South Africa

15 September 2017

Alumni Advance Excellence

Ten recent graduates from UCT’s Department of Chemical Engineering will be completing their master’s degrees abroad, with the bulk of students attending the University of Cambridge in the UK. Read more

Call for Shoprite Bursary Applications

The Shoprite Group is searching for bright, hard-working young people who need funding in order to continue their post-school education and have a better chance of finding jobs. Read more

Conspiracies behind student millionaire

It was revealed in the Portfolio Committee meeting on Higher Education that the student who received the R14.1 million incorrect payments must have conspired with vendors and administrative officials. Read more

Ebola Virus Study Generates PhD in Health Sciences

A novel study on the Ebola virus that produced four publications in just one academic year earned Dr Marissa Balmith a PhD in Health Sciences. Read more

Geological ‘Barcodes’: A Unique Way to Date Rocks

Geological time as recorded by sedimentary rocks can preserve distinct intervals in which biotic crises resulted in global mass extinctions. Read more

Government Answerable For R14m Student Case

The National Freedom Party (NFP) on Thursday called on the government to take full responsibility for the situation regarding the R14.1 million that was “accidentally” deposited into the account of a Walter Sisulu University student, and to stop shifting the blame. Read more

How Do Youth Find Their Place in The World?

In 21st century South Africa and Japan, young people have emerged as a significant community for analysing contemporary transformations, with their capacity to negotiate warmth and hospitality between social continuities and change in a globalised, interconnected world of local and global hierarchies. Read more

New Study Centre for PE

A unique tertiary institution, where there are no lecturers on campus and students attend classes after work with a lecturer who is more than 1,000km away, will open its doors in Nelson Mandela Bay next year. Read more

Proposed Collaboration Promises Great Results for Entrepreneurship

Creating opportunities and areas for collaboration between the Department of Small Business Development and the University of KwaZulu-Natal was the aim of a recent roundtable discussion championed by the School of Accounting Economics and Finance (SAEF). Read more

Student Surgeons Climb Kili for Dialysis Machine

UCT’s Surgical Society is planning to summit the daunting Mount Kilimanjaro this December to raise funds to buy a life-saving kidney dialysis machine for Groote Schuur Hospital. Read more

The Fall Strikes an International Chord

The much-acclaimed play The Fall returns to the Baxter Theatre this September in the wake of global events signalling the importance of decolonisation across the world. Read more

Tackling Seemingly Insurmountable Mountains is What the New Dean Does Best

As a trail runner he has tackled some of the toughest snowy mountains to be found in Poland and participated in gruelling challenges in rough terrains in South Africa, but perhaps the most challenging task that Prof Anthony Leysens will face over the next five years is how to build a sustainable arts and social sciences faculty at a time when higher education institutions in general are under immense pressure to remain financially sustainable. Read more

Transformed Many Lives for the Better at Varsity

As the term of Professor Derrick Swartz as vice-chancellor of Nelson Mandela University is about to expire at the end of this year, I would like to express my appreciation for the man who has played an important role in transforming many lives for the better and producing many graduates in his term as the vice-chancellor. Read more

Zuma Set to Make Higher Education Report ‘Public In Due Course’

President Jacob Zuma has received the final report of the Heher Commission on the feasibility of free higher education and would make it public in due course. Read more

 

31 August 2017

Artscape Celebrates SACM Musicians

Six talented instrumentalists and singers from the South African College of Music (SACM) are set to perform at the Western Cape Youth Classical Festival. Read more

Candidates Sought For Phd in ‘Leadership in Africa’s Development’

The University of Africa, a private university within JSE-listed ADvTECH, is on track to start producing new authorities on leadership on the continent and is calling for candidates from across Africa to join the programme. Read more

Cape Town Shows off Scientific Treasures

It was perhaps not so much teenage tomfoolery as it was scientific curiosity that drew the moths to the cloud of ammonia. While this writer didn’t stick around long enough to figure out what exactly the chap in the white coat was demonstrating, a fair number of the youngsters did. They were the guests of honour at this year’s Cape Town Expo for Young Scientists, after all. Read more

College of Business and Economics Launches Officially at UJ

The official launch of the new College of Business and Economics (CBE) at the University of Johannesburg (UJ) takes place on Monday 21 August 2017. The College, combining the previous Faculties of Economic and Financial Sciences and Management, houses six schools focusing on management education in Africa. Read more

Competition Offers Free Student Accommodation in PE

CampusKey is running a competition offering free accommodation at its new Scarborough facility in Summerstrand, Port Elizabeth. The competition is open to students aged 18 or over, studying at the Nelson Mandela University (NMU) or a higher education establishment in Port Elizabeth, during the 2018 academic year. Read more

Goal Reached – A PhD at 69 Years Old

After five years of pursuing her PhD, 69-year-old Lulama Ngalo-Morrison is now a doctor of education after graduating from UWC. Read more

Higher Education Committee Slams ‘Dubious’ R14m #NSFAS Payment

Portfolio Committee on Higher Education and Training has slammed the R14 million accidentally paid into a Walter Sisulu University student’s account as “dubious” and “unacceptable”. Read more

Honour for Innovative, Multifaceted Linguist

Professor Ana Deumert was in Berlin recently to receive the prestigious Humboldt Research Award for her work in general and applied linguistics. Her peers have described her as one of the world’s most distinguished and innovative thinkers in the field of sociolinguistics. Read more

How Severe Is the Drought?

The rainy season is about to finish and dam levels are at 34%, compared to last year’s 58%. Even if there are good late rains, our predicament is not going to change. Read more

Investing In Energy Entrepreneurs

The Bertha Centre for Social Innovation and Entrepreneurship is part of a project that is testing an innovative, outcomes-based funding mechanism, the Green Outcomes Fund, to catalyse investment into promising green small and growing businesses. Read more

Is Fee-Free Tertiary Education Viable In SA, Commissions’ Report Will Tell?

South Africans will soon know whether the country is ready for fee-free higher education and training or not. Read more

Mogoeng Appointed Chancellor at UKZN

Chief Justice Mogoeng Mogoeng is the new Chancellor of the University of KwaZulu-Natal. Chief Justice Mogoeng was appointed by Council at its meeting held on 7 August 2017 and will serve as Chancellor for a four-year term of office. Read more

Nzimande Condemns R14.1m Student Payment ‘Slip-Up’

Higher Education and Training Minister Blade Nzimande has condemned the incorrect payment of R14.1 million into the account of a Walter Sisulu University (WSU) student, whose studies were being financed by government. Read more

Own Your Future with UCT Careers Festival

The Careers Service presents the UCT Careers Festival, which includes everything students need to know to take the next step in their career development. Read more

Proposed Collaboration Promises Great Results for Entrepreneurship

Creating opportunities and areas for collaboration between the Department of Small Business Development and the University of KwaZulu-Natal was the aim of a recent roundtable discussion championed by the School of Accounting Economics and Finance (SAEF). Read more

Secret Life of the Dodo Revealed

Scientists are piecing together clues about the life of the dodo, hundreds of years after the flightless bird was driven to extinction. Read more

Short Two-Billion-Year History of SA

While the proposal to translate the book had been floated as far back as the first edition, Emeritus Professor Francis Wilson had his hopes realised only on publication of the third edition of Dinosaurs, Diamonds and Democracy. Read more

South African Universities Need to Rethink how They Invest Their Millions

Universities have to decide what to do with the pension fund contributions of their staff. They also receive large monetary donations from alumni and other private donors. This money – millions, sometimes billions of dollars – goes into university investment funds. Read more

Technology Will Disrupt Traditional Education System

The current education system is ripe for disruption. Historically, institutions have positioned themselves as knowledge leaders and the primary place to receive expertise to prepare students for the workplace. However, in the age of free online courses from the worlds top universities and part-time study sites, such as edX and Coursera, that information is becoming widely available outside the system. Read more

Think Tank Tackles Myth of Green Mining

Sustainability is key to the survival of the mining sector worldwide. But is green mining a pipe dream, or can the industry shift into a transformed and more sustainable paradigm? These questions absorbed participants during a recent one-day interactive workshop at UCT. Read more

UKZN Awards Academic and Sports Achievements

The University of KwaZulu-Natal (UKZN) has awarded prestigious scholarships and bursaries worth a combined total of more than R156 million to 5294 top achieving students at the University during the University’s Annual Scholarships Awards Ceremony. Read more

Zuma Set To Make Higher Education Report ‘Public In Due Course’

President Jacob Zuma has received the final report of the Heher Commission on the feasibility of free higher education and would make it public in due course. Read more

 

15 August 2017

Academic Adds Fun into Accounting

The School of Accounting, Economics and Finance academic has once again found a way to spice up Accounting by creating an educational game for his Accounting students. Read more

ANC Plays It Safe: Free Higher Education Soon

The ANC wants the government to provide free higher education for poor would-be students as early as next year. Read more

Leadership Comes Under the Spotlight at Imbokodo Workshop

What makes a good leader and what are the main challenges facing women in the workplace? Read more

Many Steps Face Mandela University

Through the Government Gazette No 40090, dated June 23 last year, Higher Education Minister Blade Nzimande determined that Nelson Mandela Metropolitan University would be named Nelson Mandela University from now on. Read more

M-Education Can Speed Up Learning, Participation

With many students using their mobile phones to access information, rather than laptop or tablet, South African higher education institutions – whether public or private – are encouraged to support the integration of mobile devices and apps in formal and informal learning environments. Read more

Mining the Power of Data to Boost Student Success

Data analytics is becoming increasingly important to improving the effectiveness of almost every profession and academia is no different, but knowing what data is important and how to use it is critical. Read more

Nursing Education Creates Empowerment

At our Life College of Learning, we are able to develop many South African women through our various nursing and health sciences courses. Read more

Overcoming Hurdles to Success

Not afraid to speak his mind about anything from politics to everyday life, former University of the Free State vice-chancellor Professor Jonathan Jansen had his audience in stitches when he launched his latest literary work, Song for Sarah: Lessons from my mother. Read more

Predator Alert! Credible Science Is Being Gobbled Up, Warn Academics

Predatory publishing – in which bogus journals publish academic research for a fee – threatens to undermine science in South Africa. Read more

Student Activist Slams ANC for Being Arrogant, Hypocritical

Student activist said the ANC was arrogant and hypocritical for granting free higher education despite a number of student leaders still facing charges related to Fees Must Fall protests. Read more

Student Digs Fund Targets JSE Niche

The listing of the first student accommodation group Inkunzi should encourage more companies focusing on student housing to go public. Read more

Students Not Prepared For Tertiary Education

Not being happy with their study choice and falling school standards are some of the reasons why South African students feel unprepared for tertiary education. Read more

UKZN Graduate Hones Skills in the Petrol Manufacturing Industry

School of Management, Information Technology and Governance (SMIG) alumni paid tribute to UKZN’s Supply Chain Department for providing him with the inspiration, dedication and motivation needed to pursue his career with confidence. Read more

UKZN Ranks Third In SA, and 369th Internationally

World ranking body, University Ranking by Academic Performance (URAP), has placed the University of KwaZulu-Natal (UKZN) third among 16 universities in South Africa and 369th among 2000 higher education institutes across the globe. Read more

UKZN Team Involved In Baby Charlie Care

UKZN’s paediatric palliative care team, was involved in discussions around the care of Charlie Gard, an 11-month-old UK baby who was living with a rare condition. Read more

Universities Enter Partnership with Police to Curb Crime

In a bid to deal with crime plaguing South African campuses, South Africa’s universities have entered into a long-term partnership with the national police service that will see closer collaboration to ensure the safety and security of university communities across the country. Read more

Universities SA Wary of ANC’s Free Tertiary Tuition

The ANC’s proposal to provide free tertiary education for poor people from 2018 was unlikely to placate students, Universities SA warned. Read more

We Reject Free Education Offer, Says #Feesmustfall Leader

Student activist Mcebo Dlamini said on Tuesday that the African National Congress (ANC) was arrogant and hypocritical for granting free higher education despite a number of student leaders still facing charges related to fees must fall protests. Read more

15 July 2017

City University Linked To Malawian Prophet Being Investigated

The ownership of a city university, called Shepherd Bushiri University and linked to controversial Malawian prophet Shepherd Bushiri, is under investigation by the Department of Higher Education, which said yesterday that modules and courses offered were bogus and unregistered. Read more

Combine On-The-Job Training with Flexible Study Programmes

Are degree and certificate programmes in business education only for privileged few? Read more

Cut Out Distractions Before Matric Studies Start

As the Class of 2017 return to their desks for arguably the most important few months of their school careers, it is time for them to eliminate all distractions, and budget their time to ensure they stay in control of their revision and ultimate success. Read more

Free Education for the Poor Coming Soon

Free education for the poor may be implemented by next year, says ANC general secretary Gwede Mantashe. Read more

High-Ranking UJ Leaders Accused Of Swindling R25m

Two senior managers at the University of Johannesburg (UJ) have been accused of siphoning off at least R25 million from the university, which they allegedly channelled into their private business. Read more

Institutional Autonomy under Threat As Government Seeks To Increase Number of Black Professors

While it is essential to diversify the make-up of staff and students at tertiary institutions, the government’s current fixation with increasing the number of black professors further threatens institutional autonomy. Read more

Medical Students Blocked At Hospitals over Qualifications

Medical students who have studied in India and China have been dealt a major blow after a moratorium was placed on local universities preventing them from being placed at state hospitals. Read more

NMMU Becomes NMU

The Nelson Mandela Metropolitan University in Port Elizabeth has relaunched itself as the Nelson Mandela University. Read more

NSFAS Expenditure Rises Over 10 Years

The National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS) loan system has risen by more than 600% for universities and a 17 900% for Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) colleges in the past ten year. Read more

Officials Probe Suspected Bogus College

The Department of Higher Education and Training (DHET) is investigating the owners of a suspected fraudulent international university on allegations of operating an illegal private institution in central Pretoria. Read more

R3.5m Bursaries for Teacher Education In 2018

The Embury Institute for Higher Education is open for applications for its 2018 bursaries for teacher education, worth R3.5m. The bursaries are awarded through two initiatives, a full four-year tuition bursary scheme for high-performing but financially challenged students and the Triple 3 Campus Tuition bursary scheme. Read more

Relaunched Nelson Mandela University Must Live Up To Its Name

Staff and students at the newly-branded Nelson Mandela University have a “responsibility to cherish and defend Nelson Mandela’s name” and “be true Madibas,” Read more

Renamed university has big shoes to fill

Nelson Mandela University has big shoes to fill and expectations to meet, since it was officially renamed after the iconic late statesman. Read more

Student Funding Models Mooted

The type of funding model that South Africa comes up with in response to the #FeesMustFall student movement should not be one that compromises students. Read more

Students Must Sign Loan Deals or Lose Out On Funding

More than 200,000 students on the National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS) have not received their funding and are in danger of losing it entirely if they fail to sign loan agreements. Read more

Suburban High-Rise Student Digs Boon

The seven-storey CampusKey Scarborough development is nearing completion at a crucial time for Nelson Mandela University (NMU) with next year’s student intake looming and funding for a new on-campus residence not yet finalized. Read more

Varsity Clinics to Supply Arts to Students

The University of Zululand (Unizul) has become the first institution of higher education in KwaZulu-Natal to provide antiretroviral treatment (ART) in its health clinics. Read more

 

30 June 2017

Becoming partners in care

The Patient Partner Programme has been funded by the Erasmus+ capacity building programme of the European Union as part of the Caring Society 3.0 (CASO) consortium. Read more

Beware Bogus Colleges Offering ‘University’ Qualifications

There has been an increase in bogus colleges, exploiting the complexities of the regulatory environment for gain, and students and their parents must avoid unregistered and unaccredited colleges. Read more

Fee-Free Varsity for the Poor Examined

The minister of higher education’s task team believes it has finally solved the university fees crisis, but the Ikusasa Student Financial Aid Programme is just another way for the private sector to benefit from the poor. Read more

Free Education Is Possible, Says Task Team Chair

While some 1 000 people had crammed into Jameson Hall to debate the feasibility of fee-free higher education, kicked off by a report-back from UCT’s Free Education Planning Group task team, the speakers made it clear that student and worker struggles at universities were intimately connected. Read more

Harnessing Technology to Drive Innovation

UCT alumnus Rapelang Rabana, who has achieved phenomenal success in her field, will be speaking about being a young entrepreneur at the Development and Alumni Department (DAD)’s Distinguished Alumni Speaker Series talk this weekend. Read more

Nhlanha Nene to Head Wits Business School

Former finance minister Nhlanhla Nene was named interim director of the Wits Business School (WBS) late Friday. According to a statement released to the press, he will hold the position until a long-term executive is selected next year and then go on to serve as an Honorary Professor and a Scholar in Residence. Read more

Research Indicates Universities’ Reliance on High Foreign Donations

Against the background of Youth Month and the national crisis in higher education, Inyathelo, the South African Institute for Advancement in Cape Town, has released its Annual Survey of Philanthropy in Higher Education (ASPIHE) in local universities. Read more

Stalemate in Education

In simple terms a policy is a statement of intent which guides the actions of an organisation. The shorter and more focused a policy, the clearer its intentions and the more likely its implementation. Read more

Standard Bank Develops Crowdfunding Platform For #Feesmustfall Challenge

Standard bank has created a crowdfunding initiative aimed enhancing access to higher education for students. Jayshree Naidoo, Interim CEO of Feenix Trust, said access to tertiary education remains a major challenge for many people with ability, but who lack funds. Read more

The Curriculum Must be about Change

Curriculum transformation and decolonisation are imperatives of our times and they will not go away. As someone who has dedicated 33 years of my professional life to the study of education, I believe it is our obligation to search for alternatives. Read more

Two Decades of Living on the Fringe

The Centre for Curating the Archive at the Michaelis School of Fine Art recently hosted an exhibition that shed light on the plight of the Tamboerskloof Farm. Read more

Upskill with a SETA-Accredited Digital Brand Analysis Workshop

DigitLab Academy will be launching a one-day SETA-accredited digital brand analysis workshop. Read more

Why Are There So Few Black Professors?

Ahead of the budget vote for 2017-2018 of the department of higher education and training, Minister Blade Nzimande expressed concern about the scarcity of black professors. Read more

 

15 June 2017

Absa Helps Wits Students Prosper

Absa Bank has donated over R15m to Wits University in aid of student funding. Read more

Association between Sjambok Injuries and Renal Dysfunction Examined in PhD Research

The relationship between injuries caused by being hit with a sjambok and renal dysfunction was examined in a paper by University of KwaZulu-Natal doctoral candidate, Dr David Skinner. Read more

Birds, Binoculars and Biodiversity

Where does it all begin for someone like Professor Peter Ryan, who leads a field at UCT that was recently ranked third in the world? It starts with a pair of binoculars and continues with the funding of the FitzPatrick Institute of African Ornithology as a Centre of Excellence. Read more

Complementing Qualifications Leads to Candidate Differentiation

For graduates and current students, the need to differentiate themselves from their peers in the job market is leading to them extending their studies into alternate qualifications to their main field. Read more

Digsconnect: Safe Student Accommodation

UCT alumnus and founder of Digsconnect, took a look at the student accommodation issue and decided it was time for a fresh approach. She felt that a system needed to be built and implemented by the people who understand the situation intimately – students who had themselves struggled to find suitable accommodation. Read more

Former DVC Urges Alumni to Reflect On Protests

UCT Emeritus Professor Crain Soudien presented his audience with some food for thought at the fourth instalment of the 2017 Distinguished Alumni Speaker Series. Read more

GSB Case Study Competition Win

A case study on the successful turnaround at K-Way won top honours at the annual Emerald / Association of African Business Schools (AABS) Case Study Competition. The results of the competition, which aims to encourage and promote the development of high-quality teaching case material from real-life situations in Africa, were announced in May. Read more

GSB Launches Sandton Satellite Campus

The UCT Graduate School of Business (GSB) has launched a satellite campus in Johannesburg. Based in Sandton, the campus offers a number of customised executive education programmes and short courses that are designed to develop African business leaders. Read more

Heading Out To Sea

Some might say that the buzzword for UCT during 2016 was ‘transformation’. The head of the Department of Oceanography, Professor Isabelle Ansorge, heard the call to action and answered with the creation and launch of SEAmester. Read more

Honorary Professorship for AU Development Advisor

There is a new honorary professor on campus. Dr Carlos Lopes is a Bissau-Guinean development economist, author, educator and civil servant who most recently acted as select advisor on African Union reform, reporting to Rwandan president Paul Kagame. His appointment, announced on 1 June, will run for a five-year term until 2022. Read more

Look to Rest of Africa for Solutions – Harvard Professor

South Africa needs to look at models and methods deployed by other African states to decolonise and fund higher education, according to a Harvard professor of African history. Read more

MEC Calls Education Imbizo to Deal with Problems

It is important that the department works with universities to ensure teachers are adequately trained in ICT. Read more

Media Postgraduates’ Sprint through Data to Tackle Spatial Inequality

Quick and dirty are not usually adjectives you want to associate with your research. But it has proven an apt description for the work of – and deliberate tactic by – postgraduates investigating the media’s role in tackling spatial inequality in Cape Town. Read more

More Universities Linked to Places-For-Sale Saga

As the University of KwaZulu-Natal medical school’s places-for-sale saga develops, more information has emerged regarding the alleged syndicate’s national links to other universities. Read more

New MSC Graduate Institute to Offer Degree Courses Online

The MSC Graduate Institute will be launching in July 2017 and will offer both a Bachelor of Business Administration Degree and a Diploma in Information Technology online. Read more

Probe into Attempted Sale of Med School Spaces

Higher Education and Training Minister Blade Nzimande has welcomed the continuing probe by law enforcement agencies of claims of people attempting to sell places to study medicine at the University of KwaZulu-Natal. Read more

SA Has Highest Blood Pressure in Southern Africa

A study by Wits scientists and peers has revealed that South Africa has the highest prevalence of hypertension in southern Africa. Read more

Super Microscopes to Zoom in on TB, HIV/AIDS

Two new super-resolution microscopes will help researchers take an unprecedentedly close look into the cellular processes that govern diseases like tuberculosis, cancer and HIV/AIDS. Read more

‘The Glass Ceiling Is Not Yet Shattered’

Women in Marikana play a critical yet unrewarded role in sustaining livelihoods in the mining town. Their struggles, and the struggles of women in patriarchal economies the world over, were in the spotlight at a recent colloquium at UCT. Read more

UKZN Vehicle Steal the Show at Cars in Park Exhibition

Students and staff from the School of Mechanical Engineering exhibit their projects at the Cars in the Park even. Read more

 

15 May 2017

A Boost for Student Food Programme

Wits alumni have donated a quarter of a million rand to the Wits Food Programme. Read more

“Be a Contender,” Professor Mamokgethi Phakeng Tells Mastercard Foundation Scholars

At every university, you get three types of students: spectators, pretenders and contenders,” Professor Mamokgethi Phakeng, deputy vice-chancellor for research and internationalisation, told UCT’s MasterCard Foundation Scholars at their welcome reception in April. Read more

Bridging the Inter-Generational Chasm in Higher Education

Universities and their leaders have a “social and moral responsibility” to place inequality and social justice at the core of their public purpose concerns, and to address the “massive socio-cultural, inter-generational chasm” which currently exists between the current generation of students and university administrators. Read more

Embracing New Opportunities

At the age of 54, Nana Mashego is excited to be resuming her studies and has bundles of energy for what lies ahead. Read more

Encouraging innovation and entrepreneurship

Flux is an entrepreneurship business game where teams of students are given real-world problems that they need to address and for which they need to present a solution. Read more

French Honours Leading Wits Cities Researcher

Emeritus Professor Alan Mabin has been awarded the French National Order of Merit. Read more

Gay University Students Feel Invisible

The Eastern Cape is South Africa’s most conservative province when it comes to attitudes about homosexuality. Even in spaces that might be considered more liberal – like university campuses gender non-conforming students and those who belong to sexual minorities face open discrimination. Read more

Inclusive Higher Education in South Africa

It is not just a policy project but also an ‘ethical project’ and social mission. Read more

Mathematics – A Gateway to Many Career Paths

About 70 percent of career paths need mathematics. Read more

Mining for Sustainable Development

The African Development Bank (AfDB) has sponsored a project dedicated to education for sustainable development in natural mineral resources management. The selected students’ research has a focus on gender equity. Read more

Minister Calls for ‘New Kind of Academic’

Calling for universities to produce “a new kind of academic”, the Higher Education and Training Minister Dr Blade Nzimande said his department would be implementing a capacity development programme prioritising historically disadvantaged universities and focused on student success, staff development and curriculum transformation. Read more

Multilingualism Is the African Lingua Franca

“There is a difference in understanding a concept and getting it.” explains Associate Professor Mbulungeni Madiba, who encounters this problem all the time with students whose mother tongue is not English. Read more

Not Enough Evidence To Back Europeans’ Claim

Africa is not the cradle of humankind: that’s the claim by a group of scientists who’ve just published what they describe as evidence of pre-human remains found in Eastern Europe (Greece and Bulgaria). The fossils in question belong to Graecopithecus freybergi, and are a little more than seven million years old. This would make them the world’s oldest hominin fossils. Read more

Nurturing Talent at Wits

Providing full first-year bursaries and investing in high school programmes ensures a stream of excellent results for Wits. Read more

Petersen and Buhlungu Inaugurated

Former UCT Deputy Vice-Chancellor Professor Francis Petersen and Dean of Humanities Professor Sakhela Buhlungu were inaugurated at the universities of the Free State (UFS) and Fort Hare (UFH) this month – a testimony to UCT’s commitment to developing a new cohort of leaders in higher education. Read more

Predatory Journals – A Threat to Academic Credibility

Predatory journals and their publishers, driven solely by profit motives, are posing an increasing threat to academic credibility and to individual reputations. Read more

Taking Theatre to the Kids

Drama for Life unveiled the world of theatre to children and young people at the 19th ASSITEJ World Congress and Performing Arts Festival in Cape Town. Read more

The Science behind Safe Tackling

Tackles are made almost every 30 seconds in rugby matches, often at high-impact, causing half of rugby-related injuries to both forwards and backs. But evidence-based tackle-contact training can make a difference at all levels of the game. Read more

Three Awards and the Presidency for Wits Anatomy

Wits academics scooped three awards at the Anatomical Society of Southern Africa Conference and Wits’ Head of Anatomical Studies was re-elected as President. Read more

 

30 April 2017

Absa Increases University Scholarships to R210 Million

The Barclays Africa Group’s 2017 CEO Scholarship Fund has increased to R210 million, allowing 3,000 university students, across its 10 African markets, to receive scholarships for the current academic year. The 2017 allocation is in partnership with 21 universities in South Africa and several others in the rest of the continent. Read more

Call to Decolonise Entire University, Education System

Wits University academic activist Leigh Ann Naidoo has called for the decolonisation of the country’s entire university and education system, saying it comes from a “violent and problematic” process. Read more

Education Needs to Update to Global Skills Inclusion in Curricula

The 2016 report by the World Economic Forum (WEF) revealed that educational institutions worldwide are failing to equip learners with the global competencies they will need to be employable in coming years. Read more

Four Tips to Survive and Succeed at University

The academic year is underway at South Africa’s tertiary institutions, but some of the most important lessons for students cannot be learned in the lecture hall or prac labs. Success at varsity depends on students knowing themselves, staying within their own boundaries and maintaining consistency. Read more

In the Age of the Internet, Censorship Has Acquired a New Face

Abandon the naive thought that, with the internet and free flow of information, governments are retreating from repression of the media. Read more

Mosquito Discovery Sheds Light on How Malaria is Spread in South Africa

The two most successful and widely used initiatives are indoor house spraying and the use of insecticide treated bed nets. These target mosquitoes that feed on humans inside their homes and then rest indoors. Hundreds of millions of bed nets have been distributed across Africa in the last 15 years. Read more

National Review Prompts LLB Changes

The aim of the review was to develop a qualification standard for LLB programmes. It found that 13 of the 17 universities that offer the programme met the required standard. The four universities that did not meet the required standard had issues with their LLB programme that needed serious attention, which has put them at risk of losing their accreditation. Read more

New Anti-malarial Drug Shows Promise

A new paper published today in the prestigious journal describes the discovery and biological profiling of an exciting new anti-malarial clinical drug candidate. MMV390048 is effective against resistant strains of the malaria parasite and across the entire parasite life cycle, and it has the potential to cure and protect in a single dose. Read more

NSFAS Funding for More Than 2 Million Students

More than two million students studying at South Africa’s public Universities and Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) colleges have been funded by the National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS) since 2013. Read more

R7bn Boost for University Infrastructure

Higher Education and Training Minister Blade Nzimande has announced major new investment in university infrastructure, which will see government spending R7 billion on a range of projects countrywide. Read more

South Africa Needs More Than a Sugar Tax to Get to the Bottom of Obesity

South Africa has been wrapped up in public and parliamentary debates on the value of South Africa’s proposed sugar tax. These highlight that the growing obesity epidemic has been fuelled by people consuming high levels of sugar. Read more

The Education System Should Include More Subjects on Money Matters

An equation has two sides. When it comes to money there is a lot of focus on expenditure and not much focus is given on the making money side. Read more

The State Of South African Journalism: There’s Good News and There’s Bad News

Wits University’s Journalism and Media Studies Department have just published their latest State of the Newsroom report. Read more

UCT Denies Banning ‘Controversial’ Artworks after Protests

The University of Cape Town has denied media reports that it banned the display of 75 pieces of artwork on its campuses, following the destruction of paintings during student protests last year. Read more

Unmasking the Doctorate

The significance of the doctorate has been both overemphasised and underemphasised in dominant conceptualisations, with implications for how we understand the purpose and value of this important qualification. Read more

Wits to Offer Students Huawei Certification

IT students at Wits will gain ICT technology knowledge and practical training experiences through the Huawei Authorised Information and Network Academy. Read more

 

15 March 2017

Addressing Language Barriers Is Key to Student Success

By focusing on the quality of their note-taking in and out of class, researchers from the University of the Witwatersrand or Wits, South Africa, have established that poor English language competence is hindering the academic performance of a significant number of undergraduate students for whom the language is not their mother tongue. Read more

A Degree with a Difference: Using SA Sign Language Instead of the Written Word

Nyeleti Nokwazi Nkwinika acknowledges the applause after graduating with her Masters degree. Read more

Africa’s First Design-Thinking School Launched at UCT

In an era of intense change, where it’s difficult to predict which jobs will exist in the next 20 years, applying the same solutions to existing societal challenges will no longer work. Read more

Big Dreams, High Fees

In this, the third of a series, we speak to six students who are struggling to find the funds to pay their fees and so change their lives. Read more

Decolonising Law Series on the Cards

According to the dean of Law, Professor Penelope Andrews, she was approached by a group of students last year who wanted to explore the idea of “decolonising law” in depth and create opportunities for students and staff to engage in a dialogue about its meaning, content and application. Read more

Free Higher Education ‘Not sustainable’

Business Unity SA (Busa) says free higher education is not sustainable and business cannot carry its costs alone, given the low levels of economic growth. Read more

Language at the Centre of Decolonization

Knowledge of mother tongue is power, the lack of is enslavement says legendary author Ngugi wa Thiong’o. Read more

Malaria in Pretoria: Facts, Figures and Awareness

The recent deaths of two women in Doornpoort in the north of Pretoria due to malaria is causing panic among people living in Tshwane. Read more

No Such Thing as Free Education – Commission

There is no such thing as free education – someone has to pay‚ be it the state‚ firms‚ households or donors. Read more

Outstanding TVET College Results Will Be Released Within a Week

Outstanding academic results for students who have graduated from Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) colleges will be processed and released within a week. Read more

PhD Graduate’s Research Helps to Put International Seal on Karoo Lamb

When Sarah Erasmus graduates on 14 March 2017 with a doctorate in Food Science in hand, she’ll do so with the knowledge that her findings provided a scientific basis for widely-held claims that there is something special and quite unique about lamb meat from the Karoo region. Her findings helped to ensure that Karoo lamb received exclusive geographic “naming rights” last year in terms of European Union marketing legislation. Read more

Put Africa Back in Our Universities

It is important for us to engage with calls to “decolonise” and “Africanise” South African higher education because these address the very place and role of university in our society today. Read more

Ready for Work: Putting Your Best Foot Forward During an Interview

It is really exciting when you are close to finishing your degree and you have just landed a job interview at a company where you would love to work. You have put in the effort, applied for the job and now your hard work has opened a door for you. However, despite the initial excitement, the job interview is still a nerve-racking experience for most people. The best way to overcome this is adequate preparation. Read more

Society Can Find Solutions in Higher Education

The final engagement in the round of higher education crisis provincial engagements was concluded in the Western Cape. The engagements – convened by the Higher Education Crisis Forum and its partners – brought together student formations, parents, staff/academics, the clergy and university management. Read more

Student Wrestles Buffalo, Camps, to Earn Degree

​Nearly 230 students from the Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences (FMHS) were capped this week at Stellenbosch University’s March graduation. Read more

The African Renaissance’s Drum Major

Former president Thabo Mbeki could not have started his Unisa chancellorship at a more relevant time. Read more

The Needs of the Land and the Needs of the People Can’t be Separated

The national conversation about land, always simmering in South Africa, has come to the boil again. What’s often missing is a voice for the unrepresented party – the land. I’d like to be that voice. Read more

UCT Researchers Discover Heart-Attack Gene

The gene‚ called CDH2‚ is found in everyone, but a mutation causes a genetic disorder known as arrhythmogenic right ventricle cardiomyopathy (ARVC)‚ which increases the risk of heart disease and cardiac arrest. Read more

University under Pressure over Student ‘Spying’ Claims

The Right2Know Campaign is putting pressure on the University of Johannesburg to come clean about using private security firms to spy on student protesters. Read more

Unbundling Higher Education

The project will look at the “unbundling” of higher education and ask if the traditional university – offering a single package for many aspects of the student experience, including teaching, content and assessment – is undergoing changes in the nature of its provision. Read more

 

15 February 2017

Business Students Willing to Sacrifice Future Salary for Good Corporate Social Responsibility

More than 90% of business students in a study on corporate social responsibility said they would be willing to sacrifice some percentage of their future salary to work for a responsible employer. A surprising number of 14% are willing to sacrifice more than 40% of their future income to do so. Read more

Countering Complications of Starting ART in TB and HIV-Infected Patients

Untreated HIV infection is associated with progressive weakening of the body’s immune system. This predisposes a person infected with HIV to other serious infections. Read more

Degree Fraudsters to Face the Music

Higher Education and Training Minister says serious action will be taken against those who have fake qualification certificates. Read more

Graduates Spared From Tax – Finance Minister Says ‘We’ve Done the Best We Can for Universities’

Treasury appears to have put the nail in the coffin of a graduate tax‚ saying the funds raised would not be nearly enough to cover the running costs of South African universities. Read more

Heads To Roll Over Unissued TVET Certificates

The Portfolio Committee on Higher Education and Training has called for disciplinary measures against the officials responsible for delays in issuing certificates to students who have graduated from Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) colleges. Read more

Mbeki Is New Unisa Chancellor

There was consensus in selecting Mbeki, an outstanding African intellectual giant and the most recognisable 21st century proponent of the African renaissance, who is highly regarded internationally. Read more

NAPP Retreat Was No Sleepy Affair

The combination of small-group teaching, difficult conversations about transformation and “decoloniality” and well-received guest talks embodied NAPP’s new way of working. They are trying to personify the drive to create spaces for participants to think through such difficult issues, as they impact on burgeoning academic careers. Read more

R17m Skills Programme to Empower Youth

A newly launched R17 million skills programme is expected to enhance the employability of people, especially the youth, from poor backgrounds and those that are referred to as the missing middle. Read more

The Humanities – Looking the Past in the Eye

Given the disconcerting present, how can we explain our wretched past and understand our increasingly threatening future? This question continued to drift to the surface as I listened recently to presentations about the history of individual departments in Stellenbosch University’s Faculty of Arts and Social Science – the name for the humanities faculty at that university. Read more

Transform Higher Education System‚ Do Not Destroy It

Instability is fast eroding the public higher education system‚ with applications to private institutions reaching an all-time high‚ parents sending their children abroad to study and academics turning down appointments at local institutions. Read more

UCT Fourth in Emerging-Economy Universities

Here’s something to consider in the future funding of higher education in South Africa: the Times Higher Education BRICS & Emerging Economies University Rankings 2017 has placed UCT fourth in its top 300. Read more

Universities to Improve Access for Disabled

The Department of Higher Education and Training (DHET) has invested about R175.6 million to ensure that students and staff with disabilities have improved access to university facilities. Read more

We’re Spending More on Debt than on Land and Tertiary Education

We’re spending more on servicing our debt — including interest repayments — than we are spending on tertiary education or land reform, two hot-button issues that have been major political talking-points in recent times. Read more

Zuma Promises There Will be an End to University Fee Uncertainty

President Jacob Zuma on Friday promised students that uncertainty about university fees will end this year. Read more

 

31 January 2017

Debt Call Left To Universities

The Department of Higher Education and Training has left it to universities to decide whether to register students with historical debt who are not funded by the National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS). Read more

Gender Fail for UKZN Managers

The number of female graduates at the University of KwaZulu-Natal outstrips that of males by at least 9000 annually, yet gender transformation at the educational institution still has a long way to go. Read more

Henley Open for MBA Scholarship Applications

Henley Business School Africa has opened applications for its 2017 MBA scholarships. Four scholarships are made available each year to potential students applying for the MBA. Read more

Lack of Space at Public Universities Needn’t Spell End of Degree Dreams

Every year in January, the media reports extensively on the desperate situation in which thousands of matriculants find themselves – that of having qualified for entry into a degree programme, yet not being able to enrol at a public university due to lack of space. Read more

NSFAS Pays R1.3bn for Student Registrations

The National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS) has paid R1.3 billion to 26 public universities for registration fees for qualifying students. Read more

New Funding Scheme for Missing Middle Students

More than 1,000 students from the “missing middle” stand to benefit from a new student funding scheme. Read more

NWU School of Business Achieves AMBA Accreditation

The NWU School of Business and Governance (NWU SBG) has been granted accreditation from the Association of MBAs (AMBA) for a period of five years. Read more

Open Learning Group Shortens the Distance in Distance Learning

In a bid to address students’ ongoing challenges with distance education, the Open Learning Group (OLG) has launched three ‘Learning Hubs’ in Johannesburg, Pretoria and Durban to support their current distance education offering. Read more

Principal Aghast at His Phoney College Bust

A principal of an unaccredited college in Johannesburg got the shock of his life on Monday when Department of Higher Education and Training officials paid him a visit and declared his college bogus. Read more

SA’s Universities Can Do More to Make Disabled Students Feel Included

It’s been a decade since South Africa signed and ratified the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities. The convention is an international human rights treaty that’s supposed to protect the rights and dignity of people with disabilities. But not much seems to have changed for South Africans with disabilities since 2007. Read more

Strikers Close Unisa Over 10% Wage Call

Striking workers shut down the University of SA’s main campus in Pretoria over a wage dispute. Read more

Students Shut Down Colleges to Demand Better Governance

Over-enrolment has led to a standoff between students, colleges and the government, Higher Education and Training deputy director-general Firoz Patel said. Read more

Students Shut Down 15 Colleges over Unresolved Issues

Protesting students shut down about 15 of the 50 public technical and vocational education and training colleges earlier this month as a result of a host of unresolved issues with the department of higher education and training. Read more

TB: New Incurable Strains

The rise of drug-resistant tuberculosis has taken a new, horrifying turn. While various strains of TB, with varying degrees of resistance to drugs, have wreaked havoc on South Africans, a new strain of TB has been found to be simply incurable. Read more

The Role of African Universities in Achieving the SDGs

In September 2015, United Nations member states adopted 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), designed to provide a pathway to sustainability. While the goals are wide-ranging, “it is striking how closely they speak to critical problems for the African continent”. Read more

Universities Hope for More Stable Academic Year

While it is unlikely that South Africa will escape student unrest at the start of the 2017 academic year, authorities are hoping such action will be moderated by the progress made in addressing some of the key challenges that sparked and sustained last year’s violent and highly disruptive protests over fee-free higher education. Read more

 

15 November 2016

A Regulatory Tweak Could Unlock Billions for South African Student Fees

A number of smart suggestions have been offered to plug South Africa’s higher education funding gap. One that’s been mooted involves innovative long term development bonds. Read more

Belgium Campus and Penn State Innovative Projects Resume

Belgium Campus students have now began their innovative projects with their Penn State counterparts. Students work together with students from the mechanical and electrical engineering faculties. Read more

Can We Eliminate Malaria in South Africa By 2018?

Malaria is an often lethal disease caused by the Plasmodium parasite and transmitted by female Anopheles mosquitoes. It is endemic to large parts of Africa, including a few regions in the north-eastern corner of South Africa. Read more

Ecotourists Contribute to Elephant Conservation

While elephant populations are declining at unprecedented rates in Africa due to their illegal slaughter, many populations of the animal on the continent are stable or increasing, research by a UKZN team has revealed. Read more

Feesmustfall Leader Dlamini Back in Court

University of the Witwatersrand Fees Must Fall leader Mcebo Dlamini will appear again on Tuesday in the Johannesburg Central Magistrate’s Court. Read more

Higher Education Struggles in an Emerging Democracy

The evolutionary growth of the university in the 21st century is affected by enormous challenges and the possibility of problems being addressed is constrained by national politics, bureaucracy and resource limitations that threaten the equality of the global academy. Read more

Higher Education Ministerial Task Team Makes Progress

Progress has been made by the Ministerial Task Team appointed by Higher Education and Training Minister Blade Nzimande to develop a support and funding model for poor and “missing middle” students. Read more

Is Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder In Your Genes?

Can post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) be passed down through generations in shared family genes? Could a simple blood test tell if you’re genetically predisposed to this? Read more

Prof Frans Swanepoel Recognised During the 5th African Higher Education Week

Prof Frans Swanepoel, recently appointed as Professor: Future Africa at the Centre for the Advancement of Scholarship, was recognised for his significant contributions to capacity development in support of agricultural transformation and development in Africa during the 5th African Higher Education Week. Read more

Shedding Light on Animal Responses to Changing Environments

Climate change in southern Africa will have far-reaching effects on the activities and well-being of humans. Read more

Stellenbosch University Celebrates Internationalisation and Africa University Day

Proudly rooted in Africa, with a global reach, Stellenbosch University (SU) launched its new division, Stellenbosch University International (SUI). Read more

Student Funding Report Due For Release

Blade Nzimande’s department is due to table a report to Parliament that will reveal how the government will tackle the crises in higher education. Read more

SU hosts ‘Tastes of Nuclear Physics’ School

The sixth Tastes of Nuclear Physics School was hosted by the Department of Physics at Stellenbosch University. Read more

The Canary in the Coal Mine

Kelp forests provide Cape fur seals a place to hide when escaping from Great White sharks. Moreover, they provide essential food and shelter for large parts of the marine ecosystem. Read more

Thousands Qualify Through SETA Opportunities

Deputy President says Sector Education and Training Authorities (SETAs) play an important role in identifying the skills needs of every economic sector in the country. Read more

​Transformation of Higher Education Is Long Overdue

About a year ago, angry South African university students in the #FeesMustFall movement took to the streets and called for the immediate introduction of an Afrocentric higher education in their universities. Read more

Universities Face another Crisis: Shortage of Academics

The higher education sector will need to recruit at least 1,200 new academics per annum to respond to historical backlogs for staff attrition and to accommodate planned growth. Read more

University of Fort Hare Appoints Prof Sakhela Buhlungu as New Vice Chancellor

Professor Sakhela Buhlungu‚ the current dean of humanities at the University of Cape Town‚ was on Wednesday named as the new vice chancellor of the University of Fort Hare. Read more

Varsity Gears Up For Zulu

The university will, launch a Zulu spell-checker, a “term bank” of technical words and phrases, a Zulu lexicon mobile app and one of the biggest indigenous language corpuses in the world. Read more

We Can’t Wait for a Judicial Commission’ – UCT’s Price Said Action on Fees Is Needed Now

University of Cape Town vice-chancellor Max Price said a judicial commission is not the way to solve the fees crisis‚ pacify protesting students and stabilise universities. Read more

Will Sugar Tax Help Tackle Obesity and Diabetes?

Earlier this year the South African Minister of Finance noted in his budget speech that a 20% ”sugar tax” will be introduced during 2017. This has since raised considerable debate with proponents welcoming the announcement as a measure to counter obesity-related diseases, while the beverage industry responded that it will come at significant costs to the South African economy. Read more

Wrong Tactics Could Derail Students’ Struggle

Nagan said students must develop strategies of action that are constructive and enlightening. They should use their strategies to advance greater levels of governing transparency, responsibility and accountability. Read more

Zuma Receives Interim Report on Free Higher Education

The fees commission handed its interim report to President Jacob Zuma on 3 November, writes Jeff Wicks for News24. Zuma would study the report, compiled by the Commission of Inquiry into Higher Education and Training, and give directions on the way forward, the Presidency said in a statement. Read more

 

31 October 2016

Adam Habib Delivers Keynote at Opening of Summit on Student Affairs

Adam Habib, Chair of Universities South Africa (USAf) and Vice-Chancellor of the University of Witwatersrand, delivered the keynote speech at the opening of the 3rd Global Summit on Student Affairs and Services, at the Stellenbosch Institute for Advanced Study (STIAS). Read more

Barclays Africa to Double Education Support

In view of the crisis at universities, the bank will boost its 2016 financial aid by R57m. Read more

Laying Funding Problems at Government’s Feet

In order to show their solidarity with students and staff at UCT and at other universities across the country, the UCT executive invited participation in the various marches to Parliament today in the hope that this would refocus the campaign for affordable higher education on government and the national policy process. Read more

Over 800 Arrested for #Feesmustfall Protests

A total of 831 people have been arrested in the connection with the ongoing #FeesMustFall protests which have rocked universities and other higher education institutions across South Africa. Read more

Protest Takes a Turn for the Worst

FeesMustFall leader says the department of education has showed a lack of respect for them. Read more

SAERA Brings Together Academics to ‘Reimagine Education’

A group of 400 education academics gathered in Cape Town this week to deliberate a range of topics – from systemic educational reform to classroom pedagogy – at the South African Education Research Association (SAERA)’s 4th annual conference. Read more

Students Flush Away Our Varsity Millions

Higher Education Minister Blade Nzimande estimated in September that property damage was around R600-million since the beginning of the 2015 fees protests. Read more

Students Will Only Need to Apply for Funding Once on Mynsfas System

Students will no longer need to reapply every year for financial assistance and will apply directly from the National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS). Read more

The Power of Collaboration

UCT electrical engineer and senior lecturer Samuel Ginsberg has had a hand in inventing such diverse devices as a heat detector for informal settlements, an expandable surgical implant for children, a low-cost hearing aid and a wearable device that measures ambient CO2 levels. Read more

TUT Council Calls for Calm

TUT council says no decision has been made regarding fee increment at the university. Read more

‘You Can’t Study at the Barrel of a Gun’

The students, represented by legal NGO, the Socio-Economic Rights Institute, argued that the continued police presence on campus had led to an environment not conducive to studying. Read more

 

30 September 2016

At The Heart of E-Learning Connections, Disconnections

An earlier speaker said that mobile learning and mobile devices are a drug, they are addictive. I don’t know about that but trust me, these things are affecting our psyche,” said Robert Branch, professor of learning, design and technology at the University of Georgia. Read more

Bogus Teachers’ from University Of Zululand under Investigation

The South African Council for Educators has launched a probe into the qualifications of about 20 teachers who allegedly graduated from the University of Zululand and are suspected to have fake degrees. Read more

Building Innovation, Entrepreneurship in Universities

Are entrepreneurs born or made? That debate still rages, but for Central University of Technology Vice-chancellor the answer is clear: Entrepreneurs can indeed be made and it’s time to invest more seriously in that process. Read more

Data-Intensive Research Capacity Boosted Ahead of SKA

A consortium of institutions in South Africa has been formed to establish a Western Cape Data Intensive Research Facility as part of the country’s National Integrated Cyberinfrastructure System. The aim is to dramatically increase data-intensive research capacity ahead of the global astronomy research initiative, the Square Kilometre Array. Read more

Education Needs a Sustainable Funding Model

SA should prioritise education right now and give it all the commitment, input, expertise and finances it needs. Read more

Effectively A 0% Increase in Fees’: What Nzimande’s Announcement Means

For the first time, students from so-called “missing middle” families, whose annual household income is up to R600 000 a year, will not be subjected to a fee increase at university next year. Read more

Free Education is Possible if South Africa Moves Beyond Smoke and Mirrors

South Africa’s universities are once again in uproar. Higher Education and Training Minister Blade Nzimande has outlined how higher education should deal with fee increments for 2017. His announcement sparked anger and a great deal of confusion. Read more

Free higher education: unrealistic expectations, unsustainable solutions

Free higher education is a myth. There is no such thing anywhere in the world, even in wealthy states like Germany, Finland, Norway and Sweden, which insist that their tertiary education systems are “free”. Read more

Free University – Online

A social entrepreneur has worked up a blueprint for a solution for the higher education fees crisis: the University of Everywhere, complete with a mass graduation party at Pretoria’s Loftus Versfeld stadium. Read more

Grants and Loans Are the Fee Answer, Says Max Price

In an ideal world, if South Africa were a rich country with little inequality and was already providing sufficient state funding to support socioeconomic rights such as universal fee-free quality primary and secondary schooling, universal access to early childhood development centres, health care, social welfare support for all elderly and unemployed, I would support a system of no-fee higher education. Read more

NMMU, Rhodes Lawsuit Threat

NMMU and Rhodes University could be facing a lawsuit from hundreds of angry parents whose children have been affected by fee-related protests. Read more

Restrain Yourselves‚ Ministers Tell Students and Police

The security cluster ministers have urged the police to act with maximum restraint and ensure their conduct is beyond reproach when dealing with protests – and warned students to not break the law. Read more

SA Universities’ Professoriate Needs More Women but Fares Adequately by Global Standards

Arguably, there are too few women professors at local universities – but the picture looks even bleaker at some overseas institutions. Read more

Students Protest Over 8% Tuition Fees Hike Decision

Several universities in South Africa shut down or faced disruptions as student protests erupted in the wake of last Monday’s long-awaited recommendation by Higher Education and Training   to allow universities to raise fees for 2017 by up to 8%. Read more

Student Union Backtracks On Threat to Close Universities

The South African Union of Students (SAUS) president backtracked on the threat to shut down universities after Friday’s discussions with the ministers in the security cluster. Read more

Student Union Slams Poll on Reopening Wits‚ Accuses Habib of Avoiding Student Leaders

The South African Union of Students (SAUS) has accused the vice-chancellors of the universities of the Witwatersrand and Cape Town of avoiding meetings with student leaders. Read more

To Study or Not To Study

As several universities around South Africa remain shut this week, Wits University is planning to poll its students and staff over whether the institution should remain closed. Read more

University of Zululand Vice-Chancellor Splurges Millions While Students Suffer

The vice-chancellor of the embattled University of Zululand, Professor Xoliswa Mtose, received a hefty R478 000 performance bonus in December although there was no approved policy for it. Read more

Universities to Decide On 2017 Fees

Universities will individually decide on the fee increases for 2017 academic year, Higher Education and Training Minister   announced. Read more

Unrest Could Damage Medical Schools’ Status and Healthcare Delivery

The Health Professions Council of South Africa (HPCSA) has issued a statement saying that the current unrest at universities could severely impact on healthcare service delivery as well as damage the accreditation status of medical schools in the country. Read more

Wits Outshines Oxford in UN Study on Gender Parity

The University of the Witwatersrand has more female professors than Oxford University in the United Kingdom. This is one of the startling facts to emerge from statistics furnished by Wits, Oxford and eight other universities to UN Women. Read more

 

15 September 2016

Alliance Partners Fight over Prospect of Student Fee Rise

A public relations spat has broken out between the African National Congress Youth League and its youth alliance partner in the South African Communist Party against the backdrop of rising tension at universities over the prospect of fee increases. Read more

Bill Will Pave Way for Private Universities

Minister of Higher Education and Training has a gift for private institutions offering degrees. Read more

Destruction of University Property Is a Criminal Activity

Minister in the Presidency for Performance Monitoring and Evaluation has called on authorities to deal “firmly” with all who damage university property. Read more

Higher Education Dept Pleads For Patience on Fees

Students must be patient and allow the fees commission to conclude its work, Deputy Higher Education and Training Minister said. Read more

How PhD Graduates Are Battling to Break into Academia

Academics staying in their university positions beyond retirement are good for mentoring younger scholars, but are hogging positions newly qualified researchers need to break into the higher education teaching and research space. Read more

IMPALA – Boosting Internationalisation in Universities

 Internationalisation strategies and resources are being strengthened at universities across South Africa by a European Commission-supported initiative. Read more

King Zwelithini Hits Out At Parents of Students Burning Down Buildings in KZN

The violent student protests in KwaZulu-Natal paints a picture of a community that cannot sit down and negotiate. Read more

More PhD Graduates for DUT Peacebuilding

Four more Peace Building Programme students from the Durban University of Technology graduated during the University’s Spring Graduation Ceremonies. Read more

NSFAS Receives R373.3m Claims

The National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS) has received claims amounting to R373.3 million for 17,580 students. Read more

Parliament Should Solve Fees Crisis

Parliament, not President Jacob Zuma’s fees commission, should solve the growing university fees crisis in the country. Read more

Responsive Student-Centredness Garners Gifts and Goodwill

When two Unisa Department of Civil and Chemical Engineering lecturers, went out of their way to help one of their Survey students, they had no idea that living the Unisa value of responsive student-centredness would garner the university R100 000’s worth of surveying equipment. Read more

Rich Should Pay‚ While Poor Should Be Funded For Higher Education

Retired Deputy Chief Justice has put his views on the crisis facing higher education in the country‚ suggesting that the solution should be more nuanced in an unequal society‚ requiring the rich to pay while the poor should be fully funded. Read more

SA Varsities Drop in Rankings

South Africa’s top universities dropped several places in the QS World University Rankings as a result of “fee freezes” and “funding shortfalls”. Read more

South African Universities to Offer Bsc Witchcraft

The South African Minister of Higher Education and Training, has announced plans to have witchcraft included in the curriculum from 2018. Read more

Stellenbosch Students Warn Management: ‘Once We Decide to Burn S***‚ It’s Game Over

Stellenbosch University’s top priority cannot continue to be its focus on being an internationally renowned research institution‚ but instead needs to urgently rethink its role in righting the wrongs it helped create in SA. Read more

Stop Looting and Sneering At ‘Clever Blacks’, Find The Cash For University Fees

Government has done nothing to address the university student fee crisis for the last ten months only rhetoric and empty promises. Read more

Student Debt: Gloves Are Off

In a bid to recover billions in outstanding student loans the National Student Financial Aid Scheme has threatened to name and shame uncooperative companies that employ its debtors. Read more

UFS’ Jansen Steps Down: ‘I Have Always Been Ambitious’

Anyone who believes transformation is easy has never tried to change an old university, former University of Free State (UFS) vice-chancellor. Read more

Union Wants ‘Free Tertiary Education for Educator’s Children”

The National Teachers’ Union (Natu) is to demand “free tertiary education for educator’s children”. Read more

Unisa Teaching Qualifications Flunk In Qatar

South African teachers with qualifications from distance-learning institutions such as Unisa and web universities are no longer allowed to work in Qatar. Read more

University Fees Will Rise

Tension between students and universities is heading for boiling point after the department of higher education and training decided to allow tertiary institutions to determine their own fee increases for next year. Read more

Varsities: Where the Money Must Go

Having a university degree has become the minimum standard for those wanting to earn a good living and, more powerfully, has become the signifier of being a respectable person. Read more

 

31 August 2016

Chancellor and VC call for lasting solutions

The proverbial elephant in the room would always prove too massive to ignore – prompting WSU’s top brass to weigh in on the fee increment discourse currently raging in the country. Read more

Commission of Inquiry on Tertiary Fees to Submit Report to Zuma

The Commission of Inquiry into the feasibility of free education has heard that greater contributions from the private sector to South African universities will take some of the pressure on the state. Read more

DUT Warns 0% Fee Increase Will Push Varsity into Debt Spiral

The Durban University of Technology (DUT) is not in financial distress, but a 0% increase would push it into a debt spiral in the coming years. Read more

Exploring Complexity in Higher Education

Universities are devilishly complex spaces and there must be a conversation as to how to design them for complexity rather than leaving this up to chance. Read more

Extraordinary Women: Prof Veruscha Fester

Researchers are thinking out of the box and using their research to develop products, devices and services that can contribute to the development of all spheres of South Africa. Read more

Foreigners Must Contribute to Free Education

The Progressive Youth Alliance (PYA) is calling for “foreigners” who own shops in townships to contribute to free education in exchange for the right to operate. Read more

Govt Should Never Have Intervened In Fees Crisis – Jansen

Outgoing UFS Vice Chancellor Jonathan Jansen says the government’s decision to institute a 0% fee increase at South African universities last year created the current funding crisis faced by 19 institutions. Read more

Honorary Doctorate for Mlambo-Ngcuka at Fort Hare

The University of Fort Hare today presented the first female Deputy President of South Africa, Phumzile Mlambo-Ngcuka, with an honorary doctorate in Social Sciences.  Read more

Making Artisans Cool: Technical Education Gets a Chance to Shine

The Sasol Inzalo Foundation, in partnership with the VUT, hosted a three-day symposium. The Technical Schools of Excellence Network (TechSENet) programme is an initiative by the foundation which will contribute to the further development of technical vocational education in our country. Read more

Multi-Billion Rand Mother and Child Hospital to Be Built At UFS

A piece of land at the University of the Free State has been officially handed over for the construction of a multi-billion rand mother and child hospital. Read more

One, Two, Three – Is Your Thesis Done?

Next time you have three minutes to spare, try to formulate your master’s or doctoral thesis. The much anticipated Three-Minute-Thesis (3MT) Competition took place at the UFS Bloemfontein Campus. Read more

Online Courses Could Help Lower University Fees

​With university education becoming more expensive, we should start looking at online courses to lower fees. Read more

PhDs Are Lacking Curiosity

The doctorate is the apprenticeship and starting point, the beginning of a serious scholarly pursuit and of learning the trade. Read more

Private and Universities Abroad Will Gain if Ours Buckle, Say Vice-Chancellors

Concern over the long-term effect of the university fees crisis is likely to push more wealthy parents to enroll their children to study at private and overseas institutions. Read more

SA University Reveals How Much It Needs To Survive – And Its Not Zero Percent

The current national debates on the financing of public higher education are critically important as they will shape the nature, quality and orientation of public higher education in this country. Read more

South West Gauteng College Shut Down By Disgruntled Students

The South West Gauteng College in Roodeport was shut down by dissatisfied students who voiced out concerned about irregularities at the Horison campus. Read more

State Scrambles to Pay Varsities Fees Shortfall – R2.2 Billion Needed To Cover Students’ Cost

Government is struggling to resolve the crisis of university fees as students demand that fees should not be increased for yet another year. Read more

Stop the War on Knowledge

There was some good news for South Africa’s tertiary education sector last week. Read more

UCT Proposes Wealthy Students Pay More in 2017

The University of Cape Town (UCT) is proposing that students who come from homes which earn R500 000 a year should pay increased tuition fees in 2017 while poorer students are exempted from the hike. Read more

UKZN fears 0% rule

The University of KwaZulu-Natal (UKZN) is battling with a R2 billion deficit, and if a fee hike is blocked, it would “prove tough” for the institution to function next year. Read more

Universities Now Public Spaces to Exercise Citizenship

In an attempt to promote common understanding on governance, leadership, and management processes at the University of the Free State (UFS), the Institute for Reconciliation and Social Justice (IRSJ) recently hosted a critical conversation on the Qwaqwa Campus. Read more

University Unrest Symptomatic of a Bigger Problem

Young people are justifiably frustrated at the slow pace of economic and social change. Read more

Without Govt Support, We’ll have No Choice but to Increase Fees

The University of Cape Town (UCT) has warned without government support it will have no choice but to increase fees. Read more

 

31 July 2016

Align Your Careers to Metro Economic Needs

Government has challenged learners to choose careers that are aligned to what the economy of the metro needs. Read more

Between the Lines

South African universities will decline to the level of teacher training colleges, according to Professor Jonathan Jansen, who leaves his job after seven years as vice-chancellor at the University of the Free State. Read more

Big Boost for Arts Incubator

The Tshwane University of Technology’s (TUT) Faculty of the Arts has received written confirmation from the National Arts Council that it would receive funding of almost R1 000 000 for its Arts Incubator, which focuses on creative entrepreneurship and capacity building programmes. Read more

Bill Gates Delivers Nelson Mandela Lecture

Microsoft founder and philanthropist Bill Gates delivered the 14th annual Nelson Mandela Foundation lecture in Pretoria on the eve of the former statesman and president’s birthday. Read more

Court Sets Aside UFS’s New Language Policy

The Free State High Court in Bloemfontein has set aside the decision by the University of the Free State (UFS) to have English as the sole medium of instruction. Read more

Degrees-for-Sale Scam” At UNIZULU

Recent media reports on “Degrees-for-sale scam” at the University of Zululand raise questions regarding the integrity of University of Zululand qualifications. Read more

Developing the Next Generation of Leaders

Choosing a career is a daunting task, but a sneak preview into the future and a little bit of motivation is what learners require to steer them in the right direction of achieving their long- term goals and overcoming their anxiety of an uncertain future. Read more

Empowering and Protecting South African Youth Features at AIDS 2016

National post-school initiatives to reach, empower and protect South African youth were highlighted at the AIDS 2016 conference in Durban, KwaZulu Natal. Read more

Gauteng to Donate Land to Universities for Student Accommodation

The Gauteng government has signed a deal to donate land to the province’s universities to help alleviate a shortage of student accommodation. Read more

Insourcing Set to Cripple Universities

Universities are facing a crisis of enormous proportions that is likely to explode in August when the issues of insourcing and tuition fee increases collide. Read more

Let’s Not Wait For Student Housing To Become a Crisis

Students in SA need to speak out on “what needs to rise” and “not just what must fall”, as the country continues to grapple with solving students’ financial problems. Read more

Losing Calories While Raising Funds

The fundraising idea behind the Sweat100k for Nelson Mandela Metropolitan University (NMMU) is novel, but it is the organiser’s commitment to the cause that is really inspiring. Read more

Mandatory Medical Cover Discriminates Against Foreign Students

Some South African universities are demanding medical cover from SADC students before registering them, even when they already belong to a medical scheme in their own countries. Read more

Medical Student Held over Fake Matric Results

Heads are expected to roll at one of the country’s top medical schools after a fourth-year student who faked his matric results to get into the University of KwaZulu-Natal was arrested on Friday. Read more

New Era Dawns As SU Appoints First Woman Registrar

A new era begins at Stellenbosch University soon when, for the first time, a woman will hold the position of Registrar. Read more

NSFAS Reaches Out to Public

The National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS) will this week educate more than 3000 learners on not only the new application process but to also provide teachers with information on the admission requirements at tertiary institutions. Read more

Pressure to Publish Is Choking the Academic Profession

The obligation that academic staff must publish is invariably presented as a virtuous thing. It is right and proper for academics to expand and extend the boundaries of their respective disciplines by publishing in outlets, as approved by their peers. Read more

Research Opens Doors between Unisa and the AUC

A research initiative to train researchers on the objectives of Agenda 2063 is opening doors between the African Union Commission (AUC) and Unisa. Read more

Rhodes Struggling to Keep Afloat

Rhodes University appears to be in financial dire straits, struggling to meet its target budget to keep it running without difficulty. Read more

SA Scientists Join Global Initiative to Save Species from Extinction

Two South African scientists are part of an international panel set up to save species from possible extinction through climate change. Read more

“SA Students Have Dangerous Alcohol Consumption Habits”

A study published in the South African Journal found that most students did not drink because of stress but rather to feel good at social gatherings and maintain that feelings of excitement and joy. Read more

Sliding Doors – Securing Study Visas to South Africa

Study visas are essential yet often overlooked when it comes to higher education internationalisation policies and planning. Read more

South African University Website Hacked

A hacker by the Twitter name of @SinfulHazeCE has taken down the University of Limpopo’s website again, after previously taking down the site. Read more

Sweeping Changes to NSFAS Student Loans

The National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS) will start rolling out a new application system for students next month – a move which is set to speed up the allocation of funds and help ensure that money set aside for bursaries does not go unspent. Read more

Ten Commandments of Publishing in Top Tier Journals

The talk: Barriers to publishing in top tier journals, which largely centred on the Top Ten Commandments of Publishing in Top Tier Journals, was delivered by Professor Jürgen Kaehler from the Institut für Wirtschaftswissenschaft, Germany. Read more

Tertiary Institutions under Severe Financial Pressure

The Higher Education Minister says the Presidential Task Team is expected to release its findings into students’ demands for free higher education in a few weeks’ time. Read more

UCT Bans Guest Lecturer

The University of Cape Town (UCT) has stopped Flemming Rose from delivering the 2016 TB Davie Memorial Lecture. Read more

UCT Academics in Potential Malaria Treatment Breakthrough

Academics at the University of Cape Town have identified a molecule that could help in improving the treatment and prevention of malaria. Read more

UKZN Med School Quotas Biased

The ANC in KwaZulu-Natal wants to meet the University of KZN’s Medical School over its quota policy, which excludes hundreds of Indian students each year. Read more

Unity Urged in Fighting HIV/Aids in Higher Education

Ahead of the 21st International AIDS Conference, the KwaZulu-Natal Department of Health, together with the four KZN universities (DUT, UKZN, MUT and UniZulu) and the eThekwini Municipality, launched the Higher Education on Friday, 15 July 2016. Read more

Universities SA Expresses Solidarity with Turkish Academics in Distress

As a show of solidarity with academics in Turkey, Universities South Africa (USAf) has issued a letter to that country’s Ambassador to South Africa, expressing deep concern over punitive injunctions being meted out by the government of the Republic of Turkey against academics and leaders in that country’s higher education system. Read more

 

15 July 2016

Charges Against UFS Students Withdrawn Unconditionally

Charges against two students who were initially arrested on 24 February during protests at the University of the Free State (UFS) have been withdrawn unconditionally. Read more

Falling Down the Ethics Precipice?

Higher education has an unmatched obligation, which has not been adequately fulfilled, to help lay the foundations of a critical civil society, with a culture of public debate and tolerance which accommodates differences and competing interests. Read more

Fee-Free Policy Will Doom Varsities’

It would cost universities between R400-million and R2-billion to in-source all services – and if the country were to adopt a fee-free tuition regime some universities would collapse in a few months. Read more

From Promising Practice to Proven Student Success Models

We want to move away from promising practices into proven institutional models, to demonstrate that students from all types of background can succeed. Read more

Government Collaboration with HE Institutions

The Vice-Chancellor and Principal and the Management of the Vaal University of Technology held a meeting with the Gauteng Provincial Government and the local Emfuleni and Sedibeng governments. Read more

Grahamstown Comes Alive With Arts

The University town of Grahamstown will once again play host to the National Arts Festival. Read more

HERA Joins as SKA Precursor

The Hydrogen Epoch of Reionisation Array (HERA) was granted the status of SKA precursor telescope by SKA Organisation, joining the three other SKA precursor telescopes located on the SKA sites in Australia and South Africa. Read more

Higher Education Dept to Invest In Young Academics

Higher Education Minister says R184 million has been set aside for a programme that will see an increase in black academics in universities. Read more

Hundreds of International Students Start New Semester at SU

The students from countries such as Germany, Hong Kong, Poland, Colombia, Czech Republic, Ethiopia, China, Germany, Belgium, Zambia, Switzerland, Australia, Guinea and the USA are the second intake of international students for the year enrolling for short-term and full-degree programmes. Read more

Ignorance, Denial Contribute To New HIV Infections amongst Graduates

Ignorance and denialism are contributing to new HIV infections amongst the “educated communities”, this is according to head of Higher Education and Training HIV/AIDS Program (HeAids). Read more

Improving the Lives of Families Affected By HIV

The Department of Psychology collaborated on the development of a family strengthening and HIV prevention programme for adolescents and caregivers. Read more

Interim Solutions to Address Possible Overcrowding

Nelson Mandela Metropolitan University (NMMU) will use its official lunch period and offer duplicate lessons as a temporary solution towards possible overcrowding in the second semester. Read more

Lectures Resume

Lectures and all related academic activities will resume tomorrow when all support services are back in place. Read more

Monkey Research Attracts International Attention

The University of the Free State Department of Genetics focuses on research about the conflict between monkeys and humans in areas where monkeys are regarded as problem animals. Read more

New Wits Mining Institute to Focus on Innovation

Innovative technology solutions for the struggling mining sector will be the focus of a new unit at the University of the Witwatersrand (Wits), which brings together various disciplines under former School of Mining Engineering. Read more

NFVF Call For National Bursary Applications for Film and TV Studies

The National Film and Video Foundation’s (NFVF) bursary programme is aimed at stimulating and developing the skills of applicants who want to enter the film and television industry. Read more

NMMU Students Protest to Get Results

A group of NMMU students started a peaceful protest on Monday to demand that those unable to pay fees could access their results. Read more

Now You Can Learn Mandarin at the NWU

The North-West University´s (NWU´s) School of Languages has recognised a unique opportunity, and will soon offer the Mandarin language in different short courses and later, as modules in degree courses. Read more

NWU Researchers Receive Prestigious International Award

Four researchers of the North-West University’s (NWU’s) Centre for Business Mathematics (BMI) recently received a prestigious award in London. Read more

Prof to Challenge UWC Suspension

Professor Brian Williams is set to take his expulsion from the University of the Western Cape’s council to court. Read more

Public-Private Partnerships Change Students’ Lives

Public-private partnerships play an integral part in changing the lives of pupils and students, helping them to attain higher education that might not have been possible before. Read more

Records Tumble for Rhodes Prof

Internationally renowned Rhodes University medicinal chemistry and nanotechnology expert and her students have been praised for their publication of 63 peer reviewed papers in one year. Read more

Researchers Urgently Needed to Drive Innovation

The Faculty of Applied and Computer Science hosted its very first public lecture: “Growing the next generation of researchers: The National Research Foundation (NRF) perspective”. Read more

Revamped Aid Scheme Gives More Support to More Students

South Africa’s National Student Financial Aid Scheme, or NSFAS, is being substantially overhauled to pave the way for assistance for a broader range of deserving tertiary students while recognising government’s responsibility to eliminate structures that lumber university drop-outs with loan repayments. Read more

SA, France Sign Several Agreements

South Africa and France have signed a number of agreements in areas such as agriculture, arts and culture, maritime and higher education. Read more

SA Universities Drop in Global Ranking

South African universities dropped in a global ranking published by the Centre for World University Rankings on Tuesday, with the University of Witwatersrand (Wits) emerging as SA’s best tertiary institution at 176 out of 1,000. Read more

Sasco Calls for Debt Relief for All NSFAS Students

All activities were suspended at the Nelson Mandela University in Port Elizabeth, with students and security staff barricading all entrances. Read more

SAP Skills for Africa Launch Trains Youth for Guaranteed Jobs

A partnership between CPUT, industry partners and global software company SAP Africa is set to provide critical training in scarce ICT skills. Read more

South Africa Takes Steps to Nurture Nascent Biomanufacturing Industry

The Council for Scientific and Industrial Research’s (CSIR’s) Biomanufacturing Industry Development Centre (BIDC), a biomanufacturing innovation hub aimed at supporting small, medium-sized and micro- enterprises (SMMEs) in entering the local bio- industry. Read more

Stellenbosch University Appoints its First Woman Registrar

Stellenbosch University will have its first woman registrar from the start of 2017. Read more

Staff Thanked For A Total of 2 680 Service Years

During a recent recognition event staff with a total of 2 680 years of service were praised for their years of service at the North-West University’s Potchefstroom Campus. Read more

Talent Acquisition Imperative for Organisational Growth

Talent acquisition is rapidly becoming a challenge says a visiting Professor from the Indian Institute of Technology in Madras, Chennai, who gave a public lecture on “Talent acquisition and management” at the Faculty of Management Sciences. Read more

Teacher Smashes Stereotypes

The Wits Business School graduate and Soweto teacher, is eyeing the country’s top post in education. Read more

Thabazimbi College to Help Shrink Skills Gap

A state-of-the-art technical college has opened its doors to rural students in Thabazimbi in Limpopo. Read more

To Succeed, Students Need Funds, Food, Beds and Guidance

Resolving problems around student fees, accommodation, food and career guidance had to take precedence when discussing student success in South African higher education, as ignoring these issues only perpetuates an unequal society. Read more

Trevor Manuel and Max Du Preez among the Recipients of Honorary Doctorates at UFS Graduation

The UFS awarded four honorary doctorates at its Winter Graduation ceremonies. Read more

UCT Launches New Business Communication Diploma

University of Cape Town (UCT) has launched its first management diploma specialising in business communication, with a goal of attracting students across all fields, from the humanities to engineering. Read more

UCT Researchers Honoured At NSTF Awards

Five UCT researchers were honoured at the prestigious 18th annual National Science and Technology Forum (NSTF) Awards Gala Dinner which recognises and honours South African contributions to excellence in science engineering and technology. Read more

UJ Voltronics Electrical Car in Top 15 at Eco-Marathon Europe

The UJ Voltronics team with their Prototype Battery-Electrical vehicle finished in an astounding 15th place globally. Read more

UKZN to Deal Harshly With Staff Allegedly Involved In Sale of Student Places

The University of KwaZulu-Natal says numerous people have already come forward with concrete information following allegations a syndicate has been selling space to students wanting to get into its medical school. Read more

UKZN Called To Account over Bribery Claims

Parliament’s portfolio committee on higher education and training has asked for a report from the University of KwaZulu-Natal on what is going on in its Nelson R Mandela School of Medicine after allegations emerged that student places were up for sale. Read more

‘We Did the Burning For You’

There was no need to burn institutions of higher learning in a democratic South Africa. Read more

 

30 June 2016

Afrikaans Instruction to Be Phased Out

The Council of the University of Pretoria (UP), in concurrence with the Senate, supported the adoption of a new language policy in terms of which English will become the primary language of instruction and assessment. Read more

Cape Town Hosts Boffin Boot Camp

Once a year, for two months, the cream of the crop from some of the most prestigious universities around the world descend on Cape Town. Read more

Challenges Faced by Women in Research in Higher Education

Women are often the products of unequal, gendered education before we reach higher education. Read more

Court to Hear UFS Afrikaans Case

AfriForum and Solidarity are heading to Bloemfontein High Court over the University of the Free State’s language policy for 2017. Read more

CUT Collaborates With IEC on Civic Education Programmes

Independent Electoral Commission (IEC) hosted a three-day training workshop at CUT Bloemfontein Campus on training of members of public who will be officiating during the upcoming local government elections on 3 August 2016. Read more

Dental Technology Innovation Showcase Programmes

The BTech Dental Technology class recently proved that thinking out of the box is doable. Read more

Durban College Working to Prevent Future Disruptions

eThekwini TVET College is working towards achieving complete stability within the institution. Read more

Engenamic, Wits Drive Electrical Energy Agenda for Africa

Sustainable access to energy can help assist in the development of related infrastructure, as well as contributing to industrialisation and economic growth. Read more

Equity and Accessibility at Universities Not up for Corrupt Sales

The Chairperson of the Portfolio Committee on Higher Education, has noted with grave concern allegations of corrupt practices at the University of KwaZulu-Natal. Read more

Feesmustfall ‘Is Far From Over’

Academic experts say the country needs a minister of higher education who will communicate rationally with students about a way forward. Read more

Former Students Owe NSFAS R21bn

Nsfas’ spokesperson has appealed to beneficiaries who are earning money to start paying their debts, as more cash is required to fund other students. Read more

Higher Education Dept Brings HIV, TB Education to Durban Students

The Higher Education Department is creating awareness around its “First things First” programme at one of the eThekwini Tvet College’s six campuses in Durban. Read more

How to Beat the MBA Crowd

The MBA may be losing some of its shine, according to the results of a report from executive search firm Jack Hammer. Read more

Improving Employability of CPUT Graduates

A unique and exciting programme which equips graduates with market-relevant skills that will improve their employability has been launched at CPUT in collaboration with SAP. Read more

Inaugural Mphil Graduates Have Key Role to Play in Shaping Africa’s Future

Nothing could dampen the enthusiasm of the group of inaugural graduates from the UCT Graduate School of Development Policy and Practice. Read more

Leading French University Explores Collaboration with UKZN

Insights and collaboration in the development of the Accounting field were shared at a recent meeting between academics of the School of Accounting, Economics and Finance and their colleagues from the University of Auvergne in France. Read more

New Generation Faces an Old Problem: Lack of Skills and Education

A generation of youth rose up, first against unequal education, later against the whole apartheid system. Read more

New Professors Share Journeys and Reflections

How long does it take to become a professor? Following UCT’s recent ad hominem promotions and as the university works to transform its academic cohort, this question is a moot point. Read more

NMMU Tests Healing Plants from Nigeria, Romania and Egypt

Nelson Mandela Metropolitan University’s Maryna van de Venter is testing the medicinal properties of plants from around the world, including Romania, Egypt and Nigeria, screening mainly for anti-diabetic, anti-cancer and anti-HIV/Aids activity. Read more

NWU Rolls up Its Sleeves for the Deaf

Most of us are normal. We can hear, see, walk and feel. This is such a matter of course that we do not even think about being different – until we come across someone who is not as fortunate as we are. Read more

Research Publication Highlights SU’s Societal Impact

This publication reflects on our research activities that contribute to a transformed society and also highlights our commitment to human capital development and the excellent work of some of our research-focused academics. Read more

Support for English at UFS from the Higher Education Transformation Network

The use of English for academic purposes at the University of the Free State was welcomed by the Higher Education Transformation Network (HETN). Read more

South Africa Needs Flexible Policies for Education

A bid for equal and quality education is challenging policymakers to formulate strategies that consider the lives and experiences of black children. Read more

Stellenbosch University and Security Watch Africa sign MOU

Representatives of Stellenbosch University (SU) and Security Watch Africa (SWA), a high-level Nigerian-based security NGO, signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between the two institutions. Read more

Stellenbosch University Council Member Quits as Language Policy Is Adopted

A Stellenbosch University (SU) council member resigned after the institution adopted a new language policy intended to support multilingualism. Read more

Stellenbosch University to Give Afrikaans and English Equal Status

Stellenbosch University is set to adopt a revised language policy, which will effectively give English and Afrikaans equal status. Read more

Student Debts Handed Over

Students failing to pay historical debts amounting to hundreds of millions of rands to local universities have been handed over to attorneys for collections as nonpayment was impacting on the cash flow of these institutions. Read more

The Technology for Youth Academy Launched

Education in Nelson Mandela Bay was given a much needed boost with the launch of an innovative Youth for Technology Academy. Read more

Trauma, Forgiveness, and Reconciliation Studies Attracts Global Attention

Research excellence is one of the major driving forces at the core of the University of the Free State (UFS). This striving for academic distinction has found embodiment within Trauma, Forgiveness, and Reconciliation (TFR) Studies. Read more

UCT Student’s Research on Sexting Gains Global Attention

UCT PhD student Melissa Meyer chats about her findings and upcoming trip to the UK, where she will share her knowledge and research on sexting as part of an elite panel. Read more

UKZN Academic Member of WHO Committee on Zika Vaccine

Professor of UKZN’s School of Applied Human Sciences has been appointed to a World Health Organization (WHO) Expert Committee to compile guidelines for the urgent development of a Zika vaccine. Read more

UKZN in Talks with SRC over Allegations

The University of KwaZulu-Natal is aware of fraud allegations levelled against the SRC president on its Pietermaritzburg campus. Read more

Universities of Technology Eye Rich Prospects in Waste

South African universities of technology are positioning themselves as critical partners in what is considered a fairly new but highly relevant area of research, innovation and job creation. Read more

Varsity Swotting Can Go To Your Head

Graduates are more likely to be diagnosed with brain tumours, a study has shown. Read more

Virginity Testing for Bursaries Is Unconstitutional – Commission for Gender Equality

The uThukela District Municipality’s Maidens Bursary Award is unlawful, unfair, unreasonable and unconstitutional, and should be discontinued. Read more

Wits’ Free Online Courses Will Boost Access to Higher Education

The University of the Witwatersrand announced that it had developed free, online courses to be made available over the next three years, as part of efforts to enhance access. Read more

Wits is first university in Africa to offer MOOCs on edX

Wits University has developed a suite of online course offerings that will be made available over the next three years to enhance access to higher education. Read more

World Business Schools Prepare For Inaugural African MBA Indaba

Some of the world’s top business schools are gearing up for the first African MBA Indaba due to be held in Sandton in August. Read more

 

15 June 2016

Afrikaans Must Go’

The University of Pretoria moved a step closer towards changing its language policy when the transformation lekgotla adopted a proposal that English be the only medium of instruction for lectures, assessments and tutorials. Read more

Back to Bush College of Discontent under ANC

That we do not learn from the past is among the oldest and truest of clichés. But that SA’s democratic government does not learn from the mistakes of its apartheid predecessor gives the cliché a new twist. Read more

Black Graduates Excel in Doctoral Degrees

The number of science, engineering and technology (SET) doctoral degrees awarded to black graduates in South Africa is slightly overtaking the number awarded to white graduates. Read more

Brave New Varsity World

A proposal to develop Pedi as an academic language, and the introduction of African studies as a major subject next year, are just two ways in which universities are tackling transformation. Read more

Call to Humanity

Former Constitutional Court judge who was the speaker at the second of the June graduation ceremonies, urged those present to fulfil their constitutional obligations by working to create a truly non-racial, non-sexist South Africa. Read more

Constrained Local Students Are Enjoying Opportunities Online Learning Offers

Online learning is becoming increasingly popular, particularly among students who cannot access traditional places of higher education due to various constraints, including financial, geographical and political. Read more

Department of Higher Education Blames #Feesmustfall for Arson

The Department of Higher Education has blamed student movements for recent incidents of arson attacks taking place in universities. Read more

Empower a Girl Child, Empower the Nation

The Vaal Triangle Campus of the North-West University (NWU Vaal) is dedicated towards finding innovative solutions to curb social injustices such as gender inequality. Read more

Equality and Equal Access to Health Care

A new clinic at Wits University’s Empilweni Services and Research Unit (ESRU) will provide high quality research, training and medical services. Read more

Forbidden Sex and Bribery in Hallowed Halls of Academe

A messy 10-year fight between the University of KwaZulu-Natal and a retired professor over a doctorate is headed for the Constitutional Court. Read more

Graduates Search for Work on Street Corners

Graduates desperate for work are taking to the streets to find employment because there’s no response to the hundreds of job applications they continue to send. Read more

Grub Cupboard Bare for Hungry Wits Students

Wits University students who are going hungry might have to find alternative sources of food. Read more

Industrial Physics Set to Take Industry by Storm

The Tshwane University of Technology’s Department of Physics has produced its very first batch of Industrial Physics alumni at the autumn graduations. Read more

Killer Road: Students Take Action

When a student at Sefako Makgatho Health Science University was hit by a car on Molotlegi Street on Tuesday night, other students took action. Read more

Mafikeng Campus to Offer Two New Programmes in 2017

In striving to maintain and increase its academic activities and to sustain its relevance to the various communities it serves, the North-West University (NWU) will be offering two new academic programmes in 2017 in the Faculty of Humanities and the Faculty of Commerce and Administration. Read more

Moodle Gets Thumbs Up from Students

Moodle is the official eLearning management system used at UKZN to communicate with students by uploading lecture notes, library resources, study tips and other educational resources on the site. Read more

Muslim and ZCC Students Forced to Remove Religious Head Coverings at NWU

In light of the #RespekTheDoek campaign, reports of two incidents of students being asked to remove their head coverings have emerged at the NWU Potchefstroom campus. Read more

New Chancellor Vows to Lead CUT to the Future

The Central University of Technology reached a historic moment when the first woman Chancellor, Madam Justice Mahube Molemela was inaugurated. Read more

New Generation Faces an Old Problem: Lack of Skills and Education

Today, 22 years into democracy, a new generation of youth, the so-called born-frees, face a different set of challenges, some as daunting as those faced by their parents, who risked death and imprisonment in the quest for freedom. Read more

NSFAS Opens Online Applications for Funding to Tertiary Students

The National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS) has opened online applications to selected colleges as well as Unisa for students who only need to register for the second semester or trimester season to complete or continue their studies. Read more

Number of Black Students at Tertiary Institutions Proportionally Lower Than Other Race Groups

Although 68.5% of the students who were enrolled at higher education institutions

were black‚ proportionally this group was under­represented. Read more

Rhodes Must Fall Students Banned from Campus

The University of Cape Town is taking a tough stance against students who have been protesting under the Rhodes Must Fall banner. Students, who violated a court interdict, now face an uncertain future. Read more

SA on Track to Hit Annual Target of 30,000 Artisans

The government remains confident of meeting its target of producing 30,000 artisans per year in line with the National Development Plan, despite the challenges faced by some training institutions. Read more

Student Protesters Cost North-West University R85m in Campus Damage

North-West University (NWU) has revised down the estimated costs of damage to property caused during student riots‚ to R85m. Read more

The Dilemma Facing Technical Education in South Africa

In a time that sees South Africa battling a massive skills shortage in the technical sector, less and less grade 9 learners are taking the technical route when choosing subjects for grade 10, 11 and 12. Read more

UCT Moves to Tackle Inequality

UCT is poised to become a major player in a global programme to help create a community of leaders dedicated to eradicating inequality through changing policy, practice and public dialogue. Read more

UJ Raises R60m for ‘Missing Middle’ Students

The University of Johannesburg has raised R60 million for the ‘missing middle’ students this year. Read more

UL Whistle Blowers Hotline: Awareness Campaign

In an effort to stamp out fraud, corruption and unethical practices, the University of Limpopo has secured the services of an independent information gathering company. Read more

UKZN Royal Show Stand Wins Gold and the Trophy for Best Customer Service

UKZN has once again pulled the proverbial rabbit out of the hat at the annual Pietermaritzburg Royal Agricultural Show. Its stand, which highlights research done within the School of Agricultural, Earth and Environmental Sciences and the School of Life Sciences at the Ukulinga Research Farm, not only won a Gold medal but also the Trophy for Best Customer Care.  Read more

Waste as a Resource, Topic of Dean of Engineering’s Royal Society Lecture

Waste-to-energy technologies are becoming the “low hanging” fruit in Africa and an interesting vehicle to realise a Green Economy. Read more

 

15 May 2016

Anti-Discrimination Campaign Launched

In an attempt to fast track nation-building, national Chairman of the Moral Regeneration Movement (MRM), urged universities to launch their own chapters of the movement. Read more

Astronomers Pinpoint Echoes of Ancient Exploding Star on Our Stellar Doorstep

A team of astronomers from UCT and the Southern African Large Telescope (SALT) has identified a rare star that exploded around 1 500 years ago. Read more

Call for Submissions to the Fee-Free Higher Education Commission

Those in the higher education and training sector‚ students‚ parents‚ the business sector‚ the government‚ community organisations and others are invited to make written submissions to the commission. Read more

Controversial Higher Education Bill a Step Closer to Becoming Law

The controversial Higher Education Amendment Bill is one step closer to becoming law. Read more

Eastern Cape Universities Support SACO

A strong regional flavour is anticipated at the first ever South African Cultural Observatory (SACO) national conference. Read more

First Things First Launched in Mpumalanga

Thousands of students from the Ehlanzeni TVET College and other higher education and training institutions in Mpumalanga underwent HIV testing and were screened for STIs and TB. Read more

French for Professional Use

CPUT is involved in a number of mutually beneficial partnerships with France and recently further cemented ties with the signing of a memorandum of understanding (MOU) with the French Embassy to offer French for Professional purposes at the University. Read more

MPs Endorse Proposals to Clip Universities’ Wings

Parliament’s portfolio committee on higher education and training adopted the bill that critics say will give the state sweeping powers over universities and colleges. Read more

New Higher Education Amendment Bill Threatens Academic Freedom

The government struggles to come to terms with the idea that universities have autonomy, and that they take their obligations towards the constitutionally protected ideal of academic freedom seriously. Read more

No Mountain Too High for Medical Students on Quest to Change Lives

Adventurous and aspiring medical students from the Wits Students’ Surgical Society launched their quest to give children their smiles back in yet another venture to summit the highest free standing peek in Africa, Mount Kilimanjaro. Read more

R3.5bn to Be Spent On Afrikaans Education

The private Afrikaans university Akademia, established by the Solidarity Movement in 2012, has grown from 37 students to 413. Read more

Rhodes University Protests Threatened Lives

The vice chancellor of Rhodes University said they only approached the court to get an interdict against protesters when lives were threatened. Read more

SA, UK Join Forces to Fund Research Chairs

South Africa and the United Kingdom have established the first three bilateral research chairs to build innovation capacity between the two countries. Read more

State Backs Drive to Boost Research and Development

The Department of Science and Technology is hoping that an investment of millions of rand to help eight industry sectors become more competitive will spur companies to spend more on research and development. Read more

Students Forced to Live in Shacks

Poor students at the troubled Soshanguve South campus of the Tshwane North College (TNC) have been staying in shacks in the township since January.  Read more

Students Grilled to Make Up for Lost Time Following Campus Shutdown

In the aftermath of violent protests that shut down the North West University Mafikeng Campus for a month, students are finding themselves snowed under with academic work to make up for lost time. Read more

The SKA Will Help Us Answer Questions We Have Not Even Asked Yet

Radio astronomers will use the Square Kilometre Array (SKA) to understand how stars and galaxies are formed, how they evolve over time and whether there is life elsewhere in the universe. Read more

Triumph in the Face of Adversity

Fourteen beneficiaries of the No Student Hungry (NSH) Bursary Programme received their degrees. This is an achievement they all feel they could not have reached, were it not for the support by NSH. Read more

UCT Students Hold Event against Rape Culture

People with placards and white T-shirts lined the area outside the University of Cape Town’s Bremner Building. Statements on the placards included “#EndRapeCulture”, “UCT Fails Survivors” and “Council’s Silence = Complicity”. Read more

UJ Students Aim to Curb Tender Corruption

The introduction of an e-tender portal and central supplier database (CSD) are efforts by SA’s government to stamp out tender fraud and make procurement more efficient and cost-effective. Read more

University Leaders as ‘Meaning Makers’

Universities globally are increasingly challenged by disruptive innovation that is revolutionary, unpredictable and moving at an unprecedented pace. Read more

 

30 April 2016

Adam Habib Elected to the American Academy of Arts and Sciences

Wits Vice-Chancellor and Principal, Adam Habib and Constitutional Court Judge Edwin Cameron are the only two South Africans who were elected among the 37 Foreign Honorary Members from 17 countries. Read more

Academic Excellence to be Celebrated at Autumn Graduation Ceremony

A total of 1 441 students will graduate during the upcoming Autumn Graduation Ceremony of the Vaal Triangle Campus of the North-West University (NWU Vaal). Read more

A Magic Chinese Characters Exhibition at DUT

The Confucius Institute at the Durban University of Technology (DUT CI) and the DUT Art Gallery recently held a Magic Chinese Characters Exhibition to showcase the excellent works created by the DUT CI staff and Mandarin students. Read more

CPUT Staff Threaten to Shut Down University

Striking Cape Peninsula University of Technology (CPUT) staff have threatened to completely shut down the institution if management does not meet their demands. Read more

EFF Leaders ‘Greedy to Graduate’, But Disrupt Varsities for Others

EFF’s leaders were greedy to graduate, but disrupted universities for everybody else, Higher Education Minister. Read more

Foreign Graduates of SA’s Universities Can Soon Apply for Permanent Residence

Foreign students will soon be allowed to apply for permanent residence once they have graduated from a South African university. Read more

Hypertension Researchers on Top of Their Game

Two researchers from the North-West University (NWU) are currently rubbing shoulders with world leaders in hypertension research at the 8th African Hypertension Teaching Seminar. Read more

I’m Not Going Anywhere, Says UFS’s Jansen

The University of Free State’s vice chancellor, Professor Jonathan Jansen, has denied rumours that he is quitting his job. Read more

It Is Not Easy Being a Leader in SA

It is very difficult being a leader in the new environment in South Africa, University of Free State vice chancellor, Professor Jonathan Jansen. Read more

Learning Lessons Abroad on Funding Research, Innovation

In South Africa universities contribute 2.1% of gross domestic product – more than textiles and forestry. Read more

Official Launch of the New Library Management System

Department of Library Services of the University of Pretoria together with Sabinet, officially launched its new library management system, OCLC WorldShare Management Services. Read more

Open Day Reveals Boundless Possibilities

It might have been the first day of the weekend, but thousands of prospective students descended on UCT’s upper campus to sink their teeth into the university’s annual Open Day. Read more

Our Varsities Need Transformation, Not Destruction – Nzimande

Parents need to be part of the solution for problems facing tertiary institutions, instead of condoning protests. Read more

Rhodes VC in the Line of Fire

With arms raised wide, Rhodes University’s vice-chancellor appeals to SAPS officers to stop shooting rubber bullets at anti-rape protestors. Read more

Research – Creative Responses in a Hostile Environment

When the students are at the gate, it’s too late for polite discussion. Read more

Satellite Campus for TVET College

The Motheo Technical Vocational Education and Training (TVET) College has opened a satellite campus in Zastron in the Xhariep District, bringing about a new dawn in this Free State region. Read more

Stressed Students Turn to Suicide

Suicide is such a concern that the University of Cape Town is setting up a mental health team to work with the SA Depression and Anxiety Group. Read more

Solar Farm for NMMU

Nelson Mandela Metropolitan University may soon have its own on-campus solar photovoltaics (PV) farm. Read more

Students Voice Concerns at New Hope Summit

The fifth annual New Hope Summit, a student lead gathering aimed at critical engagement on issues at tertiary institutions. Read more

Student Leaders at The Historical Fort Hare University Are Allegedly Renting Out Rooms in the Institution’s Residences

DA Student Organisation (Daso) leader and MP Yusuf Cassim claimed that leaders of the ANC-aligned SA Students Congress (Sasco) and its youth league at the university were selling rooms in residence to students who did not apply for space and were not paying the university for the rooms. Read more

Turbulent Times for Students but Also Positive Progress across SA Campuses

South African students have seen turbulent times in recent months, yet along with these challenges there has been significant positive change. Read more

Transformation Talk Addresses Moral Leadership

Under the current leadership, South Africa has become a country of very few possibilities from which only a few people can benefit. Read more

Young Theologians Honoured With Desmond Tutu-Gerrit Brand Prize for Debut Work

A debut volume with contributions from a number of UP theology students, titled Jong teoloë praat saam, was crowned as winner of the 2016 Desmond Tutu-Gerrit Brand Prize for debut work in an official South African language. Read more

 

15 April 2016

62.5% Women to Graduate at UKZN in 2016

The University of KwaZulu-Natal (UKZN) will confer an impressive 10 015 degrees at its 22 graduation ceremonie. Read more

Black Graduates Battle to Get Work

No matter what you study or how well you do in your course, if you are black you have less chance of finding a job after graduating from Rhodes University. Read more

Boost for R&D in SA

SA has signed an agreement with the Eurostars-2 programme to ensure companies involved in research and development (R&D) form collaborations with European businesses. Read more

BRICS Universities Join Grad Programming

A network of universities has been formed with the aim of establishing joint graduate programmes across universities in BRICS countries. Read more

Cape Town to Change Contested Names of Key Buildings

The University of Cape Town has invited students, staff and the wider university community to contribute views on whether contested names of some key campus buildings and spaces should change. Read more

Country Needs Ubuntu Leadership Style

CPUT graduates were encouraged to adopt the values of ubuntu leadership style when interacting with their customers, colleagues and fellow citizens. Read more

Developing Staff Capacity in Online Teaching

DUT recently honoured staff members who completed courses in online teaching and facilitation with a certificate presentation Read more

Free Education for All Not Feasible

Higher Education Deputy Minister, says government can ill-afford to fund every student for higher education. Read more

Fee-Free Universities Would Reduce Quality of Tertiary Education

Making tertiary education free would reduce the quality of education and graduates. Read more

Higher Education Not Reducing Inequality

The higher education sector was not helping reduce inequality and poverty because it was not feeding enough competitive graduates into the economy. Read more

Honorary Degrees in 2016 at UKZN

The Senate and Council of the University of KwaZulu-Natal have approved nominations to confer honorary degrees in 2016 on the following four distinguished individuals, for their unique and outstanding contribution to society both locally and at a global level. Read more

Insurers Assess Damaged University

Investigations into the causes of the damage to the University of Limpopo’s multipurpose centre outside Polokwane are still under way. Read more

Internationalisation Policy for Universities on the Cards

Measures designed to facilitate the enrolment of foreign students and academics at South African universities and to eliminate current bureaucratic chaos centred around immigration regulations were announced at a Research and Innovation Dialogue. Read more

International Collaboration Advances Research

Monsanto South Africa is currently running a collaborative research programme with Enterprises University of Pretoria’s Research Solutions, as part of its ongoing commitment to be an innovative agricultural company that creates relevant solutions for growers, consumers and the environment. Read more

Minister Approves Infrastructure Funds to Universities

The Department of Higher Education and Training has allocated R1.9 billion (US$129 million) towards improving the infrastructure, student housing and maintenance, among other things. Read more

More Than 25 000 Qualifications Awarded

Unisa provided the country’s workforce with a healthy injection of newly qualified candidates during the autumn graduation period. Provisional figures indicate that a total of 25 065 degrees, diplomas, and certificates were awarded during the period, including 63 doctorates and 198 master’s degrees. Read more

NWU Academics Receive Prestigious International Scholarship

Two lecturers from the Faculty of Agriculture, Science and Technology at the Mafikeng Campus of the North-West University (NWU) received a top scholarship from a leading international university in the USA. Read more

Research Funding Boost

CPUT has received a welcome boost in research funding, which will ensure that researcher have access to a broad range of funding choices. Read more

SA Doctor Wins Trip to Singularity University with HIV Cure Idea

A South African scientist with a plan that could aid researchers working on a cure for HIV has won a trip to the exclusive Singularity University campus in Silicon Valley for an intensive 10 week Global Solutions Program that takes place this winter. Read more

SA’s First Prototype Hydrogen Fuel Cell Forklift Unveiled

Science and Technology Minister unveiled South Africa’s first prototype hydrogen fuel cell forklift and a refuelling station. Read more

SASCO Urge ANC to ‘Listen to Students’ Calls for Transformation

Student organisation The South African Students Congress (Sasco) has warned the African National Congress (ANC) to listen to students’ calls for transformation at institutions of higher learning. Read more

Student Complains About Overcrowded Lecture Halls

AN irate Nelson Mandela Metropolitan University (NMMU) student, complained about overcrowding during lectures and asked other NMMU students to share her Facebook comment. Read more

The Challenge of Decolonisation: UCT’s Transformation Journey

Since the removal of the statue of Cecil John Rhodes at the University of Cape Town, UCT has been in the midst of a far-reaching change that will see a fundamentally different university emerge. Read more

UCT Inks TB and Malaria Drug Development Partnership

The University of Cape Town’s (UCT’s) Drug Discovery and Development Centre, H3D, has entered into a strategic partnership with Janssen Pharmaceutica N.V. Read more

UKZN Honours HIV/Aids Pioneer Scientist Gallo

The University of KwaZulu-Natal awarded an honorary doctorate to internationally renowned scientist, Dr Robert Gallo, who proved HIV caused Aids. Read more

UKZN Boasts First Black Woman with PhD in Town Planning

UKZN’s College of Humanities celebrated the graduation of Dr Hangwelani Hope Magidimisha – the first Black woman to be awarded a doctorate in the Discipline of Town Planning at the University. Read more

Universities Hinder Students from Accessing Funds, Says NSFAS

Universities will soon lose their powers to allocate National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS) funds to poor students as the government body tightens its grip on finances. Read more

We Need Educated Leaders

Retired judge and Chancellor of the University of South Africa (Unisa), says the country needs more educated leaders to take it forward. Read more

 

1 April 2016

Appointment of a New Dean in the Faculty Of Education

The University is pleased to announce the appointment of Prof Molatlhegi Trevor (Chika) Sehoole as Dean of the Faculty of Education with effect from 1 June 2016. Read more

Investing in Innovation Will Push Skills Development in SA

Deputy President says investment in innovation will help propel South Africa’s skills development initiatives to greater heights. Read more

Demand for MBAs Remains High

The majority of employers still regard the MBA as a high-value degree and are eager to hire MBAs, according to a new survey from the Graduate Management Admission Council (GMAC). Read more

Fewer Black, Coloured Applicants for Maties

Stellenbosch University has recorded a “significant drop” in the number of black and coloured first-year student registrations compared with last year. Read more

Malema Applauded as He Gets His Degree

A rousing applause reverberated across the University of South Africa’s ZK Mathews hall as Economic Freedom Fighters leader Julius Malema walked in for his graduation last night. Read more

Several Injured as Armed Security Guards Clash at Walter Sisulu University

A clash between private and striking campus security guards broke out at the Walter Sisulu University in Mthatha, resulting in several injuries. Read more

Student Protesters Vow to Continue Their Struggle for Free Education

A group of student protesters who have been let off the hook after being arrested last year have vowed to continue their struggle for free tertiary education. Read more

Some Languages More Equal Than Others

The distinction between race and language in South Africa is a fine one, and given historical racial politics the line is blurred in many places. Student protests against the use of Afrikaans as a medium of instruction in universities have sparked racial tension that cannot be categorised as strictly ‘black’ or ‘white’. Read more

University Ordered to Implement ‘Equal Language’ Plan

The High Court in the Western Cape has ordered Stellenbosch University to implement a plan for language policy developed in 2014 by the end of March that places English and Afrikaans on equal footing. Read more

Varsities Down on Women

Higher education institutions remain stubbornly resistant to gender transformation, with their top management male dominated and women perceived as “unproductive” or “not worthy” of senior positions. Read more

Why are South African Students so Angry?

South Africa’s universities have faced protests and disruption, linked by a strong common thread. Read more

http://www.bbc.com/news/business-35883919

 

15 March 2016

Antiwhite Students Flirt With Race War

Hgher Education Minister has warned that “antiwhite” sentiments among protesting students could lead to “racial conflict”. Read more

Be Aware of Risks and Rewards of Co-Publishing With Students

Postgraduate students and their supervisors should be keenly aware of the risks and rewards of co-publishing papers. Read more

Be Prepared for a Different Higher Education Sector

The higher education sector is going through a tumultuous period and the world of academia is wobbling on its axis with unfathomable challenges. Read more

Biggest Fake Degree Scandals in South Africa

Net1 CEO is the latest high-profile South African who was found to have a fake degree. Read more

Bishops Call for Honest Attempts to End Student Violence

They have not done enough to promote an environment that enables open and honest dialogue to happen. We call for honest dialogue on the issues raised by the students at various campuses.Read more

Community Gives Bursaries to Needy Students

The community of Mahikeng has pledged an amount of R140 000 to the Mafikeng Campus of the North-West University (NWU) to be used as bursaries for needy and deserving students. Read more

Landscape Technology Project Set to Contribute to Food Security

A well thought out Service Learning project will contribute to food security, as well as promote entrepreneurship and sustainability on the Bellville Campus. Read more

Mbeki Adds His Voice To Student Protests

Former president Thabo Mbeki said students who have been protesting at universities must think about the universities they are trying to create, rather than simply trying to destroy things they don’t like. Read more

MUT Top Officials Placed on Special Leave

While there’s been violence at some institutions of higher education in the country, tensions of a different kind are brewing at Durban’s Mangosuthu University of Technology. Read more

New Masters Degree to Address Energy Needs

As part of an European Union Edulink consortium Programme on Energy Efficiency in Southern Africa (PEESA) that includes African and German partners, CPUT has introduced a new Masters degree. Read more

NWU Faculty of Education Introduces Digital Technology in Classrooms

The Faculty of Education and Training at the Mafikeng Campus of the North-West University (NWU) recently introduced digital technology in classrooms. The first stage of the programme was implemented for students in the Foundation Phase. Read more

Research & Innovation Week Opens on a High

Once you move beyond the rhetoric how do you decode what it means to transform and decolonise? This was the query posed by the Vice-Chancellor of the University of the Witwatersrand and panelist at the opening ceremony of the fifth annual Unisa Research & Innovation Week. Read more

Stop Acts of Violence, Premier Tells UFS Protesters

Students at the University of Free State should return to classes and stop acts of violence with immediate effect. Read more

Thorny Issue of University Autonomy and Transformation

While most stakeholders agree that South Africa’s higher education sector needs more transformation, what form transformation should take is still a matter for debate. Read more

UCT Innovators Invited to Pitch for Seed Funding

Graduate School of Business (GSB), with support from the SAB Foundation has set up a fund that allows student social entrepreneurs to access seed funding to tackle challenges specifically faced in low-income communities. Read more

UJ Investigating Alleged Registrations Scam

The University of Johannesburg has launched an internal investigation into claims about an ex SRC member who has scammed students into paying nearly R2,000 each for a place at the institution. Read more

UJ Receives R1.7m Investment

The educational agreement between UJ and the French multinational corporation forms part of Schneider Electric’s sustainable growth strategy. Read more

UJ Will Continue to Assist Students With NSFAS Top-Up

The University of Johannesburg (UJ) recognises that many students cannot afford university fees and will thus continue to support many of them through the top-up to the National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS) to the value of R20 million. Read more

Unisa Obtains Second Interdict Against EFF SC & Co.

The University of SA (Unisa) has obtained a second court interdict following violent protests, the institution said. Read more

Universities Spend Millions In Beefing Up Security

Universities countrywide are digging deep to secure their campuses by spending millions for additional security. Read more

UP Veterinary Science Students Make a Difference

A group of 125 veterinary science students from the University of Pretoria (UP) recently went to Makapanstad village in the North West province, where they had the opportunity to gain first-hand experience handling farm animals without the aid of standard animal-handling facilities. Read more

VUT Finds Opportunities For Collaboration

Based in the southern-most tip of Gauteng, the Vaal University of Technology continuously seeks new opportunities for collaboration beyond our borders. Read more

Wits And Erasmus University Launch a New Phd Law Degree

Wits and Erasmus are championing a socio-legal approach that critiques the social working of law over studies that simply examine the content and implementation. Read more

 

29 February 2016

Blade to Meet Top Cops Over Varsity Violence

The Minister of Higher Education and Training, will meet Police Minister and acting national police commissioner at the University of Witwatersrand to discuss the role of police in protecting universities. Read more

Call to Almost Double Funds Spent on Higher Education

The government should allocate an additional R30-billion annually towards universities and colleges, a policy and research expert said as a fresh student protests this week again highlighted the difficulties many face when it comes to paying fees. Read more

Department Condemns Violence at Universities

The Department of Higher Education and Training said the acts of violence at universities, especially the University of Pretoria (UP) and the University of the Free State (UFS), show that there are fringe elements seeking to destabilise institutions as part of a “perverse political agenda”. Read more

Embattled SA Universities Should Take the Same Advice Given to Business Leaders

South Africa’s embattled institutes of higher learning could find long-term solutions to the current crisis in education by applying the principles of business model innovation. Read more

Higher Education Act Amendments Could Hinder Distance Learners

The proposed amendments to the Higher Education Act are necessary, director of The Independent Institute of Education, says that they could seriously affect distance education students and their chances of success. Read more

Mixed Responses to Education Bill

South African vice-chancellors are concerned the Higher Education Amendment Bill will encroach on autonomy at a time when institutions have been rocked by a series of student protests calling for radical change. Read more

New Student Accommodation Development Targets Growing Need

Student accommodation across the country, and in the Western Cape in particular, is in high demand with new developments needed to match the growing numbers of students entering tertiary education each year. Read more

NWU Management Dissolves SRC

The university has accused the SRC of damaging campus property and delaying progress at the institution. Read more

Plagiarised Promotion’

A seasoned academic has said that a high-ranking KwaZulu-Natal Department of Correctional Services official “plagiarised” his work to obtain a master’s degree from the University of Zululand. Read more

Protest-Hit University of Pretoria Proposes New English Language Policy

The University of Pretoria has proposed that all its lectures be offered in English only, according to a statement on its Facebook page on Monday morning. Read more

Safety and Security at Wits

The University will take action against anyone involved in acts of violence on our campuses, in line with our rules, policies and procedures. Read more

SA Gets New Qualifications Board

The Ministry of Higher Education and Training on Monday appointed twelve education experts to sit on the board of the South African Qualification Authority (SAQA). Read more

SA Varsities On A Knife’s Edge

South Africa’s higher education system was standing at the edge of a precipice and could implode, Rhodes vice-chancellor has warned. Read more

South Africa and The Illusion of Free Higher Education

Demands for free higher education and other social services such as health and basic education in Africa date back to the 1960s. Read more

Stellenbosch University Retains Afrikaans Language

Afrikaans and English will enjoy equal status as medium of instruction at the University of Stellenbosch, after AfriForum Youth and the university came to an agreement in the High Court in Cape Town recently. Read more

Student Survives Suicide Bid Over Lack Of Funds

Distraught over being blocked from registering at the University of Johannesburg (UJ) due to debt, a student attempted suicide. Read more

UCT Concern Over Minister’s ‘Autonomy’

UCT vice-chancellor has submitted to Parliament that the Minister of Higher Education and Training should not have autonomy on transformation policies and disciplinary matters at universities. Read more

UKZN Hosts International Conference on History Education in Africa

The History Education Program in the School of Education together with the International Research Association for History and Social Sciences Education (IRAHSSE) hosted the International Conference on History Education in Africa which took place in Durban. Read more

University Leaders Seek Help As Protests Turn Violent

Vice-chancellors called for help in identifying perpetrators of campus violence, who showed total disregard for the academic project, the rules of engagement and the laws and Constitution. Read more

 

15 February 2016

33rd Science Learning Centre 2016

UWC hands over its first three school science centres for the year. Read more

A Degree Means Nothing If You are Not a Decent Human Being, Vice-Chancellor Tells First-Years

The 2016 Qwaqwa Campus first-year students received one of the warmest welcomes when the entire Rectorate and other senior UFS officials arrived to welcome them. Read more

Agricultural Extension Recognised as a Science and a Profession

The field of Extension Science has recently been brought into the fold of accepted fields of Natural Sciences, and it is now a legal requirement for Agricultural Extensionists and Advisors to register with the South African Council for Natural Scientific Professions (SACNASP). Read more

Beware Varsity Degrees That Will Leave You Unemployable

Young people should stop pursuing university degrees that would result in them joining the list of unemployed graduates. Read more

Curriculum Must Respond to Needs of Society

African National Congress Secretary General says that students need to be advised about is needed by the economy and study in such fields. Read more

CUT Lecturer Makes International News

Her work is currently considered as innovative in solving current drought challenges facing farming community in the Southern African region and is laying a foundation for the best practices in the sector. Read more

Deepening Inequality Is The High Price Students Will Pay For Free Education

This #FeesMustFall movement has become a force for social change centred around access to and free tertiary education. It demands deep transformation in all sectors of the higher education landscape and, in essence, encompasses broader societal issues of social justice and equality. Read more

Extraordinary Professor Honoured In A Special Way

Various theologians of the North-West University took part in a special conference during which one of its extraordinary professors in the New Testament was honoured with a Festschrift. Read more

First Joint Phd Awarded By the Vrije and Stellenbosch Universities

Dr Regan Solomons recently became the first person to qualify for the joint PhD degree between the Vrije University (VU) and Stellenbosch University (SU) after he successfully defended his PhD dissertation on ‘Improving early diagnosis of tuberculous meningitis (TBM) in children’ in Amsterdam. Read more

Goals and Means – Reimagining the South African University

2015 was a tumultuous year for the higher education sector in South Africa. Read more

Majority of International Students Privately Accommodated

Only 125 (1.8%) out of a possible 6680 beds at UCT are allocated to Semester Study Abroad (SSA) students, most of whom are in fact accommodated privately. Read more

No Afrikaans, No Cake

If you don’t speak Afrikaans, you can’t buy cake at any of the campus booths being set up nationwide by civil rights group AfriForum Youth.  Read more

Rector Urges Rugby Team to Heal the Campus

UWC Rector and Vice-Chancellor, has challenged the University rugby club to win the Varsity Shield Competition, contribute in uniting the university community and help in rebuilding the image of the institution.  Read more

Sandra Liebenberg Nominated For UN Committee on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights

HF Oppenheimer Chair in Human Rights Law and Distinguished Professor at the Faculty of Law, has been nominated by the South African government as the country’s candidate to serve on the United Nations’ Committee on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights. Read more

#SilosMustFall Staff Exhibition

In the past years, the Department of Design and Studio Art entered into a series of discussions with local and international institutions with an intention of re-shaping its curriculum and aligning it with the rest of the world and the market. Read more

Stellenbosch Pomegranate Researcher Honoured With African Union Science Prize

The African Union (AU) has bestowed one of its highest scientific honours upon agricultural engineer and postharvest technology expert Prof Umezuruike Linus Opara of Stellenbosch University in South Africa. Read more

SU Appoints New Crop of Distinguished Professors

A new group of 15 professors at Stellenbosch University (SU) has been appointed as Distinguished Professors. It was only the second time that SU has bestowed this honour on its leading academics. Read more

Talloires Network Africa Faculty Support Grant Awarded to UP Scholar

Dr Martina Jordaan, from the Department of Informatics at the University of Pretoria (UP), was one of the winners of a Talloires Network Africa Faculty Support Grant at the end of 2015. Read more

UJ Engineering Researcher to Receive International IEOM Award

Prof Charles Mbohwa will receive a Distinguished Educator Award from the global Industrial Engineering and Operations Management Society in Kuala Lumpur. Read more

UKZN Loses Bid to Strip Academic of PhD

The University of KwaZulu-Natal (UKZN) has lost its appeal against a former senior lecturer, in a bid to strip her of her PhD.  Read more

Unisa Increases Its Imprint on Africa

Unisa and the Federal University of Technology, Akure (FUTA), Nigeria, signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU). The MoU will see the two institutions develop cultural, scholarly, and scientific ties of cooperation between the two institutions. Read more

Universities South Africa Appoints a New CEO

After a comprehensive recruitment and selection process Universities South Africa is proud to announce the appointment of Professor Ahmed Bawa, as its new Chief Executive Officer. Read more

University of Fort Hare celebrates 100 years

The University of Fort Hare in the Eastern Cape has reached a historical milestone as it celebrates its centenary. Read more

Wits Condemns, Removes Offensive Campus Graffiti

The University of Witwatersrand has removed the words “Fuck White People”, written at the entrance of the Oliver Schreiner School of Law building on its main campus. Read more

 

January 2016

15 Mandela Rhodes Scholars to Study at UCT

The scholarship is open to citizens of all African countries for postgraduate study at a South African university. Applicants are selected on the basis of their commitment to education, reconciliation, leadership and entrepreneurship and have a history of above-average academic results. Read more

3 Candidates Vie for Top Job

Following the end of Prof Lourens van Staden’s tenure as Walter Sisulu University Administrator, University Council set in motion the process of filling the position of Vice-Chancellor and Principal. Read more

Academics Engage Community Members on Tertiary Crisis

The crisis at tertiary institutions is not only a student issue, this is according to some academics from the University of Johannesburg and the University of Witwatersrand who gathered in Soweto to engage with the community members and parents. Read more

Academics Hail Online Registration a Great Success

Online registration is key in streamlining our registration process and giving students a positive experience at the start of an academic year. Read more

All Faculties to Register Online

Registering online was going to have save money and time for the University. Also the students will no longer have to spend long hours in queues as the number of registration steps have been reduced. Read more

At Their Wits’ End

Student registration at Wits University was suspended following protests yesterday. The protests followed last year’s demonstrations against fee increments for this year. Read more

Bursaries Offered By SA’s Biggest Companies

University fees have been under the spotlight since the latter parts of 2015, when students rose up in protest against the restrictive costs to study. Read more

Communiqué By Prof Ihron Rensburg To Parents / Guardians Of UJ Students

2015 was a watershed year for higher education and this seems set to continue in 2016 with the call for all tuition and registration fees to be dropped across institutions. Read more

Decolonise Varsities, Urges US Professor

The running student protests which have hit universities across the country were part of the process through which the younger generation processed their understanding and realisation of the existence of colonialism and racism in institutions of higher learning. Read more

Dept. of Higher Education Calls On #Feesmustfall Protesters to Allow Registration to Continue

The Department of Higher Education is urging protesting students to allow university activities to resume without political statements. Read more

DUT Vice-Chancellor Ahmed Bawa Resigns

Bawa’s resignation has been met with sadness from those who work for the institution that he has led for five and a half years. Read more

EFF to Hand over Memorandum on Outsourcing to Tut

The Economic Freedom Fighters’ (EFF) in Pretoria says it will be handing over a memorandum of grievances regarding outsourcing to management at the Tshwane University of Technology (TUT) this morning after a night vigil by students, demanding an end to outsourcing. Read more

Four NGAP Scholars Join Our Faculties

Four MUT departments will benefit from the New Generation of Academics Programme (nGap) introduced by the Department of Higher Education & Training. Read more

Hope for Matrics Still Looking For Places to Study

Those who qualified for higher education but had not been offered a place by the time their matric results had been released, and those eligible to study but missed their deadlines to apply. Read more

Joint Statement on Behalf of the University and the Student Representative Council

In line with the joint statement issued by Vice-Chancellors, Principals and Rectors of Universities in South Africa that tuition and residence fees will remain the same in 2016 as in 2015, an announcement was circulated to all students on 7 January 2016 to that effect. Read more

Law and Order Returns to UNISA

Protesters outside the Unisa Sunnyside campus ran their hearts out at the sight of the riot squad in fear that they would fire rubber bullets to disperse them. Read more

Minister Calls On Protesting Students to Resume Lectures

Higher Education and Training Minister says the time has come for students to return to lecture halls and prevent an increase in already skyrocketing costs following damage to property. Read more

NMMU Institutes R13 Million Debt Relief Programme

The Nelson Mandela Metropolitan University (NMMU) in Port Elizabeth in the Eastern Cape has instituted a R13 million debt relief programme. Read more

NSFAS Advises Universities on How to Best Allocate Funds

National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS) says vice-chancellors across the country have been advised on how to administer all the additional funding provided by government. Read more

NW University Charts Way Forward

Thousands of North West University students held a mass meeting to chart the way forward amid concerns about the current crisis in tertiary institutions around the country. Read more

Presidential Funding Probe, Protests Shut Universities

The meeting with student representative councils from all public universities was not a great success, as half of the students walked out before an agreement was reached. Read more

Scarce Skills Mountain to climb

South Africa has a dearth of scientists, plumbers, investment managers, nurses, doctors, water managers, truck drivers, teacher and accountants. Read more

TUT Management Looking Into Students’ Demands

The Tshwane University of Technology (TUT)’s Pretoria campus was closed for the day due to a protest by workers and students demanding an end to outsourcing. Read more

Wits SRC to Fundraise over 6000 Indebted Students

The Student Representative Council (SRC) at Wits University says while their call for free education still stands, for now they’ll be focussing on fund-raising for 6300 indebted students. Read more

 

December 2015

Celebrating NICHE Successes in South Africa

Nuffic Neso South Africa recently attended two events celebrating the successes of the Netherlands Initiative for Capacity Development in Higher Education (NICHE) programme in South Africa. Read more

Cops Claim Protesting Students Had Guns

Police who attended to the student protests at several universities across the country have alleged that some of the protesting students had guns. Read more

Doctoral Education – Need for More Radical Rethinking?

The just-published Doctoral Education in South Africa reveals new approaches South Africa can take for a ‘radical rethink’ to meet its PhD targets. Read more

From Petrol Attendant to Medical Student

I did apply to Wits but they didn’t take me for the course [medicine] that I wanted and I had a bursary as well… [they] told me they were full and couldn’t take more students. Read more

Govt to Transfer 80 Percent of University Fee Contribution In January

The funding allocation, which is meant to address the shortfall of a scrapped fee increment, will be made up of contributions from universities and the national budget. Read more

High Hopes for BRICS Education Agreement

Cabinet has welcomed the education agreement entered into by the BRICS group of nations, which holds great promise to make a necessary and significant impact on the education landscape.  Read more

Innovative Creations on Display at Mechanical Engineering Open Day

A “flying jet pack”, a pedal-powered “beer bus” and a machine that harnesses the power of the sea were among several innovative creations on public display at the annual Mechanical Engineering Open Day on the Howard College campus at UKZN. Read more

Maties Council Comes Under Fire

The Stellenbosch University council should explain whether it agrees with council member Piet le Roux’s views on transformation. Read more

NWU Given Ultimatum on R10m Fraud Audit Report

A non-profit organisation has given North West University 48 hours to publish an audit into allegations of fraud involving R10m. Read more

Student Funding Task Team Warns Of Factors That Could Lead To Varsity Protests

President Jacob Zuma’s task team on university student funding has identified four key factors that could lead to potential protests early in 2016 for which it says universities need to prepare. Read more

Student Leaders Warn Of Possible Protests In 2016

University student leaders from various institutions countrywide say they won’t guarantee that there won’t be protests at the beginning of the 2016 academic year. Read more

Students Owe Universities R4 Billion in Unpaid Fees

Students owe South African universities as much as R4 billion in unpaid fees and residence expenses. Read more

The Nine Days When Students Shook SA

Tears streamed down the young man’s face when he heard the announcement. There would be a zero percent increase in fees. Read more

Unisa to ‘In-Source’ Some Services

Unisa committed itself to ending some of its outsourced services and will set up a multi-disciplinary team tasked with putting this decision into effect‚ the university’s council. Read more

Universities Need R6.8bn to Plug Shortfall

A new university funding model is expected to be implemented in 2018 and should include “the private banking sector and other business interests to incorporate options for the ‘missing middle’ that provide loans at favourable interest rates”. Read more

Urgent Need to Enable and Sustain Entrepreneurship

Despite a climate of massive unemployment, South Africa’s post-school education system remains largely preoccupied with producing graduates who will seek jobs. Read more

UWC Get Financial Boost

Amid the student protests that hit the higher education sector, UWC’s worries were lessened when the Hospital Welfare and Muslim Education Movement (HWMEM) injected more than R700 000 into the University’s coffers. Read more

UWC Collaborates On Systems Science Initiatives for Sustainability

The University of the Western Cape (UWC) has already distinguished itself as a leader in the field of sustainability science – particularly in the critically important areas of food. Read more

Vice-Chancellors Back No-Fee Hike

Vice-chancellors of universities across the country have thrown their support behind the zero percent increase in fees for next year, and have called for better subsidisation of the university sector by the state to meet current and projected growth. Read more

Wits Task Team Devises Plan To Deal with Student Funding

Four key factors could spark student protests at South African universities early next year – registration payments‚ the funding shortfall‚ poorer students who don’t qualify for funding‚ and an increased number of people seeking admission. Read more

 

November 2015

A Country of Crises, Contrasts and Hope Our country, South Africa can be described in many ways, using many terms or adjectives. Each description would most probably be correct. Whichever description one chooses, there can be no doubt that, today, our country is far better and more equitable than the one we inherited in 1994. Read more

Action Plan for Obesity Obesity prevention should be made a national priority. This is according to Dr Moji Musa of the Wits Developmental Pathways for Health Research Unit at the media launch of the African Centre for Obesity Prevention (ACTION). Read more

Agrihub/Consumer App and system to Benefit uMsinga’s Small Scale Farmers Empowering small-scale farmers of eziNgulubeni, uMsinga’s informal markets with digital and financial knowledge to ensure their businesses remain profitable is a passion for Bachelor of Commerce student and Enactus member. Read more

Animals in Africa 1000 Years Ago A team of local scientists have wound back the clock by 1000 years to reconstruct wildlife populations across Africa to help us better understand how they have shaped the world we live in. Read more

Bill Would Boost Blade’s Powers The draft law proposes, among others, that the minister may determine “transformation goals” and institute “appropriate oversight mechanisms”, and may under specific circumstances withhold funding. Read more

Call For Free Education Is Legitimate: Higher Education Higher Education and Training Deputy Minister Mduduzi Manana says the demand for free education is legitimate and justified. Read more

China-Africa Summit: Hype and Hypocrisy Beijing’s selection of South Africa to host the China-Africa heads of state summit may indicate Chinese President personal commitment to the continent. This is the first time the summit is being held at this level in Africa. Read more

Council moves to quell UKZN race row The University of KwaZulu-Natal is desperately trying to do damage control after a damning letter by senior staff accused the vice-chancellor of racism. Read more

Education Facing Massive Fee Shortfall The department of higher education has very limited scope to reprioritise its spending to bridge the funding gap of an estimated R2.3 billion that will arise following the scrapping of university fee increases for 2016. Read more

Emerging SU Scientists to Share Research with Public The possibility of new a TB drug; better sanitation in informal settlements; ancient anti-depressants; new and improved ways to make plastic; environmentally-friendly fungi and worms to control invasive wasps; and melatonin supplements to protect the heart during chemotherapy. Read more

Empowering Communities to Beat Malaria Malaria is a deadly, infectious disease with a complex life cycle. So complex in fact that after many years of research, scientists have still not been able to come up with a definitive solution to eradicate the disease completely. Read more

Generous Donation for Wits Wits alumnus Professor Aubrey Sheiham and his wife Dr Helena Sheiham have donated R8.8 million to Wits University to support the Vice-Chancellor’s focus on addressing inequality. Read more

Government Seeks Sustainable Solutions for Varsity Funding The Deputy President has reiterated government’s commitment to working with students and institutions of higher learning to find ways to combat high tuition fees. Read more

Higher Education Commission of Enquiry Welcomed The decision by the president to establish a commission of inquiry to look at issues that have been raised by students of higher learning institutions has been welcomed by Cabinet. Read more

IMC to Plan Fort Hare University Centenary The President has established an Inter-Ministerial Committee (IMC) to plan and coordinate the historic centenary celebrations of the University of Fort Hare. Read more

Investing In Education a Good Strategy The recent troubles at the University of KwaZulu-Natal (UKZN) placed the issue of student finance back on the agenda. Read more

Letter from the Vice-Chancellor on Sexual Violence On Sunday night an awful incident allegedly took place at Avenue Hall where, over many months, students who have been driving various campaigns for greater inclusivity and transformation have been congregating. Read more

Major HE Expansion to Proceed Despite Economic Woes Zambia has resolved to undertake major university infrastructure projects. The government is seeking to operationalise new higher education institutions and finish incomplete construction projects in 2016, in an initiative that involves around 12 universities and colleges. Read more

New Title for Outgoing Registrar It’s not only the business end of a disrupted academic year that’s absorbed outgoing Registrar Hugh Amoore in the past weeks, but the culmination of a 42-year career at UCT. Read more

Ongoing Drama in Universities and One ‘Demotes’ Afrikaans In a week of ongoing drama in South African higher education, a group of 226 academics from the University of Stellenbosch has thrown weight behind a proposal by management to adopt English as the primary language of communication and administration, with Afrikaans and isiXhosa as ‘additional’ languages. Read more

President Orders Probe into University Transformation The President is currently exploring the establishment of a formal commission of inquiry to look into transformation‚ free education and institutional autonomy at institutions of higher learning, as well as living conditions of students on campuses. Read more

Rediscovering the Thrill of Radio Drama Trains of Thought, a play penned by Wits student Neo Sibiya, was among the creative works that won a prize at the SAfm Drama Playwriting competition. Read more

Rhodes Staff Call For Rethink on Budget Concerned Rhodes University staff members have sent out a campus-wide open letter to senior management calling for more budget transparency and transformation. Read more

Soft Drinks Will Increase Obesity in SA If South Africans don’t drastically reduce the number of cool drinks, juices and sugar-sweetened beverages they drink every day, there will be more than nine million obese adults in the country by 2017. Read more

Stellenbosch University Commended For Transformation Efforts The Portfolio Committee on Higher Education and Training has commended Stellenbosch University for considering a proposal to facilitate all learning activities at the institution in English. Read more

Study Aims to Address Complex Genomics of Human Diversity and Prostate Cancer Gender is one of the strongest and most consistent predictors of health and life expectancy. For men, unfortunately, this is not good news. Read more

The Right to the City The ‘Right to the City’ refers to the rights of city inhabitants to adequate urban living conditions and social and spatial justice, as well as strengthening of participation, direct democracy and citizenship in the cities. Read more

The Rising Cost of Inaccessible Mental Health Care In South Africa The high cost of mental health treatment means that effective and appropriate care is frequently inaccessible to people using the country’s public health system. Read more

UJ Law Expert on Mental Health and Human Rights in South Africa In recent years, some important developments have taken place that demonstrate a willingness on the part of our health-care authorities to advance the rights of persons with psychosocial disabilities in South Africa. Read more

UKZN Astrophysicist Searches for Missing Matter A group of astrophysicists, including UKZN’s Dr Yin-Zhe Ma, may have solved a long standing problem in cosmology, which is the study of how the Universe expands. Read more

University Autonomy Vs Public Accountability in HE Act? The famously imprecise line between institutional autonomy and public accountability is under the spotlight in South Africa as Higher Education and Training prepares to amend the Higher Education Act in a process that will become public in the New Year. Read more

 

 

September 2015

Classes resume at Sol Plaatje University Despite Lack of Action Classes at the Galeshewe campus of the Sol Plaatje University resumed on Monday after they were suspended when the university management failed to attend to students’ demands. Read more

Coega, NMMU Integrate to Further Skills Development THE Coega Development Corporation (CDC) and the Nelson Mandela Metropolitan University (NMMU) signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) to ensure integration of their activities aimed at furthering skills development and research, and to adopt a co-ordinated and co-operative approach between the responsibilities of NMMU and CDC. Read more

Communication a Critical Skill for Healthcare Students Students across the health sciences including doctors, nurses and social workers viewed their key role to be healthcare practitioners and not communicators, raising questions about how they interacted with communities. Read more

Curriculum Reform Reproduces Social Inequality A transformation policy for higher education introducing flexibility into the undergraduate degree time frame failed to see how the solution was merely reproducing the social inequalities it sought to address. Read more

Disturbances, Student Deaths Close Two Universities Student demonstrations have halted classes at two South African universities. The off-campus rape and murders of two foreign students – a Zimbabwean and a Nigerian – sparked protest at Vaal University of Technology in the heart of the country. Read more

Former White Universities in a Race against Time Universities are in a race against time to address transformation on campuses. Higher education and race relations experts have warned that failure to do so will allow tension between students of different races to deepen. Read more

Flagship’ to Advance Critical Thought in Humanities The study of how people process and document the human experience in order to understand and record the world is set for growth with a new ‘flagship’ programme in humanities at the University of the Western Cape. Read more

Little Achieved Over Campus Integration The Ministry of Higher Education and Training has conceded that transformation at former Afrikaans universities has stalled and efforts to forge social cohesion have been frustrated. Read more

Nelson Mandela as an Exemplar of Lifelong Learning A study of Nelson Mandela’s educational experiences has revealed the global icon to be an exemplar of lifelong learning. Read more

NMMU Student Awarded Prestigious Bursary When Sam Beynon speaks of politics and the future of female youth in South Africa, her entire being lights up. Read more

New Laws Sour Country for Foreign Students The heated exchanges on the unabridged birth certificate required for minors entering South Africa and its effect on tourism have occupied centre space in discussions on the new immigration regulations and overshadowed the impact of other equally disquieting sections. Read more

Piet le Roux to Be Investigated – Stellenbosch University Council The Stellenbosch University Council accepted various motions related to transformation, the Language Policy and approved the recommendation by its Human Resources Committee that the appointment process for two vice-rectors be initiated. Read more

Probe Ordered Into Student Aid Fund A full-scale forensic investigation will soon be undertaken to probe the National Student Financial Aid Scheme (Nsfas) following allegations of corruption in the administration of funds. Read more

Stellenbosch VC Says ‘University is Not Racist’ De Villiers in the video says that racism at Stellenbosch is not the university’s policy and that they have been working hard to become more inclusive and welcoming to all in practice. Read more

The Degrees Which Will Get You The Highest Starting Salary in South Africa MyBroadband’s recent qualifications and salary survey reveals that Engineering graduates enjoy the highest starting salaries, followed by BEd and BSc graduates. Read more

Transformation Needs a Radical Outcome, Not Violence Transformation in South African higher education is critical, and with the upsurge in protests university campuses have experienced in recent months “long overdue and welcomed” – but only if it is founded on achieving a radical outcome that takes into account quality defined by today’s demands. Read more

Two Collared for Disrupting Classes at UKZN Lectures at UKZN’s Pietermaritzburg­ campus were briefly disrupted again on Monday by a gang of vigilantes who allegedly used a fire extinguisher to chase students out of their classes. Read more