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Mossel Bay Residents Heavily Burdened by Poor Service Delivery and Sky-High Tariffs

Location: News

The Freedom Front Plus (VF Plus) in Mossel Bay is inundated with complaints about poor service delivery and the unsustainability of sky-high tariffs. The party learnt of a recent case where the Municipality imposed a levy of R22 million on an Afrikaans school to be constructed in the Hartland estate in Hartenbos. This is the […]

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Sudden Subsidy Cuts for Quintile-5 Schools in Gauteng

Location: News

The Freedom Front Plus (VF Plus) condemns the Gauteng Department of Education’s decision to reduce subsidies to quintile-5 schools in the province from R900 to just R315 per learner as from 2026. This reduction affects Afrikaans schools, in particular, and the Freedom Front Plus views the sudden slashing of subsidies to quintile-5 schools as an […]

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National Education and Training Council: Freedom Front Plus Tentatively Optimistic

Location: News

The announcement of the members of the new National Education and Training Council by the Minister of Basic Education, Ms Siviwe Gwarube, is an important step towards restoring faith in South African education. This is not only significant for public schools, but also for everyone engaged in education in South Africa. All South African learners […]

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Struggle icon, Duma Nokwe, awarded honorary title of Senior Counsel

Location: News

Struggle icon, Duma Nokwe, awarded honorary title of Senior Counsel

President Cyril Ramaphosa has posthumously awarded struggle veteran human rights lawyer, Advocate Dumalisile (Duma) Philemon Pearce Nokwe, the honorary title of Senior Counsel (SC or Silk) for the Republic of South Africa.

Nokwe passed away in 1978 while in exile in Zambia.

“The posthumous honour bestowed on the first African advocate of the Supreme Court is a high honour that recognises Advocate Nokwe’s expertise and contribution to the legal profession.

“President Ramaphosa has conferred the status of Senior Counsel on Adv Nokwe in line with the provisions of the Legal Practice Act of 2014, which governs this status and sets out the criteria for its conferral.

“In this instance, the Legal Practice Council and the Duma Nokwe Group of Advocates made an application to the President for Advocate Nokwe’s posthumous appointment as a Senior Counsel,” the Presidency said in a statement.

Nokwe’s remains were repatriated to South Africa in 2024 and his reburial will be held on Saturday.

“The President has bestowed this conferral on the late Adv Nokwe on the eve of the esteemed legal practitioner’s reburial in West Park Cemetery, Johannesburg, tomorrow, Saturday, 17 May 2025. He will be reburied along with his wife, Mrs Vuyiswa Malangabi-Nokwe who passed away in 2008.

“President Ramaphosa has accorded Advocate Nokwe a Special Provincial Official Funeral and the President will deliver a tribute at tomorrow’s ceremony,” the statement read.

Struggle icon

Nokwe held a BSc degree from the University of Fort Hare and a diploma in education, which he used to foray into teaching in Krugersdorp.

However, his political activities led his imprisonment during the Defiance Campaign aimed at the apartheid government in 1952.

He was banned and restricted in 1953 by the racist government following his participation in the World Youth Festival and visits to the then Soviet Union, China and Britain.

“He subsequently studied law, obtained an LLB degree and became the first black advocate to be admitted to the Johannesburg Society of Advocates. The Native Affairs Department of the time debarred him from taking chambers with his white colleagues in the Johannesburg city centre and this development led to Adv Nokwe devoting himself to the liberation struggle.

“He was put on trial for treason and was subjected to banning orders, arrests and assault by the police,” the presidency said.

His political activism and fight for the freedom of South Africans led to him having to leave the country.

“He was elected Secretary-General of the African National Congress in 1958 and mobilised communities against apartheid until the underground leadership directed him to leave South Africa in January 1963.

“Advocate Nokwe campaigned against the apartheid state on global platforms including those of the Organisation of African Unity and African Union and remained an activist until he passed in Lusaka in January 1978,” the statement concluded. – SAnews.gov.za

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Fri, 05/16/2025 - 11:02

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President Confers Posthumous Senior Counsel Status on Adv Dumalisile Philemon Pearce Nokwe

Location: News

The Presidency of the Republic of South Africa
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President Cyril Ramaphosa has honoured the late struggle veteran and human rights lawyer Advocate Dumalisile Philemon Pearce Nokwe with the posthumous conferral of the honorary title of Senior Counsel (Silk) for the Republic of South Africa.

The President has bestowed this conferral on the late Adv Nokwe on the eve of the esteemed legal practitioner's reburial in West Park Cemetery, Johannesburg, tomorrow, Saturday, 17 May 2025.

He will be reburied along with his wife, Mrs Vuyiswa Malangabi-Nokwe who passed away in 2008.

She was a distinguished activist in her own right and had obtained a BSc and Bachelor of Education degree.

Advocate “Duma” Nokwe passed away in Zambia in 1978, at the age of 50. He had lived in exile since 1963. His mortal remains were repatriated to South Africa in 2024.

President Ramaphosa has accorded Adv Nokwe a Special Provincial Official Funeral and the President will deliver a tribute at tomorrow's ceremony.

The posthumous honour bestowed on the first African advocate of the Supreme Court is a high honour that recognises Adv Nokwe's expertise and contribution to the legal profession.

President Ramaphosa has conferred the status of Senior Counsel on Adv Nokwe in line with the provisions of the Legal Practice Act of 2014, which governs this status and sets out the criteria for its conferral.

In this instance, the Legal Practice Council and the Duma Nokwe Group of Advocates made an application to the President for the Adv Nokwe's posthumous appointment as a Senior Counsel.

Adv Nokwe, who was born in 1927, obtained a BSc degree from the University of Fort Hare and a diploma in education with which he took up a teaching post in Krugersdorp.

His political activism led to imprisonment during the 1952 Defiance Campaign and his dismissal by the then Transvaal Education Department.

Following his participation in the 1953 World Youth Festival and visits to the then Soviet Union, China and Britain, the South African authorities imposed a banning and restriction order on him.

He subsequently studied law, obtained an LLB degree and became the first black advocate to be admitted to the Johannesburg Society of Advocates.

The Native Affairs Department of the time debarred him from taking chambers with his white colleagues in the Johannesburg city centre and this development led to Adv Nokwe devoting himself to the liberation struggle.

He was put on trial for treason and was subjected to banning orders, arrests and assault by the police.

He was elected Secretary-General of the African National Congress in 1958 and mobilised communities against apartheid until the underground leadership directed him to leave South Africa in January 1963.

Adv Nokwe campaigned against the apartheid state on global platforms including those of the Organisation of African Unity and African Union, and remained an activist until he passed in Lusaka in January 1978.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of The Presidency of the Republic of South Africa.

Read morePresident Confers Posthumous Senior Counsel Status on Adv Dumalisile Philemon Pearce Nokwe

MEST Africa and Mastercard Foundation Announce Selection of 12 Companies for Second Cohort of EdTech Fellowship in Ghana

Location: Business
The Meltwater Entrepreneurial School of Technology (MEST Africa)

MEST Africa (www.Meltwater.org), in partnership with the Mastercard Foundation, has announced its second cohort of 12 innovative companies for the Mastercard Foundation EdTech Fellowship in Ghana. This six-month entrepreneurship acceleration program is dedicated to supporting Africa's most promising EdTech ventures by equipping them with mentorship, funding, and expertise in the science of learning. These newly selected companies are set to scale their groundbreaking solutions and address pressing educational challenges across Ghana.

The Second cohort builds on the success of the first cohort of 12 EdTech Companies, whose solutions impacted over 136,798 learners during the period of acceleration, underscoring the Fellowship's ability to drive transformative change.

“We are thrilled to welcome the second cohort of the Mastercard Foundation EdTech Fellowship,” said Angela Duho, Program Manager at MEST Africa. “In Ghana, EdTech is not just about innovation—it's about creating equal opportunities for every student, no matter where they live. It empowers teachers with the tools they need to inspire, and it prepares our youth for a future where digital skills are essential. The first cohort has already shown us what's possible, and we're confident that these new Fellows will continue to transform education and unlock potential across the country.”

The 12 EdTech companies selected for the 2025 cohort demonstrated strengths in [please add here] that point to Ghana's educational needs. Over the next six months, they will benefit from comprehensive support, including expert mentorship, access to funding, and specialized training, enabling them to scale their solutions effectively and sustainably.

The EdTech companies selected by MEST Africa for the 2025 Mastercard Foundation EdTech Fellowship are:

  1. TECHAiDE (https://TECHAiDE.Global/) is a social enterprise committed to enhancing education, youth development, and healthcare throughout Africa. Since 2011, they have collaborated with global partners to deliver practical, affordable, and lasting solutions that uplift individuals, strengthen communities, and support institutions in creating brighter futures
  1. MooslaTrain (https://apo-opa.co/3S08HuA) is redefining math education in Ghana by sparking curiosity and confidence in students. This is done through community-driven math clubs and digital learning tools that make math approachable and fun, equipping young learners with the skills to thrive in STEM and beyond.
  1. Scribble Works Publishing House (https://ScribbleWorks.carrd.co/) is passionate about enriching education in Africa by providing educators and students with affordable, curriculum-aligned materials and interactive digital tools, fostering engaging learning experiences backed by actionable insights.
  1. InovTech STEM Center is an innovation hub devoted to bringing STEM education to underserved communities. Through hands-on robotics and coding programs—like STEM4Her, Powered Girl, and Powered Boy—they inspire students and teachers to develop skills that open doors to new opportunities.
  1. STEMAIDE (www.STEMAIDE.com) is focused on reshaping education in Africa by nurturing problem-solving, creativity, and entrepreneurial spirit in young people. STEMAIDE strives to prepare the next generation with the tools and mindset to succeed in an ever-changing world.
  1. Nikasemo Technologies (www.Nikasemo.com) is dedicated to enhancing the classroom experience in basic schools with their software and hardware solutions that streamline school operations and create dynamic, engaging learning environments that help students reach their full potential.
  1. Jesi AI (https://AI.UseJesi.com/) is a generative AI assistant supporting teachers in Ghana's junior and senior high schools. By simplifying the creation of high-quality, curriculum-aligned lesson plans and materials, Jesi AI saves educators time while also acting as a virtual tutor to guide students and track their growth.
  1. Metaschool AI (https://MetaschoolApp.com/) is an educational app designed with BECE and WASSCE students in Ghana in mind. Offering interactive video lessons from top instructors, Metaschool provides a flexible, student-paced learning platform that makes academic success more achievable.
  1. Maxim Nyansa Foundation (https://MaximNyansa.com/) empowers high school students and teachers across Africa with vital IT infrastructure and educational software. By tapping into open-source solutions, Maxim Nyansa improves access to quality education and works to close the digital gap.
  1. The Ghana Olympiad Academy (https://GhanaOlympiadAcademy.com/), through its Academic Talent Development Programme, brings hands-on STEM learning to learners in Ghana. They nurture talent in literacy, numeracy, and STEM, preparing young minds for leadership and innovation on a global stage.
  1. Asah Maker-Space is passionate about automation, robotics, 3D printing, coding, and construction. Asah Makerspace's team of skilled educators and tech enthusiasts empowers the next generation of creators through immersive, practical learning experiences.
  1. Craft Education Technologies (www.CraftEducation.io) bridges the gap between therapists, parents, and teachers to create a seamless support system for children with behavior and learning challenges, including autism. This collaborative model ensures that every child receives the individualized attention they need to succeed.

“The Mastercard Foundation looks to support the acceleration of EdTech solutions that reach all, including those out-of-school young people who are constantly left out of the education ecosystem. For it is when we design with the end user in mind that the business case for the solutions is more scalable, sustainable and impactful. Our collaboration with MEST Africa is to transform education in Ghana through technology-enabled learning”, added Rodwell Mangisi, the Acting Director of the Mastercard Foundation Centre for Innovative Teaching and Learning.

Through the Mastercard Foundation EdTech Fellowship, this cohort will embark on a transformative journey, gaining mentorship from experts in education innovation, sustainability, and scale, access to courses on the science of learning, and equity-free grants. This robust support aims to scale their solutions and elevate educational outcomes for millions across Ghana and Africa.

For more information about the Mastercard Foundation EdTech Fellowship and MEST Africa initiatives, visit www.Meltwater.org. 

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of The Meltwater Entrepreneurial School of Technology (MEST Africa).

For media inquiries, contact: 
Francis Akondor 
Marketing and Recruitment Manager, MEST Africa 
francis@meltwater.org  

About MEST Africa:
Established in 2008, the Meltwater Foundation is the non-profit arm of the global media intelligence company, Meltwater. Its mission is to create job opportunities and drive economic growth in Africa through software entrepreneurship, primarily via the Meltwater Entrepreneurial School of Technology (MEST Africa). Based in Accra, Ghana, MEST offers a one-year, specialised tech entrepreneurial training program for top talent from over 22 countries, including Nigeria, Kenya, South Africa, and Senegal. Additionally, MEST invests in early to growth-stage startups.

In 2020, MEST Programs was launched to forge partnerships with other foundations and organisations that share our goal of creating wealth and jobs in Africa through digital skills training and startup acceleration. MEST Africa has trained over 2,000 entrepreneurs and invested in more than 90 startups across various industries throughout Africa.

Visit www.Meltwater.org to learn more.

About the Mastercard Foundation:
The Mastercard Foundation is a registered Canadian charity and one of the largest foundations in the world. It works with visionary organisations to advance education and financial inclusion to enable young people in Africa and Indigenous youth in Canada to access dignified and fulfilling work. Established in 2006 through the generosity of Mastercard when it became a public company, the Foundation is an independent organisation separate from the company, with offices in Toronto, Kigali, Accra, Nairobi, Kampala, Lagos, Dakar, and Addis Ababa. Its policies, operations, and program decisions are determined by the Foundation's Board of Directors and leadership.

For more information on the Foundation, please visit www.MastercardFDN.org

About the Mastercard Foundation EdTech Fellowship:
The Mastercard Foundation EdTech Fellowship is an entrepreneurship acceleration program designed to support promising, African EdTech ventures. Implemented in partnership with innovation hubs and EdTech accelerators across Africa, the Fellowship provides select EdTech companies with critical business and financial support, as well as insight into the science of learning, preparing them for scale, sustainability, and impact. The Mastercard Foundation EdTech Fellowship was launched in 2019 by the Mastercard Foundation through its Centre for Innovative Teaching and Learning with the goal to partner with 12 Tech Hubs to support over 250 EdTech companies and reach at least 1.8 million young people by 2025.

For more information about the Centre for Innovative Teaching and Learning, visit: https://apo-opa.co/42DjLmm or contact: edtechfellowship@mastercardfdn.org   

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The Meltwater Entrepreneurial School of Technology (MEST Africa)
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Over 1000 teachers appointed to strengthen teaching capacity

Location: News

Over 1000 teachers appointed to strengthen teaching capacity

The KwaZulu-Natal Education Department has successfully appointed over 1000 teachers to ensure that no classroom is without a qualified teacher.

Education MEC Sipho Hlomuka said the department had appointed 1 530 Post Level 1 teachers between January and April 2025.

Also, of the 737 Post Level 1 positions advertised in September 2024, the majority were filled by the end of March 2025.

The posts became vacant due to attrition, including retirements, deaths, promotions and resignations. 

The MEC highlighted that most of the vacancies were in critical subject areas, including Mathematics, Mathematics Literacy, Physical Sciences, Life Sciences, technical subjects and other newly-introduced subjects.

“This achievement underscores our commitment to providing quality education to learners across the province of KwaZulu-Natal. The filling of these critical posts is a significant milestone for the department, as it will enable us to improve the teacher-to-learner ratio, enhance teaching and learning, and ultimately improve learner outcomes,” Hlomuka said.

He added that the achievement was a testament to the department’s dedication to ensuring that learners receive consistent and quality education.

The MEC expressed his gratitude to all stakeholders involved in the process, including teachers’ unions, and the broader education community.

“Their tireless efforts and commitment to the education sector have been instrumental in achieving this milestone. The KwaZulu-Natal Department of Education is committed to continuing its efforts to improve the quality of education in the province," Hlomuka said. – SAnews.gov.za

 

GabiK
Mon, 04/14/2025 - 12:01
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Toxic Stakeholder Relations at CUT Collapses Higher Education Oversight

Location: News

Republic of South Africa: The Parliament
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The Portfolio Committee on Higher Education has suspended planned discussions with the Central University of Technology (CUT) in Bloemfontein due to a breakdown in trust among senior management, unions, the Institutional Forum (IF) and the Student Representative Council (SRC). The decision follows an oversight visit that exposed severe governance failures, administrative disfunction and a campus environment that is not conducive to teaching and learning

CUT stakeholders unanimously decried the state of the institution during the Portfolio Committee on Higher Education's oversight visit. The IF, organised labour and the SRC said the CUT has serious administrative and governance issues, which is affecting staff morale and creating an environment that is not conducive to teaching and learning. University stakeholders also told the committee that the CUT registration process left much to be desired – many students could have been admitted but lost the opportunity due to the failure of IT systems.

Some of the allegations levelled against university leaders was that that the university has a serious shortage of academic staff members and the academic programmes is being run by part-time lecturers. In one faculty, for example, there are more part-time lecturers than full-time academic staff. The committee further said it is discouraging to note that CUT does not have an officially recognised SRC despite the fact that elections were held in August last year.

The committee Chairperson, Mr Tebogo Letsie, said that although the committee has postponed immediate engagement with CUT, it plans to revisit the university's challenges in the committee's programme next term. “We will schedule a dedicated hearing to dissect the root causes of this distrust. CUT's leadership must account for why stakeholder relations have deteriorated to this extent and how they intend to rebuild academic and operational stability,” added Mr Letsie.

Members of the committee were deeply concerned that the CUT did not have a recognised SRC. The committee cautioned against a growing practice in the sector where senior management in post-school education used the institution's resources to go after workers and students in the courts.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Republic of South Africa: The Parliament.

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Cabinet considers National Minimum Wage report

Location: News

Cabinet considers National Minimum Wage report

Cabinet has received and considered a report by the Department of Employment and Labour on the progress made to protect and enhance the National Minimum Wage (NMW).

The National Minimum Wage Act, which was enacted in November 2018, laid the foundation for reducing income inequality and wage gaps, and continues to safeguard low-income workers in the country. 

“From 1 March 2025, the National Minimum Wage increased by 4% from R27.58 to R28.79 per hour. This increase aims to provide essential economic support and much-needed relief to the six million workers earning within the National Minimum Wage bracket,” Cabinet said in a statement on Thursday.

READ | National Minimum Wage increases

The wage is the minimum amount of pay that an employer is legally required to remunerate employees for work done. No employee should be paid below the NMW.

Foundation learning

Meanwhile, Cabinet has also expressed its support for the strategic reorientation of the basic education sector towards foundation learning. 

In January 2025, the Department of Basic Education announced and celebrated a record high matric pass rate of 87.4%. 

However, just a month earlier the department had released systematic evaluation results from three different studies showing that nearly 80% of South African children cannot read for meaning, in any language by the age of 10.

To resolve this challenge the department has initiated a strategic reorientation that will have the following initiatives:

•    Universal access to quality early childhood development through the mass registration of ECD centre, ensure each child in ECD receives a subsidy, support ECD centre with Learning and Teaching materials, offer support to practitioners to obtain teaching qualifications. The funding of this has been allocated in the 2025 National Budget. 
•    Review the norms and standards to increase teacher posts in foundation phase teaching
•    Funza Lushaka Bursary will be re-oriented to prioritise bursaries to students who wish to teach in the foundation phase.

“This strategic reorientation will strengthen foundational literacy and numeracy skills of learners and ensure that they later be able to table on more complex subjects such as Maths, Science, Accounting and Economics amongst others,” Cabinet said. – SAnews.gov.za

 

DikelediM
Thu, 03/13/2025 - 14:32
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DBE committed to addressing school infrastructure backlogs 

Location: News

DBE committed to addressing school infrastructure backlogs 

The Department of Basic Education (DBE) has reiterated its committed to working with stakeholders in delivering safe, functional, and dignified learning spaces for learners.

“The department remains committed to working with National Treasury, provincial governments, the private sector and development partners to accelerate progress in delivering safe, functional and dignified learning spaces for all South African learners,” the DBE said in a statement on Wednesday.

Basic Education Minister Siviwe Gwarube on Tuesday briefed the National Council of Provinces (NCOP) on the DBE’s efforts to deal with infrastructure challenges in the sector. Gwarube estimated that an amount of R129 billion would be required to address the critical infrastructure backlog currently affecting schools across the country. 

In its statement, the DBE said the urgent need for funding underscores the pressing challenges facing the sector, where inadequate infrastructure continues to hinder effective teaching and learning.

The backlog includes the eradication of unsafe pit latrines, the replacement of mud schools and unsafe structures, and the provision of essential infrastructure such as proper sanitation, classrooms and fencing to ensure that all learners have a safe and conducive learning environment.

Despite the fiscal constraints facing the country, the department said the urgent need for investment in school infrastructure must still remain a priority.

The DBE committed to continue to engage with stakeholders to explore funding solutions that will allow it to meet its mandate and ensure that every child in South Africa learns in a safe, well-equipped and dignified school environment. – SAnews.gov.za

DikelediM
Thu, 03/13/2025 - 10:22
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Police commended for drug bust at Durban school

Location: News

Police commended for drug bust at Durban school

KwaZulu-Natal Education MEC, Sipho Hlomuka, has commended the South African Police Service (SAPS) for their swift and effective operation at Fairvale Secondary School in Wentworth, south of Durban, which led to the confiscation of illegal substances and large sums of cash.

The massive operation on Friday follows the reports of violence and drug-related activities within the school.

Over 60 police officers conducted a thorough search and seizure to ensure that teaching and learning can continue in a safe and drug-free environment.

Among the illegal substances confiscated are vapes, cigarettes, sharp scissors, pocket knives, pain medication, and some unknown pills.

Hlomuka reiterated that the department is against criminal activities permeating the schools and putting learners' futures at risk.

"We will not idly stand by while drugs and illegal activities threaten the safety and education of our children," Hlomuka said.

The MEC also implored parents and guardians to play an active role in monitoring their children’s activities.

“We ask that parents be intentional about ensuring that their children stay away from the use of illegal substances and any criminal activities. The safety and well-being of our learners requires joint effort between the department, law enforcement and families,” Hlomuka said. – SAnews.gov.za

GabiK
Mon, 03/10/2025 - 10:27
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Call to intensify efforts to improve early childhood learning 

Location: News

Call to intensify efforts to improve early childhood learning 

President Cyril Ramaphosa has called on educators to intensify efforts to improve early childhood learning, emphasising the urgent need to strengthen foundational skills in reading and mathematics.

The President was addressing the 2025 Basic Education Sector Lekgotla, at OR Tambo Conference Centre, in Ekurhuleni on Thursday. 

He highlighted concerning literacy and numeracy statistics, warning that failure to address these gaps could have long-term consequences for learners.

Citing the 2021 Progress in International Reading Literacy Study (PIRLS), he noted that more than 80% of Grade 4 learners in South Africa cannot read for meaning in any language, including their home language. 

Additionally, the country ranked low in a recently published study on Trends in International Mathematics and Science Study (TIMSS), which surveys capabilities in Grades 4 and 8.  

“Not having mastered basic skills in reading and maths at foundation level sets the tone for how a learner will perform in high school and beyond. That is why Early Childhood Development [ECD] education has become the key foundation and bedrock.

“So, correcting these shortcomings is the most urgent of tasks. It must be front and centre of our efforts in basic education,” he explained.

In the same breath, the President lauded the achievements of the Class of 2024 saying it reinforces government’s commitment to developing the nation’s young people as the most valuable resource.

He said this achievement shows that the country is steadily undoing the apartheid legacy of intergenerational poverty, disadvantage and indignity. 

“Our learners, teachers, parents and caregivers deserve our appreciation, alongside school governing bodies and partners in business, trade unions and academia. However, these impressive outcomes stand in stark contrast to what we see in the early years of education.”

To address these challenges, the President welcomed the Department of Basic Education’s review and realignment of the curriculum, including teacher development programmes and a focus on the Mother-Tongue Based Bilingual Education approach. 

He also stressed the importance of inclusive education, calling for greater access to quality learning for children with disabilities.

“We are encouraged by the department’s efforts to review and realign our existing curriculum, including assessment, learning and teaching support material and teacher development programmes,” the President said. 

Embracing AI and technology

The first citizen warned that globalisation, automation, and artificial intelligence (AI) are reshaping the job market, making it critical for South Africa’s education system to evolve.

He said that the theme of this year’s lekgotla – ‘Strengthening Foundations for a Resilient, Future-Fit Education System’ – is therefore most appropriate and timely. 

He highlighted that the World Economic Forum’s 2025 Future of Jobs Report showed the world’s fastest growing and fastest declining jobs. 

The report showed that jobs that are growing fastest are big data specialists, user interface and user experience engineers, data warehousing specialists and renewable energy engineers. 

At the bottom of the pyramid, some of the jobs that are in decline include bank tellers, data entry clerks, cashiers, admin assistants, book-keeping and payroll clerks, and telemarketers, among others. 

The President noted that many of these occupations that are in decline are entry level positions for young people entering the job market after school. 

He noted that AI and advanced language models are significantly reshaping various industries.

One such tool, ChatGPT, now has approximately 300 million weekly active users worldwide. The number of students relying on ChatGPT for school assignments has doubled between 2023 and 2024. 

The President emphasised the need for the education system to embrace technology while maintaining a strong foundation in human-led learning. 

“We have to adapt to this new reality or risk the consequences of last century methods that cannot deliver new century outcomes. As impressive as technological advances have been, technology is but a complement to human endeavour. 

“There is no substitute for solid foundational education led by committed and capable educators that sets the stage for a more effective and equitable educational system,” the President said. 

The President further highlighted that the first generation to grow up with the internet, Gen Z, are already in their thirties. Generation Alpha, the first fully digital generation, are now in high school. 

The babies born this year are the start of Generation Beta and will begin school in 2030. 

“These Generation Beta children will be mastering the use of AI tools for schoolwork, problem solving and life advice before they even reach high school. 

“This is to say nothing of their future career paths. There are now tools that can build a website in 10 seconds and compile a fully referenced research paper in about a minute. 

“So, when we speak of equipping our young people with the skills for a changing world, we are not only talking about the structure of education needing to be transformed, but its methods of delivery as well. I am pleased that this is an issue that is prioritised at the Basic Education Lekgotla,” the President said. 

Vocational and Entrepreneurial Pathways

President Ramaphosa also called for greater emphasis on technical and vocational education as viable alternatives to traditional academic pathways. He pointed to Germany, where 47% of the workforce holds vocational qualifications, compared to just 17% with university degrees.

“As stakeholders in the sector we need to work together to address the prevalent bias towards general academic education, and even the stigma that exists around choosing vocational occupations. 

“Vocational training should not be seen as a fall-back option for learners who have been identified as unlikely to obtain the marks needed for university entry. It should be seen as an attractive proposition for all learners.”

The President also highlighted the importance of fostering entrepreneurship to support young people in an economy with limited job opportunities. 

Agenda for education 

The 2025 Basic Education Sector Lekgotla, tcomes at a pivotal time as South Africa enters the implementation phase of the Medium-Term Development Plan and nears the five-year countdown to achieving the Sustainable Development Goals.

As South Africa chairs the G20, President Ramaphosa noted the opportunity to drive a progressive global education agenda under the theme of “solidarity, equality, and sustainability.”

“As the host of the G20 Education Working Group, we have a unique opportunity to drive a progressive agenda for inclusive and equitable education within the framework of the G20,” he said. – SAnews.gov.za

 

DikelediM
Thu, 02/27/2025 - 15:35
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Read moreCall to intensify efforts to improve early childhood learning