REFLECTIONS ON LESSONS LEARNT FROM #FEESMUSTFALL A DECADE LATER
Rage, anger, despair, desperation … the intense emotions that escalated into the 2015 #FeesMustFall revolt! A time when university campuses were engulfed by violence, chaos, police brutality, uncertainty, fear, and disruptions. The extent was so severe that it was described as a ‘war zone’ (Tau, 2016). This year marks 10 years since South Africa witnessed […]
MCDONALD’S CONTROVERSIAL DESKS: THE ART OF OBTAINING RESOURCES WHILE AVOIDING COPORATE EXPLOITATION
This past week, the Basic Education Minister Siviwe Gwarube has doubled-down on her decision to dole out McDonald’s branded foldable desks to two schools in Cape Town. The dual-purpose foldable desks, which double as wheelie backpacks, have been pioneered by MiDesk Global and donated by McDonalds, were unveiled at the end of February in partnership […]
TRIBUTE TO PROFESSOR JOHN MAKHENE ON THE OCCASION OF THE CELEBRATION OF HIS 90th BIRTHDAY
I have the singular honour of paying tribute to one of the country’s unsung heroes, my former university professor and Vice Chancellor Professor John Makhene. Professor Makhene is a renowned scholar, educator, and a mentor to many. many. To understand Professor John Makhene, one must step back and consider his journey before coming to the […]
IS SA UTILISING TECH EFFECTIVELY?
Prior to our ascent into 2025, the national government assented the South African Post Office Amendment Bill, in a last-ditch effort to reshape the Post Office infrastructure to provide diversified and expanded services. Although we are yet to see the full extent of this revamp by the South African Post Office (SAPO), this new bill has […]
UNISA TO HOST THE 11TH ANNUAL DECOLONIALITY SUMMER SCHOOL
The University of South Africa’s (Unisa’s) College of Human Sciences (CHS) proudly announces the 11th anniversary edition of its esteemed Decoloniality Summer School, slated to unfold from 13 to 17 January 2025, at the Unisa Main Campus in Pretoria. The 2025 Summer School which will be held under the overarching theme “Fanon Beyond Fanon: Living […]
DEPUTY PRESIDENT MASHATILE DELIVERS PROFESSOR SIBUSISO BENGU’S EULOGY
“Today, we gather to pay tribute to a remarkable individual, Professor Sibusiso Bengu, a renowned revolutionary and intellectual of his time. As a country, we have lost a distinguished educator, diplomat, and servant of the people. Professor Bengu has played a key role in shaping education and other social policies, contributing to the transformation of […]
PROF LENKABULA’S RE-APPOINTMENT AS UNISA HEAD BODES VERY WELL FOR THE FUTURE
Her steely resolve and determination, guts and forthrightness coupled with her erudite nature have seen Prof Puleng LenkaBula rewarded with another five years at the helm of Africa’s foremost distance education mecca that is Unisa. “At its sitting on Monday, 9 December 2024, the University of South Africa’s (Unisa) Council announced the re-appointment of Prof […]
REFLECTIONS AS WE DRAW TO THE END OF THE YEAR
As the final days of 2024 rapidly approach, the world braces for a whirlwind of reflection, celebration, and anticipation. From the unprecedented inception of the Government of National Unity (GNU), to scooping up six official medals at the 2024 Paris Olympics, this year has certainly left an indelible mark on history. As we etch nearer […]
PRESIDENT RAMAPHOSA AFFIRMS THE ROLE OF MULTIPARTY PROCESS ON THE BELA ACT
President Cyril Ramaphosa has noted the settlement agreement between the Minister of Basic Education and the Solidarity union on the Basic Education Laws Amendment Act (BELA). The BELA Bill was passed by the 6th democratic Parliament on 26 October 2023. The President assented to the Bill on 13 September 2024. During the public signing of […]
REMARKS BY PRESIDENT CYRIL RAMAPHOSA AT THE 24TH NATIONAL TEACHING AWARDS
“Distinguished Guests, To all our esteemed educators present, and all educators across the length and breadth of South Africa, Good Morning. It is a great honour for me to be here and to be amongst the finest men and women of the teaching profession in our country. I congratulate the Department of Basic Education for […]
SENDING STUDENTS FORTH TO A BRIGHTER FUTURE IN CHINA A GREAT IDEA
This past Tuesday, the Minister of Higher Education and Training, Nobuhle Nkabane, announced that the government plans to send over 100 schoolchildren to China for a skills progression initiative. The initiative, as outlined by the minister, is aimed at equipping students with “scarce and critical skills of the future” within the technology sector, ultimately bolstering […]