30 April 2019
Agri SA Survey Confirms Structural Shift in Research Spend
Agri SA released its 2019 survey which shows the agriculture sector has undergone a discernible structural shift in research spend. The survey indicates that the spend is moved away from the Agricultural Research Council (ARC) and towards a variety of private institutions, universities and other government agencies to an estimated 75% of agricultural research spend. This is in drastic contrast to the traditional position of the ARC serving as the nexus of South African agricultural research and presents a set of urgent policy questions. Read more
Busting the Fast-Food Myth Among Undergraduate Students
In an increasingly pressured world, fast and easy is the way to go, especially when it comes to undergraduate students who, like me, always seem to be battling against an excessive workload, endless studying and pending exams. These, as well as other factors such as stress, make students much more likely to spend their limited funds on quick, convenient, and less healthy fast-food options, than use their precious time to cook a healthy meal. Read more
Building Platforms for Scientific Excellence
A focus on institution-building rather than individuals is key to growing the next generation of African scientists and ensuring the sustainability of scientific research, according to South African epidemiologist Professor Salim ‘Slim’ Abdool Karim, whose election to the Royal Society, the world’s oldest science academy, was announced this week. Read more
Future Africa Campus – Revolutionising Knowledge Creation
A new transdisciplinary research centre, launched at the University of Pretoria in South Africa last week, aims to unlock the potential of Africa and is based on the premise that Africa can and should be leading the transformations needed by the continent. Read more
Global Recognition for GSB’s ‘Unique’ EMBA
The University of Cape Town (UCT) Graduate School of Business’s (GSB) Executive MBA (EMBA) programme has been named the best in Africa and rated in the top 50 worldwide in the 2019 Quacquarelli Symonds (QS) Global EMBA Rankings. Read more
Investing in Climate-Change Protection
How do investments in ecological infrastructure protect society against hydroclimatic risks including droughts and floods? And to what extent does this kind of investment translate to livelihood benefits and social upliftment? Read more
Pandor Disbands Fort Hare University Council
Higher Education Minister Naledi Pandor has dissolved the council at the University of Fort Hare in the Eastern Cape. Read more
Psych Society Denounces Study Claiming Coloured Women have Low Cognitive Functioning
The Psychological Society of South Africa’s (PsySSA) Division for Research and Methodology (DRM) has denounced a study that claims coloured women in South Africa have an increased risk of low cognitive functioning, owing to low education levels and unhealthy lifestyle behaviours. Read more
UCT Researcher Awarded Global Professorship
Professor Shadreck Chirikure, head of the University of Cape Town (UCT) Archaeological Materials Laboratory, has won a Global Professorship from the British Academy for his work dating historical artefacts and the study of pre-colonial urban societies in Africa. The award provides the opportunity for internationally recognised scholars working in the social sciences and humanities to relocate to the United Kingdom (UK) for four years and continue their research at a British university. Read more
UKZN Pays Tribute to Resistance Artist Willie Bester for Life’s Work
Resistance artist Willie Bester has been awarded an honorary doctorate in literature in recognition of his ground-breaking work and the active role he played in the anti-apartheid movement. The University of KwaZulu-Natal (UKZN) commenced its 2019 graduation ceremony by making the award on Monday. Read more
University of Pretoria Tops Ranks in New DHET Report on SA Research Outputs
A recently released Department of Higher Education and Training (DHET) report reveals that the University of Pretoria (UP) produced the most weighted research outputs per capita for 2017, as well as the highest number of published research outputs in South Africa. UP also produced the most weighted research outputs per capita in 2015. Read more
UP Researchers Lead Project to Develop Africa’s Doctoral Graduates into Future Intellectual Leaders
The University of Pretoria’s (UP) Vice-Chancellor and Principal Professor Tawana Kupe recently opened the first workshop of the Peer-Learning for Emerging Researchers’ Knowledge and Advancement (PERKA) initiative, held at the National Research Foundation (NRF) of South Africa. Professor Frans Swanepoel of UP’s Centre for the Advancement of Scholarship is the project lead and Dr Melody Mentz-Coetzee, its senior researcher. Read more
31 March 2019
Academic Spearheads Collaborations with US Universities
Kumalo was invited to the University of Rochester in New York to deliver the Frederick Douglas Lecture as part of the Frederick Douglas Centre for African-American studies. The lecture was titled Religion and Governance: A Necessity or Public Nuisance? An African Perspective. It focused on the interface between religion and politics or governance in Africa. Read more
Enactus Members Recognised for Inspiring Greatness
Every year, the University of KwaZulu-Natal (UKZN) recognises 40 students whose contribution goes beyond their academic achievements. This year of these 40 students, five of them are from Enactus UKZN. Read more
In the Drive for More Researchers, Do We Neglect Teaching?
With the current focus on the need for more early-career researchers, has South African academia lost sight of the importance of teaching? Read more
Meet Baleka, Africa’s First Two-Legged Robot
This jumping bot is setting the stage for the future of robotics research led by Dr Amir Patel’s team at the UCT Department of Electrical Engineering. It is work that can not only improve the way robots move, but also influence sports science and inspire young minds. Read more
Miss SA Helps Break the TB Stigma
Six months after revealing that she had beaten tuberculosis (TB), current Miss South Africa (SA) Tamaryn Green returned to the place where it all began: the University of Cape Town (UCT). Read more
“Quality at UP will be Uncompromised”, Stresses Newly Inaugurated VC, Prof Tawana Kupe”
As the University of Pretoria (UP) moves ahead in its transformation agenda, it will focus on providing access to its high-quality education to as many South Africans and Africans as possible. This is because high-quality education contributes to the improvement of African futures. Read more
Retired UCT Academic Wins ‘Nobel’ Water Prize
Two South African women have been honoured globally for protecting the planet’s precious water resources and helping to prepare action plans on global climate-change. Read more
UP Academic Makes Significant Headway to Better Diagnose Multidrug-Resistant TB
Despite the global decline in new infections, the emergence of multidrug-resistant TB (MDR-TB), a virulent strain that has developed an immunity to the antimicrobial drugs used to treat TB, means the disease remains a public health crisis. Read more
Young Academics Fly UKZN
College of Law and Management Studies lecturers, Ms Hlengiwe Ndlela and Dr Nomkhosi Luthuli, are leading from the front as they recently participated in the 2019 Forbes Woman Africa Leading Women Summit that took place at the Durban ICC. Read more
28 February 2019
Deal with Japanese Power Utility Clinched
Tokyo Electric Power Services Company (TEPSCO), a subsidiary of Tokyo Electric Power Company (TEPCO), recently visited UKZN to conclude a deal for the development and utilisation of UKZN’s PowerLine Inspection Robot (PLIR) technology on power lines in Japan and Asia. Read more
Experts Gather at Stellenbosch for Cyber Warfare Conference
Academics, military and government professionals from around the world will gather and share research on cyber warfare at Stellenbosch University (SU). Read more
FMHS Expands Training to Northern Cape
In an exciting step, Stellenbosch University’s (SU) Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences (FMHS) has expanded its footprint in the Northern Cape. This year, a small group of medical students will be completing their final year in Upington, contributing to much-needed medical services in the area. Read more
Foreign Language Classes Becoming More Scarce
Of all the skills that a person could have in today’s globalized world, few serve individuals – and the larger society – as well as knowing how to speak another language. Read more
How to Train Data Scientists
The world is inundated with data. There’s a virtual tsunami of data moving around the globe, renewing itself daily. Take just the global financial markets. They generate vast amounts of data – share prices, commodity prices, indices, option and futures prices, to name just a few.
Mandela University Launches Centre for Philosophy in Africa and SARChI Chair
“How can South Africa, and Africa as a whole, realise communities that are both aware of, and responsive to, their troubled past while remaining committed to social cohesion?”This question emerges as one of the focus areas of the newly launched SARChI Chair in Identities and Social Cohesion in Africa (ISCIA) at Nelson Mandela University. Read more
Mapping Future Climate Pathways in Sub-Saharan Africa
The University of Cape Town (UCT) is working to create “safe spaces” where researchers, decision makers, industry and civil society can join forces to co-produce knowledge that supports efforts to reduce poverty and inequality, without relying on traditional fossil-fueled development. Read more
Matrics: Why You Should Decide What and Where to Study, Now
University choices may feel like a distant priority for this year’s matrics who are currently settling into the rhythm of their final year at school. But now is in fact the optimal time to be investigating what they want to study and where, because making the right choice takes time, and will ultimately impact on study success and employability four years from now, an expert says. Read more
Minister Defends HE Fee Policy Against World Bank Report
South African Higher Education and Training Minister Naledi Pandor had an opportunity to defend the government’s fee-free policy for poor students against recent suggestions by the World Bank that, while attractive, the policy will strain the fiscus and is “ultimately unsustainable”. Read more
New Tarantula Species from Angola Distinct with a One-of-a-Kind ‘Horn’ on its Back
A new to science species of tarantula with a peculiar horn-like protuberance sticking out of its back was recently identified from Angola, a largely underexplored country located at the intersection of several Afrotropical ecoregions. Read more
Protests Continue to Disrupt Lectures at Some Campuses
Lectures at a few South African universities were disrupted this week after protesting students demonstrated their displeasure over allowances, accommodation woes, the denial of funding from the National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS) and some students being turned away from registration. Read more
South African Students are Protesting – Again. Why it Needn’t be This Way
It’s the beginning of South Africa’s academic year and once again, campuses have been brought to a standstill by students protesting against a host of issues that have plagued the country’s universities. These include registration fees, student accommodation, food and other issues, compounded by the inefficiency of the country’s student financial aid scheme. Read more
Taking Stock of Postgraduate Students in Open and Distance Learning Institutions
High graduation rates are essential for innovation in modern industrialised societies. This is particularly true for postgraduate degrees. That’s because people who hold postgraduate qualifications have acquired the skills and knowledge that underpin the modern knowledge economy. They also have the capacity to produce new knowledge. Read more
The 4IR is Coming, and SA Needs to Up-Skill Workers for Automation
People need not fear the Fourth Industrial Revolution, as it’s an opportunity for job creation – as long as companies recognise the need for automation and upskill their workforce. Read more
The Judgment Ends a Period of Anxiety for More Than 400 Law Students and for The IIE
The Pietermaritzburg High Court has ruled in favour of the Independent Institution of Education’s LLB Degree and has given the minister of justice and constitutional development, Michael Masutha, one year to change the Legal Practice Act. Read more
TVET Trainees Sitting at Home
A group of frustrated Plessislaer TVET College graduates, who hold an Educare Diploma (ECD), say their qualifications are gathering dust as they are unable to get jobs. The students say their three-year qualification, achieved after 18 months of attending classes and 18 months practical training, was a waste of time and money. Read more
UCT Back in Top 10 for Development Studies
The University of Cape Town (UCT) has moved up two places to reclaim its position in the top 10 in the 2019 QS World University Rankings by Subject – placing among the top 100 universities in a total nine disciplines. Read more
31 January 2019
5 Wi-Fi Mistakes in the Connected Classroom
Higher education has paved the way for many of the technologies we use today. With a unique set of demands and workloads comes a unique set of problems. Read more
Appointment of Council Members on the Basis of Expertise and Experience
The University of Pretoria plays an important role nationally and makes a significant contribution to South Africa’s international standing. The University Council governs the University in terms of the Higher Education Act of 1997 (as amended) and the Statute of the University of Pretoria. Read more
Dismantling Colonisation’s ‘Pedagogy of Big Lies’
More than two decades after the end of apartheid, historical and structural inequalities, rooted in the racist colonial and apartheid oppression and dispossession, remain part and parcel of the South Africa’s social fabric. The country’s higher education institutions are no exception. Read more
Embracing the Town and Gown Revolution
In one of the final events of the University of Stellenbosch’s centenary year, the rector of the University of Stellenbosch in South Africa, Professor Wim De Villiers, convened a ‘town and gown’ conference on 29 and 30 November 2018. Read more
Free Higher Education Model Unsustainable – World Bank
The World Bank has flagged the South African national treasury’s funding of a phased-in approach to fee-free higher education as unsustainable, saying it should move to a contingent loan income system instead, writes Tehillah Niselow for Fin24. Read more
How Universities can Play a Leading Role in their Cities
South African higher education policy is generally failing to tackle the issue of how the country’s universities can play a leading role in the evolution of the cities in which most of them are based. Read more
North West Raises Alarm about Bogus Institutions
“There is an increasing number of unregistered private institutions that are attracting young people through their marketing strategies, especially during the month of December and January,” said the department on Wednesday. Read more
Public Financial Management Crisis – What Role for Universities?
Shortly after the establishment of the new democratic order in 1994, South Africa embarked on a process of public management reform in which public sector financial management was given particular attention. Read more
Think Global, Act Local: Business Education for Disruptors, Innovators and Entrepreneurs
Disruption. Innovation. The Fourth Industrial Revolution. These aren’t just platitudes at the Johannesburg Business School (JBS), they’re the bedrock of the various courses and programmes on offer. Read more
Time for a New Kind of Learning
“It’s no longer what you know … it’s about what you do with that knowledge,” Professor Mamokgethi Phakeng, Vice-Chancellor of the University of Cape Town (UCT), said during a panel discussion at the World Economic Forum (WEF) Annual Meeting in Davos, Switzerland Read more
UKZN Sits Pretty in Yet Another International University Ranking
In the Times Higher Education (THE) Emerging Economies Rankings 2019, the University of KwaZulu-Natal made it into the list of 100 best universities in emerging economies; securing 49th place. UKZN was bested by UCT which came in at nine, Wits at 11 and Stellenbosch at 24. The University of Pretoria followed at 78th place while UJ secured a spot at number 99. Read more
What can South African Educators do to Truly Improve Learning?
ITSI, the pioneering provider of educational tools based on established research in the field of educational neurosciences, has announced that it will be hosting the second annual seminar in Africa on Mind, Brain, and Education. Read more
31 December 2018
200 Scholarships on Offer from Pearson Institute for 2019
The Pearson Institute of Higher Education (PIHE) has launched a scholarship programme to provide 200 worthy applicants the funds to study in any of the foundation’s courses on offer at PIHE (including Higher Certificates and Pre-degree Foundation Programmes). Read more
Nanjing Audit University Strengthens Ties with UP
A delegation from China’s Nanjing Audit University met recently with representatives of the University of Pretoria to discuss extending the institutions’ exchange agreement, which has been in place for eight years. Read more
R&D is the Pipeline for Science Jobs in Africa
There’s a critical need to invest in a research & development (R&D) industry that could create a pipeline of jobs for science graduates in Africa. Read more
Shaping Creative Business Minds for the Fourth Industrial Revolution
With smart technologies disrupting industries and changing the way we see and experience the world, the future workplace looks very different to the past. The Fourth Industrial Revolution, or ‘Industry 4.0’, is upon us, and the graduates of 2018 and beyond need to be prepared for what this new wave of change brings. Read more
Study Finds No Link Between Bursaries and Student Success
A new study challenges much of the received wisdom about what it takes for students to succeed at university, concluding that there is no link between bursary funding, or money awarded on the basis of need, and student success. Read more
Two UP Professors Make Web of Science’s Highly Cited Researchers List for 2018
Two internationally renowned researchers from the University of Pretoria (UP), Prof Mike Wingfield and Prof Bernard Slippers, have been included on the 2018 Web of Science’s list of the world’s most highly cited researchers. Read more
UKZN Hosts SAFSAS Summit
In an effort to strengthen collaboration and identify best practices in student affairs and services in Higher Education Institutions, University of KwaZulu-Natal’s Student Support Services in the College of Health Sciences, led by Dr Saloschini Pillay, hosted and co-ordinated this year’s Southern African Federation for Student Affairs and Services (SAFSAS). Read more
World University Debating Championships Opens in CT
Over 1,000 students from 50 countries have descended upon the University of Cape Town to partake in the World University Debating Championships, which kicks off today, 27 December 2018. Read more
30 November 2018
After Campus Rapes, a National Plan to Tackle Scourge
In the aftermath of close to 50 incidents of rape and sexual violence on South Africa’s campuses, the country’s president, Cyril Ramaphosa, will launch a national strategic plan to tackle gender-based violence. Read more
Communication from Council…
As pointed out by the Rector and Vice-Chancellor, Prof Wim de Villiers, in his report, 2018 has so far been another exceptional year for SU, even though it had its share of challenges. Council is satisfied that the University is on course to become Africa’s leading research-intensive university, globally recognised as excellent, inclusive and innovative, where we advance knowledge in service of society – as SU’s new vision indeed states. Read more
Norwegian-UKZN Partnership to Internationalise Teacher Education
Leading the delegation, HVL Rector Dr Berit Rokne said the purpose of the visit was to meet their South African partners to find ways to produce quality education and to discuss the current collaborative initiatives in place between the two universities. The visit was also used to explore possibilities for further engagements between the two institutions. Read more
Open Access: How Digital Open Textbooks Could Save Students Billions
The creation of digital open textbooks in higher education creates new opportunities that can facilitate curriculum transformation and the inclusion of student voices in open forms of content generation. Read more
South African Universities Shouldn’t be Playing the Global Rankings Game
Once again, Times Higher Education’s annual global university rankings have drawn a lot of attention from the media and in the higher education sector. In South Africa, this has focused on the four institutions from the country that made the top 500 on the 2019 list. Read more
Surgeons Spread Joy During Smile Week
It was a case of smiles all round earlier this year, when the division of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, supported by the German NGO, Big Shoe, performed 11 reconstructive procedures during the Tygerberg Academic Hospital Smile Week. Read more
Teaching and Learning Workshop Explores Decolonisation in Higher Education
“Decolonisation of the Curriculum within Institutions of Higher Learning” was the topic of discussion at a first of its kind workshop recently organised by the Dean of Teaching and Learning in the College of Law and Management Studies. Read more
Top Academic in Ambitious Bid to Groom Future Scholars
The former vice-chancellor of South Africa’s University of the Free State, Professor Jonathan Jansen, has launched the Future Professors Group, an ambitious fortnightly seminar for postdoctoral fellows and young academics that aims to accelerate their paths to professorship. Read more
UKZN Researcher Elected Society of Neuroscientists of Africa Representative
Human Physiology Lecturer and Neuroscientist based in UKZN’s School of Laboratory Medicine and Medical Sciences, Dr Lihle Qulu, has been selected as a Southern Hemisphere Region Representative for the Society of Neuroscientists of Africa (SONA). Read more
UKZN Vehicles Steal the Show at Cars in the Park Exhibition
The six vehicles students and staff of UKZN’s School of Mechanical Engineering exhibited at the annual Cars in the Park event in Pietermaritzburg were all massive crowd pullers! Read more
University of Cape Town (UCT) Researchers from the Industrial Computational Fluid Dynamics (InCFD)…
The group’s novel CFD software Elemental – with its unprecedented accuracy – enabled Airbus to effect a design improvement to their A320 aircraft that won the research team the Best Innovations in Flight Physics award for 2017/18. Read more
University Warning After Government Made It Even Easier to Get Matric Bachelor’s Pass
Experts are warning that the government’s decision to make it easier to get a National Senior Certificate (NSC) Bachelor’s pass will mean universities will be flooded with applications. Read more
UP Fellow Dr Osmond Mlonyeni Appointed to The Innovation Hub Board
As the first accredited Science and Technology Park in Africa, the hub aims to be an innovation agency of choice, and build Gauteng’s competitiveness by providing incubation programmes in the high technology, green economy and bio-economy sectors. Partnerships between government, industry, and academic and research institutions are important to drive innovation, and foster skills and enterprise development Read more
31 October 2018
Doctoral Qualification Standard Gets Favourable Review
Academics have given the thumbs-up to a draft document that aims not only to increase the number of doctoral degrees in South Africa but to improve national standards by providing a watertight system that rigorously guarantees quality. Read more
Four new Fellows for UCT
“In my culture we have the concept of elders. These are people who have walked the road ahead of us. We respect them because they do not impose their ideas on us, but they take time to listen and engage in our ideals and dreams as young people who are not as experienced as they are … In chaos, they are the voice of reason, and in wars and battles, they bring peace. Read more
Medical Students Upskilling Communities
A group of fourth-year University of Cape Town (UCT) medical students who are helping empower Mitchell’s Plain residents by teaching them basic first-aid skills are themselves benefiting from the experience as they learn the essential of community-oriented primary care (COPC). Read more
Naledi Pandor and why SA can’t afford to sleep on the job crisis
Higher Education and Training Minister Naledi Pandor says while SA is gaining ground on solving its skills crisis, there’s still lots to do. Here, in this edited Q/A, is what she considers some ways of solving SA’s job crisis. Read more
New Free Online University by Tari Labs
With the aim to help incubate open source projects and train blockchain developers, both locally and globally, Tari Labs has launched a free online university. Tari Labs is a contributor to Tari, the South African-based blockchain protocol. Read more
Partnerships – A Grand but Rewarding Challenge
South African higher education institutions should demand respect from prospective partners and ensure that partnerships are mutually beneficial and reciprocal, the recent South African Technology Network conference heard. Read more
Promoting Technical Colleges
Improved education is widely regarded as one of the key dimensions needed to address South Africa’s pervasive legacy of poverty, inequality and youth unemployment. Improving access to higher education, and to technical colleges, in particular, has a special place in this debate. Read more
Recognising Meaningful Contributions and Engaged Citizens
Over the last year, 810 well-trained students have volunteered weekly in 76 community partner organisations, which has made a meaningful contribution to the areas of academic support, sports coaching, wellness interventions, food security, IT support and leadership programmes. A further 820 pupils have been involved through disciplines in the various academic departments. Read more
Renewing the bonds between industry and universities
South African Technology Network (SATN) member universities last month secured an invitation to visit Saab Grintek Defence (SGD), South Africa’s leading defence and security company, with a view to understanding how to foster a mutually-beneficial working relationship between the industry and universities of technology. Read more
Research Helping Rural Community
A guesthouse in the remote Riemvasmaak conservancy area in the Northern Cape now has cost-effective access to water. This is thanks to a solar pump station developed by Nelson Mandela University’s Advanced Mechatronic Technology Centre, in collaboration with the merSETA (Manufacturing, Engineering and Related Services Sector Education and Training). Read more
Showcasing the best emerging African talent – The AFDA Graduation Festival 2018
Our third- and fourth-year students are showcasing the hottest new talent coming out of South Africa from our Johannesburg, Cape Town, Durban and Port Elizabeth campuses. For the first time our pioneering AFDA BCom students will also be part of the festival, showcasing their innovative, disruptive, and monetised businesses they have created in their final year. Read more
Spotlight Shines on Universities Role in Agenda 2063
Discussions on universities role in achieving Africa’s Agenda 2063 has taken centre stage at the 6th Africa Higher Education Week and the Regional Universities Forum for Capacity Building in Agriculture (RUFORUM) Biennial Conference. Read more
UP Academics Make Up Eight of 20 New Members of Top National Science Academy
Eight academics from the University of Pretoria (UP) are among 20 of the country’s leading scholars and scientists recently inaugurated as members of the Academy of Science of South Africa (ASSAf). Read more
South Africa Needs to Find More Money to Fund Poor, Deserving Students
Is free higher education to the poor feasible? Is free tertiary education to needy and deserving students feasible in the current economic climate in South Africa? Read more
UKZN Entrepreneurs Venture to Hydroponic Farming
The University of KwaZulu-Natal ENSPIRE programme is proud to introduce another ground-breaking and innovative project that is set to make a difference in the lives of South Africans. Read more
30 September 2018
Awards for Wits Researchers Advancing Science for Society
The National Research Foundation has recognised Wits researchers for advancing their fields. Read more
Be Your Own Boss: Entrepreneurship 101
Would you like to change your life by putting your skills and knowledge to good use? Do you have the ability to think creatively? Would you like to be your own boss? If you answered yes to any of these questions, then you may have what it takes to become an entrepreneur. Read more
Committed to Healthy Communities
To signal the University of Cape Town’s (UCT) renewed commitment to cultivating inclusivity on and off campus, Vice-Chancellor Professor Mamokgethi Phakeng spent a day visiting a number of the health sites and community projects on the Cape Flats with which the university is involved. Read more
Fourth Industrial Revolution – Keeping People at the Core
Is the Fourth Industrial Revolution (4IR) merely the latest buzzword describing inevitable technological advancements, or is it a phenomenon that will fundamentally change the way the world works, the way we educate students, and what it means to be human? Read more
Graduate Employability: UCT Top in Africa
The University of Cape Town (UCT) has maintained its top position in Africa for graduate employability, and is placed 18th in the world for graduate employment (in work after one year), the 2019 Quacquarelli Symonds (QS) Graduate Employability Rankings show. Read more
Launch of IPCC Technical Support Unit Office at UKZN
The launch of the Durban office of the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change’s (IPCC) Working Group II Technical Support Unit (WGII TSU) at the Smart Grid Research Centre on UKZN’s Westville campus attracted more than 60 guests drawn from a broad spectrum of academia, and representatives from local and national government and the media. Read more
Ledumahadi Mafube – South Africa’s New Jurassic Giant
A team of international scientists, led by Professor Jonah Choiniere from Wits, described a new species of a giant dinosaur that has been found near Clarens. Read more
New Book on SDGs Calls for Closer Research-Policy Link
A government policy-maker needs to find a solution to a water sanitation problem. Simple, tap into the latest research. Problem solved. If only. A new book addresses the frequent disconnect between research producers and policy-makers – a disconnect in urgent need of a solution if the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals are to be achieved. Read more
On the Front Line Against Rape and Sexual Assault
A research development manager at UCT, Ramon is one of 11 staff members who recently completed standby adviser training for cases of sexual assault and rape. Their trainer was Rashieda Khan, who heads up the Survivor Support Office in the Office for Inclusivity and Change (OIC). Read more
PhDs in Just Three Minutes
It was a case of “ready, steady, go” on 13 September when 14 PhD students taking part in the 3MT® – or Three Minute Thesis – competition at the University of Cape Town (UCT) were given just three minutes to explain their entire PhDs to a public audience. Read more
Rain for Africa AgriCloud App Roll-out Hosted at Ukulinga Research Farm
The Agricultural Research Council – Institute for Soil, Climate and Water (ARC-ISCW) launched its Rain4Africa App at Ukulinga Research Farm. Read more
Researcher Receives National Award for Science Communication
Dr Rehana Malgas-Enus, an emerging researcher in the Department of Chemistry and Polymer Science at Stellenbosch University, on Wednesday (26 September 2018) received an award from the National Research Foundation (NRF) for her outstanding contributions to public engagement with science and for making science and technology more accessible to the public. Read more
Siyanqoba UKZN Maths Stars Shine at National Competition
Two senior and two junior UKZN’s Siyanqoba Maths teams competed in the South African Mathematics Foundation (SAMF) annual Mathematics team competition. Read more
SU Again Among World’s Top Universities on Times Higher Education Rankings
In the 2019 version, which has just been released, SU is placed in the category 301-350. This is a significant improvement on last year when it was ranked in the category 351-400. Read more
UCT Scientists Shine at NRF Awards
The University of Cape Town’s top scientific minds dominated at this year’s National Research Foundation (NRF) Awards ceremony, accounting for 11 of the 37 academics honoured at the prestigious annual event. Read more
UKZN Turns Up the Heat on Research through Research Flagships Launch
In a bid to strengthen its research outputs and become a world-class and cutting-edge institution, the University of KwaZulu-Natal launched its four research flagships on Wednesday, 5 September 2018. Read more
UP Academic Wins Global Young Researcher Award
The University of Pretoria extends its congratulations to Dr Taryn Bond-Barnard of the UP Graduate School of Technology Management (GSTM), who’s been honoured with this year’s Global Young Researcher Award in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. Read more
Using Computers to Improve Lives
The University of Cape Town’s (UCT) Department of Computer Science is set to enjoy a major boost with the naming of Dr Melissa Densmore, senior lecturer and Information and Communications Technologies for Development (ICT4D) staff member, as a recipient of the prestigious $500 000 National Academies Keck Futures Initiative (NAKFI) Challenge grant. Read more
31 August 2018
Addressing Unequal Power Relations in an Unequal Society
“… living in South Africa as a white person I cannot but engage critically with racism and its effects, including how I have benefited from apartheid and colonialism due to false values attached to the accident of skin pigmentation.” Read more
Advancing the Science of Measurement
The Metrological and Applied Sciences University Research Unit (MeASURe), officially launched in the University of Cape Town’s Department of Physics, will play a crucial role in boosting the prominence of measurement-based research in South Africa. Read more
A Medical Solution Aimed at Malnourished Children
It may not be the kind of thing people choose to discuss over the dinner table, but faecal transplants are gaining increasing acceptance as medical procedures as scientists learn more about the significance of the multitudes of bacteria inhabiting the human body. Read more
A National Multilingual Resource for Higher Education Developed at UP
The Department of African Languages and the Unit for Academic Literacy at the University of Pretoria (UP), in collaboration with Prof Mbulungeni Madiba of the University of Cape Town have developed an Open Educational Resource Term Bank (OERTB). Read more
African MBA Students Pursuing Positive Global Change
Master of Business Administration (MBA) students – particularly in Africa – are displaying a heightened sense of citizenship and responsibility, pursuing the skills necessary to bring their social impact and innovation priorities to life. Read more
First Runner Up in DST South African Women in Sciences Awards
Professor Pragashnie Govender was awarded 1st runner up in the Department of Science and Technology South African Women in Sciences Awards, in the Distinguished Young Women Humanities and Social Sciences category, held in Polokwane on 23 August 2018. Read more
Minister Steps in to Resolve Funding Problems
Universities South Africa says that it is pleased with the steps taken by Higher Education and Training Minister Naledi Pandor in an attempt to resolve the problems which the National Student Financial Aid Scheme has been battling with, writes Michael Pedro for Eye Witness News. Read more
National Science Week Inspires Learners
The Science and Technology Education Centre (STEC@UKZN) on UKZN’s Westville campus hosted the annual three-day National Science Week (NSW). Read more
Talent Equity and Excellence Scholarship Accelerates Research Dream for Plant Pathologist
Mr Sfiso Gumede is one of the recipients of the Talent Equity and Excellence Acceleration Scholarship awarded to Black South African students who have achieved academic excellence and aim for a career in academia. Read more
South Africa’s University Students Face a Crisis: Nearly a Third Go Hungry
There is a common perception that students represent the elite, and so cannot possibly suffer from hunger. Read more
UKZN Working Overtime to Advance Statistics Education
Building strength and capacity in statistics education has been an ongoing priority for the Discipline of Statistics in UKZN’s School of Mathematics, Statistics and Computer Sciences (SMSCS) and events planned by the Discipline for the remainder of 2018 will continue along this line. Read more
UP Signs Agreement with The University of Western Australia
The University of Pretoria (UP) and The University of Western Australia (UWA) today signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU), that seeks to enhance relations between the two universities by developing academic and cultural interchanges in teaching, research and other activities. Read more
7 Ways to Save SA’s STEM Education Before the 4th Industrial Revolution Hits
With the Fourth Industrial Revolution (4IR) looming, a solid STEM (science, technology, engineering, maths) is imperative to bring about the ability to problem-solve. Read more
Wits Lifetime and Emerging Research Recognised
Four scientists in the Faculty of Health Sciences at Wits last night won South African Medical Research Council Scientific Merit Awards. Read more
30 June 2018
Only one South African University Climbed the Latest Global Rankings
The latest QS World University Rankings has been released for 2018/19, showing that only one South African university managed to improve its position among the best in the world from last year – while the others on the list declined. Read more
UP Scientists Honoured at NSTF Awards
The University of Pretoria Institute for Sustainable Malaria Control (UP ISMC), headed by Prof Tiaan de Jager, has won a prestigious National Science and Technology Forum (NSTF) Award at a gala dinner last night. Read more
The South African Medical Research Council (SAMRC) announced in April that it will spend 4 million Rand towards furthering the Global Antibiotic Research and Development Partnership (GARDP) in South Africa. Read more
Op-Ed: Foreign Doctorates are Attractive – But Don’t Write off Homegrown PhDs
Introducing more skilled employees into the economy is an important path to development for many middle income countries. That’s why increased and improved training at the top end of the education level – PhDs – is considered so vital. Read more
Professors Should Earn their Status, Not be “Made”
South Africa’s professoriate needs to be “transformed” to “reflect its population as fully as possible”. He offers no other premises/goals/criteria/standards. Read more
Staff Transformation at UCT
Transformation is a challenge for all South African higher education institutions. In response to recent discussions on this important topic in the media, UCT Vice-Chancellor Dr Max Price outlines what UCT is doing to advance employment equity. Read more
UKZN Academic Conducts Medical Law and Ethics
Professor David McQuoid-Mason from the UKZN Centre for Socio-Legal Studies recently conducted a Medical Law and Ethics workshop for Ghanaian health professionals. Read more
Using Data to Understand Students’ Needs and put them on the path to success
In Africa Features, we cover the recent Siyaphumelela conference held in Johannesburg, South Africa, which highlighted some of the challenges – material and otherwise – facing students and impeding their success at universities. Read more
31 May 2018
University writing groups provide an unexpected space for change
In a seminal paper on what constitutes quality in education, scholars Lee Harvey and Diana Green argue that a “quality education” is one in which a student experiences a “personal transformation” as a result of enhancing and empowering mechanisms. Read more
South African universities losing their credibility
The credibility of higher education at South Africa’s top institutions is on a decline while other BRICS countries like China‚ India and Russia are improving their standards. Read more
Collaboration sees the birth of the STEM Academy at CUT
The Central University of Technology, Free State (CUT) launched the STEM Academy in collaboration with the Free State Department of Education (FSDoE), University of the Free State (UFS) and TVET colleges in the province on 30 May 2018. Read more
Highest graduate numbers revealed
False Bay TVET College hosted its annual Awards and Diploma Ceremony to acknowledge students who excel in their respective programmes and celebrate those who have graduated. This year the event was hosted in College’s Khayelitsha Campus, Main Hall. Read more
UCT law student wins Yale University Fellowship
Elkanah Babatunde, Law PhD candidate from UCT has been awarded the prestigious Yale Fox International Fellowship by Yale University in the United States… Read more
R934m to be spent on university capacity development
Higher Education and Training Minister Naledi Pandor says the department will spend R934 million on the University Capacity Development Programme (UCDP) to improve student development and decolonise the curriculum… Read more
Mamdani rejoins UCT
In marking Africa Day, the Centre for African Studies (CAS) at UCT announced the appointment of esteemed Ugandan professor Mahmood Mamdani as Honorary Professor. Read more
The top university in Africa
The University of Cape Town (UCT) has leapt up 36 places to 223rd in the world, according to the latest report from the Center for World University Rankings (CWUR). UCT placed first in the country and on the continent. Read more
SU signs collaboration agreement with Oudtshoorn
Municipality Stellenbosch University (SU) values the opportunity to collaborate with local governments through formal Memoranda of Understanding (MOUs). The University has MOUs in place with the Western Cape Government (WCG) and the City of Cape Town through its membership of the Cape Higher Education Consortium (CHEC). Read more
Invitation to attend the annual AIPLITL Conference hosted by the Centre for IP Law at the University of Pretoria
The Centre for Intellectual Property Law in the Faculty of Law at the University of Pretoria is hosting the annual conference of the South African Association of Intellectual Property Law and Information Technology of Law Teachers and Researchers (AIPLITL) Conference from 4 to 5 July 2018 at the CSIR Centre in Pretoria. Read more
Assessing the Impact of Ranking Systems on Universities
The impact ranking systems have on universities around the world was discussed at a UKZN gathering which featured visiting United States academic, Professor Luc Beaudoin. A Vice-Provost for Internationalisation and Associate Professor at the University of Denver, Beaudoin said university rankings undoubtedly had a major influence on how each institution was perceived and could be […] Read more
KRISP Cautions about Intellectual Property when Fostering Innovation and Entrepreneurship
Understanding Intellectual Property (IP) allows people and businesses to harness creations of the human mind and realise their economic potential through commercialisation. It is important to know what constitutes intellectual property, who owns the intellectual property and what protection and advantages are afforded to intellectual property owners. This was the focus of the fourth breakfast […] Read more
30 April 2018
Emphasizing the IP Gender gap
Commemorating World Intellectual Property (IP) Day, UCT not only joins the global community to acknowledge the key roles women play in research, innovation and creativity, but also takes the opportunity to examine gender bias within the IP system Read more
UCT in Times Higher Education Top 60
The University of Cape Town (UCT) is one of eight universities belonging to the World University Network (WUN) to have been ranked within the top 60 of the Times Higher Education World University Rankings’ list of the world’s most international universities. Read more
UKZN Graduating Ceremonies 2018
It’s time for celebration on all campuses of the University of KwaZulu-Natal (UKZN) as thousands of students reap the fruits of their studies and hard work at the 2018 graduation ceremonies. Read more
Distinguished Teacher Uses Web 2.0 Technologies to Enhance Teaching
Professor Guegium Kana has been awarded a Distinguished Teachers’ Award for 2017 in recognition of his innovative teaching methods and harnessing of information technology. ‘This prestigious award from an institution of UKZN’s ranking comes with great honor, and high expectations to further improve teaching and impact the community,’ said Kana, of the School of Life Sciences. Read more
Statistics PhD Graduate Earns Plaudits for Women in Science
Ugandan-born Dr Justine Nasejje graduated with a PhD in Statistics for research that has drawn international attention in her field and earned her invitations to a number of scientific meetings, including one in June in the United States. Read more
Citizenship, Racism and Campus Culture
Condemnation by the local and international media of racist initiation practices at the University of the Free State raised very serious and interesting questions about the state of, and the responsibilities of, higher education in South Africa. The media – ranging from local print and television to BBC, CNN and The Economist – with one or two notable exceptions beat a drum of outrage and ‘back to the old South Africa’. Read more
Pan-African Accreditation and Quality Council Agreed
Experts have agreed to set up an African Quality Assurance and Accreditation Council for Higher Education, to harmonize the approval of courses and activities of quality agencies among countries. Read more
Free State University Decries Financial Exclusion Article
The executive management of the University of the Free State (UFS) rejects the perception created by Rossouw that provisional registration is racially biased. The university does not discriminate in any way in considering students who wish to take advantage of provisional registration. Read more
Red tape is Alienating Academics from Their Own Research and Work
When South African academics want to set up a new degree module, they’re entering into a process that can take years to germinate. These modules must be approved through an incredibly cumbersome process – departmental, school, faculty, various university quality control committees, an institution’s senate, the South African Qualification Authority. Read more
30 December 2017
A New Era of Teaching at UCT
The education field, like many others, is constantly changing as technology evolves and opens up new possibilities. Read more
AAUN Africa Forum Brings Experts Together In Cape Town
Australia-Africa Universities Network (AAUN) brought together 55 Australian and African experts from academia, government, the diplomatic service, business and agencies to assess education and research partnerships in development, the engagement of stakeholders, and building sustainable research and exchange programmes. Read more
AFDA Offers Teaching Scholarships in Their Master of Fine Arts Programme
AFDA is offering graduate students a unique opportunity to realise their dream of mastering the craft of motion picture production by researching, developing and participating in the making of a feature film or television series. Read more
Business in Africa: The Case-Study Collection
The UCT Graduate School of Business (GSB) has announced the publication of its first collection of 10 case studies with accompanying teaching notes. Read more
Don’t Give Up On Studies Yet
If you have failed your first year of studies after school, review your options but don’t give up on of your dreams. Read more
Education Experts Advise Graduates on Job Search
With SA’s high unemployment rate and many candidates competing for limited opportunities, the job search can be a daunting task. Read more
Expulsion of Two Rhodes Protesters Triggers Outrage
Rhodes University has come under fire following the permanent expulsion of two women students who were involved in anti-rape protests at the campus in Grahamstown last year. Read more
Former UWC Rector’s Death A Loss to City
Tributes have been pouring in for Professor Richard van der Ross who died at age 96. Read more
HE Quality Council Defends Review of Law Degrees
The Council on Higher Education, or CHE, has defended its quality review of the law degrees of 17 universities in South Africa in the wake of what it claims are “wanton attacks on the CHE and its quality assurance processes in instances. Read more
LLB Recognition Boost for NMU
The faculty of law is one of seven faculties working together to support the institution’s vision of being a dynamic African university. Read more
New Study on Nitrogen Pollution In False Bay
Despite a wealth of research on False Bay, little is known about the chemical make-up of its water, how this varies seasonally and how its vigorous circulation prevents stagnation. Read more
Online Help for Matrics to Get Into Varsity
The Central Applications Clearing House (CACH) online application service for matriculants, who struggled to secure a place at the educational institution of their choice, will open from 5 January – 28 February 2018. Read more
Prof Lis Lange appointed as Deputy Vice-Chancellor: Teaching and Learning at UCT
Vice-Rector: Academic at the University of the Free State (UFS), has been appointed as Deputy Vice-Chancellor: Teaching and Learning at the University of Cape Town (UCT) as from 1 February 2018. Read more
Student Aid Scheme Unprepared For ‘Missing Middle’
The National Student Financial Aid Scheme has told members of parliament that it could encounter difficulties if President Jacob Zuma decides it should also cater for the so-called ‘missing middle’ in the 2018 academic year. Read more
UCT’s D-School Unlocks Creativity to Drive Innovation
The Hasso Plattner Institute of Design Thinking (d-school) at UCT is one of only three in the world. Read more
Windfall Helps Train Undergrads in Air Sampling
Atmospheric chemist Dr Katye Altieri will use her Claude Leon Merit Award, one of five awarded to UCT researchers in 2017, to teach oceanography and atmospheric science undergraduates the rudiments of conducting air quality analyses. Read more
30 October 2017
R11-Billion Set Aside For Extra Accommodation for Varsity Students
Finance Minister has set aside more than R11-billion to expand accommodation for university students in the next three years. Read more
Academic the Victim of ‘Black Purge’
After 23 years of a democratic and non-racial South Africa, the institutions of higher learning are still gravely and blatantly trudging in the wake of transformation. Read more
Black Students Held Back By Varsity Fees
The higher education system is constipated and, if left untreated, the number of black students who complete their studies will continue to drop. Read more
CAES Top Researchers Contribute to World-Class Research
The University of KwaZulu-Natal congratulated its top performing researchers for 2016. Of the 30 researchers honoured, 16 are based in the College of Agriculture, Engineering and Science, where they are conducting important research in the Schools of Chemistry and Physics (SCP), Life Sciences (SLS), Mathematics, Statistics and Computer Science (SMSCS), Engineering, and Agricultural, Earth and Environmental Sciences (SAEES). Read more
Dr Mphahlele Puts UKZN on the Map with Cystic Fibrosis Study
The School of Clinical Medicine’s Paediatrics and Child Health Junior Lecturer, Dr Reratilwe Mphahlele’s poster presentation on Cystic Fibrosis (CF) in South Africa, made the top five at the 16th International Congress on Paediatric Pulmonology (CIPPXVI) held recently in Lisbon, Portugal. Read more
Education Minister Urges Students to Apply Early For Financial Aid
NSFAS does not require exam results for the application process, so learners are urged to apply before their exams start so that they know that their application has been submitted. Read more
Free Education Unfeasible, Says Leaked Report
The long-awaited university fees commission report is expected to be released by President Jacob Zuma this week, but a leaked version of it saying that free education is unfeasible has already sparked fear of more student protests. Read more
Funding Shortfalls Haunt Higher Education
National Treasury has painted a grim picture of the shortfalls in the funding of public higher education for the next three financial years. Read more
Higher Education Institutions Revenue Increased By 11%
The Higher Education Institutions (HEIs) revenue has increased by 11% from 2015 to 2016, according to the Financial Statistics of Higher Education Institutions. Read more
Higher Education Institutions Spent More on Bursaries In 2016
South Africa’s public higher education institutions spent more on bursary funding for students in 2016 compared with 2015. Read more
Is This the Start of Fees Must Fall Protests
As universities prepare to announce fee increases for 2018‚ a swirl of unrest is engulfing some campuses over the proposed increments. Read more
Major Cost Pressure on Higher Education
Despite South Africa’s ruling party, the African National Congress, earlier this year vowing that free higher education could become a reality as early as 2018, Wednesday’s medium-term budget policy statement (MTBPS) revealed glaring gaps in funding for the country’s students.
Protests Shut Down UCT
Classes were disrupted for a second day at the University of Cape Town as students calling on the President to release a report on tuition fees resumed their protest. Read more
Student Funding Body Fails To Meet Objectives
The National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS) increased the number of students it funded by 9% in the 2016-17 financial year, but the technically complex roll-out of its student-centred model led to the organisation failing to meet nearly half of its strategic objectives and performance indicators. Read more
Study Now, Pay Later: The Rise of Income Sharing
Such income-sharing agreements are paving the way for less fortunate students to get on in life. Read more
Students Were Better Off In 1980s – Statistics Chief
The proportion of black students progressing at universities was higher in the 1980s than it was in 2017. Read more
Two Years and Counting – University Fees Frustration Mounts
With student protests beginning to flare up again at various campuses across the country‚ the University of Cape Town Vice-Chancellor‚ have expressed “grave concern” at the delayed release of the report of the Commission of Inquiry into Higher Education and Training established nearly 24 months ago. Read more
UCT Fee Increases ‘Delayed By Zuma’
UCT pleaded with President Jacob Zuma to release, and make public, the report of the Commission of Inquiry into Higher Education and Training (Fees Commission) to allow them to determine the fee hike for the 2018 academic year. Read more
Universities Collect R21bn in Tuition Fees
Public higher education institutions managed to raise over R21-billion through tuition fees in 2016‚ according to figures released by Statistics South Africa. Read more
University Education Can Never Be Free‚ Says SA’s Statistician-General
South Africa must not deceive itself with the idea of free higher education and should focus on finding a workable model. Read more
Varsities in Dark Over 2018 Fees Increase
National Treasury has painted a grim picture of the shortfalls in the funding of public higher education for the next three financial years. Read more
15 October 2017
Africa’s Largest Eagle In Free Fall
The population of Martial Eagles, Africa’s largest eagle species, is in free fall in South Africa and may be heading towards extinction. This is according to a new UCT study based on changes in sighting rates over the past 20 years. Read more
Curro Fledgling Stadio Buys Milpark Business School In With Brimstone
Stadio is buying Milpark Business School for R320m in partnership with Brimstone, the recently listed tertiary education group announce. Read more
Educor Hosts Its First Academic Advising Research Conference
Leading private education provider Educor Holdings hosted its first Academic Advising Research Conference. Read more
GSB Academic Conference Centre Takes Shape
Work has started on the construction of a R130 million state-of-the-art academic conference centre on UCT’s Graduate School of Business (GSB) campus. Read more
HE Conference Agenda Reflects Sector’s Topical Issues
The issue of academic decolonisation was a strong feature of the 11th annual University of KwaZulu-Natal Higher Education Teaching and Learning Conference held in Durban. Read more
Higher Education Transformation Network Calls For Release Of Fees Commission Report
The Higher Education Transformation Network (HETN) has called on President Jacob Zuma to “urgently” release the final report of the Fees Commission. The lobby group said the findings contained in the report were crucial to the immediate future of higher education. Read more
IRSJ Research Fellow Promotes Human Rights Transformation
In the book, she argues that the traditional ways in which human rights education is conducted often become an obstacle. Read more
New Medical School Slated For Eastern Cape
Nelson Mandela University (NMU) will open South Africa’s ninth medical school in 2020 when the school is expected to accept its first class of 100 aspiring doctors. Read more
New Research Informs Improved Treatment Of Brain Inflammation
Microbiologist Dr Adepemi Ogundeji has uncovered a new use for an old medicine that can potentially save lives and money. Read more
Outrage After Lab Rape Attack At NMU
The man who raped a student and stabbed another in a violent attack inside a Nelson Mandela University computer laboratory on Monday night later made the women help him carry out the equipment he stole. Read more
Umbrella Body Fears Student Funding Disaster
The Financial Aid Practitioners of SA (Fapsa) warns of further unrest and protest at tertiary campuses countrywide if the National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS) does not sort out its payment issues to institutions and students. Read more
University Has Become Place Where Students Fear Being Raped
A new name of the university was launched, a prestigious ocean science campus was unveiled, a new logo revealed, great speeches were made, red ribbons were cut, it was flowers and roses.Read more
30 September 2017
Canny Investors Buy Into Education
Two decades after Yusuf Karodia launched Mancosa, a distance learning school to teach South Africans business skills, he sold up to UK private equity firm Actis. Read more
Education Activist Is Out To Free Our Minds
One of the demands of the #FMF protesters during their fight for free education at higher education institutions across the country was the decolonisation of education. Read more
Focus on Equity and Success
In an address to members of the Faculty of Health Sciences, Professor Loretta Feris, the Deputy Vice-Chancellor for Transformation, reflected on her nine months in the transformation portfolio and outlined her key focus areas for 2018. Read more
GIBS Again Tops Financial Mail Business School And MBA 2017 Rankings
The rankings place GIBS first in three categories: first choice for graduates, most reputable MBA programme among employers, and a commanding reputational lead compared to its competitors with regard to best overall reputation among employers. Read more
No Plan In Place For SA Youth, Statistician-General
Lehohla delivered a keynote address on the Demographic Dividend South Africa at the 11th annual Higher Education Conference, hosted by the University of KwaZulu-Natal. Read more
Postgrads Urgently Need Funding
Statistician general Pali Lehohla has said that tertiary education is the key to employing South Africa’s young people. However, the key to growing our economy is not just to put people into jobs, but to develop new business and professional sectors in which South Africans can apply their ingenuity to solving problems that can have a global effect. Read more
SA Is Skills-Hungry‚ Says Statistics Chief
In South Africa the number of skilled people are few‚ said Lehohla at the International Higher Education conference hosted by the University of KwaZulu-Natal where he released the Whither a Demographic Dividend South Africa‚ 2017‚ report. Read more
Shining A Light On Student Entrepreneurs
Between presentations from a number of student entrepreneurs, an entrepreneurial marketplace and a day-long entrepreneurship boot camp, the week brought the efforts of many future business leaders to the fore. Read more
Shortening the Distance with Damelin Correspondence College
With the emergence of new technologies developing exponentially in the education sector and the growing need to earn an income after graduating from high school, students have been driven towards distance education. Read more
State Pays Millions For Predatory Journal Articles
The South African government spent between R100 million (US$7.5 million) and R300 million (US$23 million) over a 10-year period in subsidies for academic articles published in predatory journals, according to a South African Journal of Science study. Read more
Suspended CPUT Head Still Draws A Salary
The Department of Higher Education and Training does not know why the suspended vice-chancellor of the Cape Peninsula University of Technology, (CPUT), Dr Prins Nevhutalu, still draws a salary after almost a year of idling at home. Read more
UCT Launches MOOC Focusing On Practical Academic Writing Skills
Writing Your World’ is the latest massive open online course (MOOC) launched by the University of Cape Town (UCT). Read more
University Of Venda Splashes Out R5-Million On A Pool Students Can’t Use
A R4.9-million recreational swimming pool at the University of Venda has not been used since it was completed last year, because there are no lifeguards. Read more
Unpacking The Spatial Paradox
The collective brings together research centres at three Western Cape universities, including UCT’s African Centre for Cities (ACC), experts on urban development and planning, and civil society groups such as Reclaim the City and the Development Action Group (DAG). Read more
Varsities Get HIV Safe Pill
Truvada is an antiretroviral pill that reduces the risk of contracting HIV by at least 90% if taken daily. Read more
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
October 2015
200 000 TVET Students Tested for HIV The HEAIDS programme was initially launched at universities in 2000 to contribute to the National Strategic Plan on HIV and AIDS 2012-2016 which seeks to eradicate the HIV and Aids scourge among students. Read more
Academics Support Student Struggle Academics in South African institutions of higher education, stand with students in their fight for the democratisation of our universities. Read more
Dangerous Construction of Higher Education as Big Business It’s no surprise that student movements are shutting down university campuses all over South Africa. More than two decades have passed since the advent of democracy, and change in higher education appears to be stuttering. Read more
Failing Systems Will Fall It took a massive protest from students across the country to force government to freeze fee increases at universities next year. But the protest was never about the costs of university tuition alone. Read more
Government Freezes Fees as Student Protests Mount After a week of mounting countrywide protests, South African university students will not be paying more for tuition next year. And they will be given extra time to write their end-of-year examinations. But the push for free higher education for poor students is far from over. Read more
Gov’t, Varsities Meet to Solve Student Issues Government recognises and supports the right of university students to protest and to voice their opinions and grievances. Read more
Higher Education Pressing Issues Identified Discrimination at universities emerged as a pressing issue at the Higher Education Transformation Summit. Read more
Mpuma University Progressing Well Construction at the University of Mpumalanga (UMP) is well underway with enrolment at the university set to increase to 1 550 students in 2017. Read more
New Guidelines Aim to Expand, Improve Student Housing Minister of Higher Education and Training has issued guidelines for student housing at public universities, aimed at expanding and improving sometimes dire accommodation through minimum standards. Read more
Nzimande Withheld Free Varsity Report The Mail & Guardian can reveal that a government study – which Higher Education and Training Minister has been sitting with for three years – found that introduction of free university education for the poor in South Africa was feasible. Read more
President Announces Task Team to Probe Student Funding South African President announced the creation of a national task team “to explore solutions to short-term student funding challenges”. Read more
Pres Zuma to Meet SA Universities’ Leadership The University Council Chairpersons Forum- have requested to see the President to discuss the heightened tensions in some campuses.” Read more
Producing Entrepreneurial Students – and Universities With graduate joblessness rising and state funding dwindling, universities of technology are confronted by dual challenges – delivering entrepreneurship education and work-integrated learning to students, and themselves becoming more entrepreneurial. Read more
SA, Angola to Work on Education According to the department, the objective of the agreement is the development of cooperation between the two countries in the sphere of education, more specifically on higher education. Read more
Still ‘Publish or Perish’ Under Research Funding Policy The South African government’s research funding policy has long been criticised by academics. Read more
‘Students Must Read Before They Protest’ A lack of reading and critical thinking among student leaders had led to widespread violence and destructive protests at universities. Read more
Student Fees Versus Transformation at HE summit The transformation of universities has become a burning issue in South Africa, but is real change possible without adequate student funding? If discussions at the Second National Higher Education Summit held in the coastal city of Durban last week are any indication, it seems unlikely. Read more
Task Team to Address Funding in Tertiary Institutions The Portfolio Committee on Higher Education and Training has applauded the decision to set up a task team to address funding challenges at tertiary institutions. Read more
Third Tier of Higher Education A third tier of higher education, targeting out-of-school youngsters and adults with no prospect of accessing vocational and technical colleges and universities, has been established by the Department of Higher Education. Read more
Three Important Lessons the #FeesMustFall Movement has Taught the World Those three lessons are: make alliances, expand your geographical vision, and choose national targets. These three innovations by the students had made their protests successful and could work in any protest movement. Read more
UCT’s Wealthy to Help Poor Many parents of wealthier students had come forward to help fund the shortfall created by the freeze on fee increases. Read more
Wits Interdict Shows Habib Has Lost Control The interdict allows the police to step in if there are violent protests; if students and staff are intimidated or if classes are disrupted. 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
August 2015
Adopt a TVET College, Create Opportunities Deputy President has called on companies across all sectors of the economy to adopt a Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) college to help with skills development and job creation. Read more
Bid to Defuse Varsity Violence Amid rising political tensions and violence as student representative councils campaign for elections, the Department of Higher Education has said it will hold a series of workshops to create greater tolerance. Read more
Building Managerial Capacity in The SAPS Through Professional Development Training, skills development and education remain key objectives if we are to remain relevant to police in a democratic dispensation. Read more
Business Schools are Racist Gatekeepers The critical issues of equity, access and affordability were enshrined as the central components of the higher education white paper. Read more
Campus Tempers Flare Over Racism and Student Elections Racial problems that have dogged South Africa’s prestigious Stellenbosch University have flared after the publication of a documentary about the discriminatory experiences of black students. Read more
Companies Urged to Invest in People Deputy President has commended companies that are investing in developing the skills and capabilities of South Africa’s people. Read more
Do Away With Transformation For Transformation’s Sake For African universities to truly transform, higher education will have to reconsider its purpose. Read more
Education Key to Growth in SA’s Economy South Africa can achieve higher levels of economic growth if it invests significantly in education and skills development and makes it easier for people to do business. Read more
First Global Conference on HE Internationalisation The first Global Conference on Internationalisation of Higher Education will be held in August next year, in South Africa’s huge Kruger Park game reserve. Read more
Higher Education not Enough for Economic Development Policies on the accessibility of skills and knowledge, the location of industry and networks of local companies could boost the impact of higher education on economic development. Read more
Minister Must Act to End Foreign Student Visa ‘Disaster’ International student officers are to call for urgent ministerial intervention to end problems with visas for hundreds of foreign students in South Africa, due to government incompetence. Read more
New Broom For Student Fund Higher Education and Training Minister has made the better decisions of his tenure by appointing head of the government’s student loan and bursary scheme. Read more
Redefining Universities For the Greater Good Transformation in higher education goes beyond mere ordinary reform. Read more
SA’s Top Researchers Honoured South Africa’s top researchers were celebrated for their continued pioneering work in advancing knowledge creation and innovation at the 2015 National Research Foundation (NRF) Awards. Read more
Stellenbosch University Called to Parliament The Stellenbosch University management is expected to appear in Parliament to table their transformation plans to the Portfolio Committee on Higher Education and Training. Read more
The Future of Higher Education What does the future of higher education look like? Read more
The PhD and The Ideology of ‘No transformation’ The term ‘transformation’ is now standard rhetoric in higher education change discourse. Read more
UCT Rejects Guerrilla Artists’ Facebook Claims The University of Cape Town has rejected outright a claim by Tokolos Stencils that UCT would interfere with their freedom of expression via Facebook. Read more
Vice-Chancellors Launch More ‘Active’ University Body Vice-chancellors have launched a new ‘activist’ association called Universities South Africa, which will represent the interests of the university sub-sector of higher education and will speak for the country’s 26 public universities rather than their leaders. Read more
Violence at Tertiary Institutions a Concern The Portfolio Committee on Higher Education and Training says it is disturbed by the recent spate of politically influenced violence at a number of institutions of higher learning in the country. Read more
July 2015
Academic Cheats with Fake Degrees Cannot be Tolerated The issue of fake qualifications and the outright dishonesty of those who use them to secure top jobs needs special attention. Read more
Bond between State and Higher Education Destroyed It is the African political class’s doubt in universities’ crucial roles in the development of the continent that is holding universities back, former president Thabo Mbeki told a summit at the University of Johannesburg (UJ) on Thursday. Read more
Calls for End to Corruption at Student Funding Body Newly appointed Stellenbosch University Vice-Chancellor has said the government should put more energy into sorting out the corruption that has dogged the National Student Financial Aid Scheme and seen countless disadvantaged youths missing out on higher education opportunities. Read more
Industry Has a Major Role to Play in Skills Development It has become almost trite in South Africa that, each year, as the academic calendar commences, students strike because of the inadequacy of the National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS). Read more
No Vote, But Rhodes SRC Backs Name Change Rhodes University’s student representative council (SRC) has thrown its support behind calls to rename the institution despite not holding a campus referendum to gauge student feelings on the controversy. Read more
Opening the Doors of Higher Education to All The government should put more energy into sorting out the corruption that has dogged the National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS) and seen countless disadvantaged youths missing out on higher education opportunities. Read more
Protest at Stellenbosch University over Language Students, reportedly lead by the Open Stellenbosch movement, protest at Stellenbosch University. Read more
SA Universities Lag Behind BRICS Rivals South Africa was ranked last in the World Economic Forum’s 2015 report on the quality of maths and science education and 139th out of 143 countries in the overall quality of its education system. Read more
South African Matrics not Ready for University – How Universities Can Help Most of the young people who matriculate in South Africa and qualify on paper to apply to study further simply aren’t ready for the rigours of a university education. Read more
Third Tier of Higher Education A third tier of higher education, targeting out-of-school youngsters and adults with no prospect of accessing vocational and technical colleges and universities, has been established by the Department of Higher Education. Read more
UCT Financial Masters Degree Makes Global Top 50 List The Master of Philosophy specialising in Mathematical Finance, presented by the Faculty of Commerce at the University of Cape Town (UCT) has been ranked in 50th position in the prestigious Eduniversal Masters rating for 2014/2015. Read more
June 2015
Apply Now for Tertiary Education Grade 12 pupils who intend to go on to tertiary level have been urged to start applying for admission to institutions now to avoid long queues and disappointment at the beginning of the 2016 academic year. Read more
Funding to Link to College Success Future government funding for public training colleges may become linked to the number of students who complete their studies, and whether graduates ultimately succeed in the job market. Read more
Lebo Sekhotla Wins International University Award, First African To Do So Lebo Sekhotla was awarded the international ‘Here for Good’ Award for youth empowerment work at a gala dinner in Miami, Florida, attended by higher education leaders and dignitaries including Condoleezza Rice. There is only one such award annually from hundreds of entries from 90 universities all over the globe, she is the first student in Africa to win this award. Read more
Varsities Face Toughest Exam There is nothing more important that determines the future of the South African university than how we resolve the question of the black professor. Read more
Varsity Heads Lost in Transformation The vice-chancellors of the universities of Cape Town, the Free State and Wits seem to have lost the plot, writes Lesiba Seshoka. Read more
MAY 2015
Nzimande, Unizulu Plot Way Forward Higher Education Minister Blade Nzimande has met the council of the University of Zululand (Unizulu) to try to get to the root of student protests and the suspensions of senior members of staff. Read more
Minister Nzimande to Focus on Transformation in Universities Higher Education and Training Minister Blade Nzimande says transformation in institutions of higher learning will be his main focus in the current financial year. Read more
South Africa Dominates New Africa University Rankings A new university ranking compiled by Thomson Reuters has listed the top 10 tertiary institutions on the African continent, led by South Africa’s University of Cape Town. Read more
Government Shuts Down Bogus Universities and Colleges Forty-two bogus colleges and universities which offered fake and unaccredited programmes have been shut down in May. Read more
Local Universities Perform Well in QS Subject Rankings South African institutions have performed well in the new QS – Quacquarelli Symonds – World University Rankings by Subject 2015. Read more
Facing an Ageing Professors Research Productivity cliff South African research is on the rise but is “edging towards a demographic cliff”, warned Minister of Science and Technology Naledi Pandor. Read more
Varsities Set to Transform Faster Accelerating the pace of transformation within universities, pumping more money into historically disadvantaged institutions, and fixing the state of training colleges is how Higher Education Minister Blade Nzimande will be spending his R41.8-billion budget this year. Read more
Dlamini Did What Young Students Do As former student leaders, Busani Ngcaweni and Robert Nkuna argue that a university should be the last place where students are expelled for their views. Read more
April 2015
SA Profs Too Old, Too White, Says Blade South African professors are too old and too white, and the vandalism of colonial-era statues highlighted the need for a frank conversation on race and transformation. Read more
Shortage of Universities Tops Public Enterprises Imbizo Shortage of institutions of higher learning took centre stage when Public Enterprises Minister interacted with the youth of Springbok in the Northern Cape as part of government’s Imbizo. Read more
Government Says It’s Doing All it Can to Address Challenges in Education While challenges persist in the higher education sector, government is doing all it can to address these, Higher Education and Training Deputy Minister Mduduzi Manana said. Read more
New University Aims to Be Ranked Best in The World The new Sefako Makgatho Health Science University (SMU), which was launched in Pretoria, on the premises of the old Medical University of Southern Africa (Medunsa), is a comprehensive university offering certificates, diplomas, degrees and post-graduate programmes. Read more
An Emergent Regional and Global Student Destination South Africa is among the emerging economies playing an increasing role as providers of higher education within the region, the continent and globally. Read more
University Fires Academics for Falsifying Research Rhodes University fired two academics this month for falsifying and fabricating research findings submitted to scientific journals. Husband and wife team Dr Bhupesh Samant and Dr Mugdha Sukhthanakar, who worked in the pharmaceutical department, left for India before a guilty verdict could be passed on them following top-level disciplinary proceedings. Read more
Higher Education and Research versus Xenophobia Xenophobic violence that erupted in parts of South Africa this month, leaving seven people dead, has outraged university communities and the ministries of higher education and of science and technology, all of which have come out in full support of international students and academics. The attacks also exposed gaps in research into xenophobia. Read more
Unique Skills Programme Jumpstarts Careers for Unemployed Youth So many highly qualified South African youth struggle to get jobs after graduation, or move up the corporate ladder. This is often due to a lack of the vital soft skills key to survival in today’s competitive marketplace – attributes which may be neglected by South African universities. Read more
Fort Hare Students Protest Poor Accommodation Conditions Scores of students held a “sleep-in” protest over four-to-a-room overcrowding at University of Fort Hare residences. Read more
The Wind of Change is Yet to Blow It is fallacious to draw comparisons between the demonstrations of the Class of ’76 and those of the past few weeks. Read more
Learners Encouraged to Consider TVET Colleges Deputy Minister of Higher Education and Training, has encouraged learners to consider Technical Vocational Education and Training Colleges (TVET) as their alternative to university education. Read more
March 2015
Calls for Entrepreneurship Education in Universities South Africa has the lowest level of entrepreneurship education in Africa, driven by the conviction that entrepreneurship was not a ‘decent profession’ and that only 40% of South Africans believed building a business was a desirable goal. Read more
Student Revolt Against the Statue of Cecil John Rhodes The statue of Cecil John Rhodes has a commanding presence. Sitting at the focal point of the University of Cape Town campus, Rhodes – heroic 19th century politician and businessman, or cold-blooded capitalist imperialist, depending on your point of view – gazes out over the rugby fields, eyes set on the African interior. Read more
Underfunded Students Take Frustration Out on Universities South African universities have their backs to the wall as the demand for financial assistance outstrips the available state funding and universities have to dig deep into their own pockets to accommodate as many students as possible. Read more
UCT’s Staff Must Be Transformed Under-representation of black people among the university’s academic body is impeding its ambition to become a genuinely inclusive institution. Read more
Another Statue, Same Revolution? Defacing colonial-era statues in the name of transformation is not the revolution – it’s just a symbol of it. Read more
E-learning – The Future of Higher Education The debate on the effectiveness of digital learning formats compared to classroom learning is ongoing. Read more
New Northern Cape University Gets Highest Marks in SA Despite having to deal with construction, residence and financing issues, Sol Plaatje students last year averaged the best grades across the country. Read more
Watch Out for Campus Fraud South African universities were fertile ground for fraudsters, in part because of the collegial environment compounded by staff freezes which reduced financial controls, a higher education conference in Durban heard. Read more
Rhodes Statue Should Be Moved: UCT VC The Cecil John Rhodes statue on the University of Cape Town’s campus should not be destroyed, just moved, the institution’s Vice Chancellor said. Read more
Woolworths Offers Lecturers from TVET Colleges and University of Technology Woolworths, South Africa’s leading retailer, is running the second instalment of its “Inside Retail” programme with five Technical Vocational Education and Training (TVET) colleges and the Cape Peninsula University of Technology (CPUT). Read more
Wits, Univen Partner in Research, Post-Grad Studies The University of the Witwatersrand (Wits) and the University of Venda (Univen) have signed a memorandum of agreement that will see the two institutions partnering in research, teaching and learning, post-graduate studies and community engagement. Read more
KPMG Hosts Higher Education Conference The number of institutions that have recently been placed under administration is an indication of the leadership and governance challenges we face as a country, according to a Higher Education Sector Lead at KPMG. Read more
Nordex Education Trust Awards Maths and Science Bursaries The Nordex Education Trust has awarded five competent and deserving students bursaries in maths and science. Read more
Turned Away From University? Here Are Your Options The future of our youth does not only lie in going to university, or in going to university the first time you finish matric. Read more
Varsities in Line to Review Funding Walter Sisulu University (WSU) and the University of Fort Hare (UFH) were cited among historically disadvantaged universities to face the review. The two universities could benefit from additional funding from the Department of Higher Education and Training (DHET) if they meet the required criteria. Read more
Government Says it is Determined to Flush Out The Frauds Government would, in partnership with the Quality Councils and South African Qualifications Authority (SAQA) ensure that scrutiny and verification of qualifications are rigorously applied to protect the credibility, integrity and reputation of employers from people who possess fake qualifications. Read more
FEBRUARY 2015
Parliament joins university calls for more student aid South Africa’s parliamentary committee on higher education has joined vice-chancellors in calling for more money for student bursaries and loans, in the interests of equity and access and against a backdrop of patchy student unrest and fundraising campaigns by universities. Read more
South Africa’s Ambassador to Japan Mohau Pheko Admits Lying about PhD The South African ambassador to Japan Mohau Pheko regrets misrepresenting herself on her CV, by stating that she had a PhD when she had not, in fact, completed the degree. Read more
SARUA to Lead Development of a SADC Climate Change Curriculum The Southern African Regional Universities Association (SARUA) issued a Call for Expressions of Interest (EOI) to participate in the SARUA Curriculum Innovation Network (SCIN). Read more
Students Run Riot at Campuses’ Over Funding Two universities in South Africa have been hit by student protests ahead of the new academic year. Read more
Minister ‘Not Likely’ To Agree To Four-Year Degree A Council on Higher Education proposal to extend tertiary undergraduate studies by a year to improve student performance stands a good chance of being snubbed by the government. Read more
IBM Creates Second Major African Research Lab In Jo’burg The University of the Witwatersrand in Johannesburg is to host technology giant IBM’s second major research, development and innovation laboratory in Africa. Read more
TUT’s Neglected Campuses Are about to Get Facelifts Born out of a government-imposed merger more than a decade ago, the Tshwane University of Technology (TUT) still grapples with deep infrastructure disparities between its township-based campuses and the former Pretoria Technikon. Read more
International Collaboration Through Higher Education Globalisation and the move towards knowledge-based economies have necessitated a new level of collaboration in higher education. Read more
Connectivity Can Bring Quality Education to All Government must expedite its broadband roll-out plan if its higher learning goals are to be met. Read more
Vast Varsity Pay Gap Exposed Huge discrepancies in academic salaries between senior staff, on the one hand, and women, junior and black staff, on the other, are revealed in an unpublished report that Higher Education South Africa spearheaded. Read more
Racial Attacks, Black-Facing Make It Clear SA Universities Remain Untransformed South African universities remain untransformed with racial attacks, black-facing and unchanged demographics of both educators and students persisting around the country’s tertiary institutions. Read more
The Big Read: Banking on the Future It is the time of year that every university leader and administrator fears. Across your desk sits a bright young student from a rural area clutching a promising National Senior Certificate statement of results. Read more
Only 1 in 8 Students Will Find a Place at University About 200,000 first-year students will sit for their first lectures at South Africa’s 24 universities this week while a multitude of unsuccessful candidates will be dealing with rejection, either because they did not meet the requirements, or because the institutions of learning are full. Read more
No Place to Lay Their Heads In the last five years, universities and off-campus housing establishments have increased capacity by more than 15,000 beds. Read more
Students Turned Into Hobos The 22-year-old from KwaZulu-Natal left home for Johannesburg at the start of the month to arrange accommodation for himself for the academic year. Read more
Shock over Students’ Demand for Expulsion of Jews Jewish students at the Durban University of Technology who supported the State of Israel should be kicked out, the Student Representative Council has demanded. Read more
JANUARY 2015
Student Use Inflammatory Language Ahead of Sit-in Protest Up to 2,500 disgruntled students are expected to take part in a protest led by WITS student representative council outside the higher education department offices. Read more
Bid to End Varsity Chaos Drag Higher education and training ministry has failed to keep its promise to introduce a seamless centralised system that would allow those who pass with university entrance results to apply for admission to any university or university of technology. Read more
Increased Student Funding Not Enough to Satisfy High Demand More funds are needed to ensure that majority of young people are given opportunity to attend such institutions. Read more
Maties Speak a New Language When 5,000 new maties and their parents were officially welcomed at Stellenbosch University, those who could not understand Afrikaans could tune to a translation on their cell phones and earphones. Read more
Drop in PhD Students to Affect Skills A shortage of supervisors for doctorates in business administration students has resulted in fewer enrolments this year, adding to South Africa’s skills deficit. Read more
Short Course as an Alternative to Degree Programme For a host of reasons, many South African school-leavers will be unable to pursue tertiary education in 2015. So what other options are available for these individuals? Read more
Postal Strike Dashes Varsity Hopes The postal strike may have sabotaged some matriculants plans to go to university this year, particularly the poorest ones. Read more
Universities Bursting at Seams Universities are bursting at seams and, in Kwazulu Natal, school-leavers have only one-in-eight chance of winning a place to study. Read more
DECEMBER 2014
UCT Leads South Africa Pack in University Ranking Five South African tertiary institutions including Universities of Cape Town and Stellenbosch have been ranked among the top 100 universities in the BRICS countries and emerging economies. Read more
Blade Wants Qualification Fraud Register Minister of higher education and training has asked for urgent establishment of a national fraud register, which will list individuals who have committed qualification fraud. Read more
Students Out in the Cold as No-Fee University forced to close The private, no fee university has been deregistered by education authorities after falling into the red to the tune of some R30m. Read more
Tshabalala’s Troubles Far from Over Ellen Tshabalala, SABC Board Chairman, has resigned after being found guilty by parliament of lying about her qualifications. Read more
No enemy of Afrikaans—But It Can’t Dominate Tertiary Institutions The education minister criticised the domination of Afrikaans in teaching and called on former Afrikaans universities to enroll more black students. Read more
Teachers in Punch-up Teachers are venting their anger and frustration on each other. Read more
Win de Villers Named New Stellenbosch University Vice Chancellor Win de Villiers will be the new vice chancellor of Stellenbosch University; he succeeds the university’s first black vice chancellor who died suddenly in June 2014. Read more
New Business School to Increase Number of MBA graduates in South Africa The Management College of Southern Africa recently launched the Graduate School of Business, which it hopes to serve dual purposes of raising the profile of previously disadvantaged students and honouring the struggle’s heroes. Read more
Students Who Wore Blackface to Return to University Two students who were kicked out of their residence at the University of Pretoria after being photographed wearing domestic worker outfit and smear black paint will be allowed to return to campus next year. Read more
Varsity May Rethink North-West University is expected to pursue a radical normalisation of racial demographics in student residence. Read more
Why FET Colleges are changing their Names to TVET Colleges At the launch of the departmental white paper on post-education and training, the Minister of Higher Education and Training announced that all FET colleges are to be renamed as TVET colleges. Read more
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