we had for the past 29 years was a major challenge, where a number of Departments were operating at the borders. You had the Department of Home Affairs doing immigration; the Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment doing biosecurity functions, the Department of Agriculture doing agriculture functions and also the Department of Health responsible for port health functions. In the previous years we had independent managers of those four departments operating at the ports and reporting back to their various departments. This was over and above the operations of the South African Revenue Services (SARS) facilitating port customs, the South African National Defence Force (SANDF) and the South African Police Service (SAPS) responsible for border policing functions.
There was a necessity to bring a border management model where these port functions of the four Departments are integrated. The model involved the port related functions exiting those Departments and reporting to the Border Management Authority under one command. The need for an integrated and co-ordinated border management was in accordance with the Constitution, international and domestic law, in order to contribute to the socio-economic development of the Republic.
In order to empower the BMA to be effective, it was then created as a law enforcement authority, which became the third armed service in South Africa after SANDF and SAPS. The mandate of the BMA is clear in ensuring the prevention of smuggling and trafficking of human beings and goods; preventing illegal cross-border movement; contributing to the protection of the Republic’s environmental and natural resources; and protecting the Republic from harmful and infectious diseases, pests and substances. In July 2022, the first 221 officers were deployed as BMA Border Guards at vulnerable segments of the border line, including the informal community crossing points. Its formal establishment and assumption of its status as an autonomous schedule 3 (A) public entity was conferred on 1 April 2023. This being one of the most important authorities, it was necessary for President Cyril Ramaphosa, as Commander-in-Chief of the South Africa’s armed forces to preside over the launch of the Border Management Authority.
Subsequent to that, and additional 400 BMA Border Guards including 50 Coast guards are being recruited to ensure that the entity is effective and efficient at all border posts. In order to maintain the BMA integrity and based on the many corruption challenges that were faced in the past, section 13 of the BMA Act requires that all border management officials be fully vetted and regular lifestyle audits to be conducted.
To assist with technological support on Border Management operations, the Minister of Home Affairs, Dr Aaron Motsoaledi recently announced the issuing of the Request for Proposal to the market for the redesigning and redevelopment of our top six busiest ports of entry. The primary intention is to ensure the realisation of regional economic integration in the SADC region, while facilitating the realisation of African Continental Free Trade Area. The re-developed ports of entry will result in the efficient cross-border management of movement of people, goods and services, improved revenue collection and preventing harmful imports and exports.
The six earmarked ports of entry are:
These ports were earmarked in order to address the congestion, based on being the largest and busiest by traffic volume.
The re-designing project is expected to create an estimated 38 000 jobs in areas around the six designated ports of entry.
The BMA is a vital link in our efforts to harness the benefits of the African Continental Free Trade Area. Despite serious challenges faced before, the BMA will provide a sustainable solution to the structural challenges of border security, control and coordination. It is intended that this new approach will adapt and respond effectively to the challenges, threats and opportunities that exist in the Border environment whilst safe-guarding South Africa’s borders and meeting the country’s national, regional and global development responsibilities and human rights imperatives.
* Dr Michael Masiapato is the Commissioner and CEO of the Border Management Authority.
Matona
Thu, 10/12/2023 - 13:44