Author: Tshegofatso Letsie
The Department of Higher Education and Training (DHET) has described challenges relating to funding as a hindrance to many students at Universities and TVET Colleges. The ministry provided an update on the state of affairs alongside stakeholders from the National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS) in Pretoria. Minister Buti Manamela revealed that they will continue to engage with the National Treasury in this regard. “Over the next four years, we will fully implement a sustainable student funding model. We will consolidate Sector Education and Training Authority (SETA) and Community Education and Training (CET) reform. “We will drive digital learning across the…
North West MEC for Economic Development, Environment, Conservation and Tourism, Bitsa Lenkopane, described the province’s Park Rangers as the frontline custodians who have dedicated their lives to protect wildlife. This emerged during the World Ranger Day celebrations held in Tsitsing, near Rustenburg at the Moses Kotane Local Municipality. According to Lenkopane, support from both the department and the ranger’s families is crucial in boosting their morale to safeguard the province’s natural gems. The MEC however, expressed concern regarding the declining numbers of rangers but believes skills development programmes will help mitigate the challenge. “We are facing a situation where too…
Chief Justice Mandisa Maya has published what her office described as a landmark sexual harassment policy for the judiciary. It comes at the back of sexual harassment allegations against Eastern Cape Judge President, Selby Mbenenge, by judges’ secretary, Andiswa Mengo whose case is being heard by the Judicial Conduct Tribunal. In a press release, the Office of the Chief Justice (COJ) reaffirmed its commitment to safeguard the integrity of the courts and its employees through the new policy. ‘’As custodians of the Constitution, Judges and Magistrates, bear a profound responsibility to uphold the highest standards of integrity. The Bangalore Principles…
On a day marked by elegance and empowerment, women from diverse backgrounds celebrated this year’s Women’s Day at YOU FM’s event in the picturesque Cradle of Humankind, Maropeng. Dressed in vibrant hues of purple, attendees welcomed a line-up of distinguished speakers who championed the cause of women’s rights, leadership, and technology integration. The keynote address was delivered by Phumzile Mlambo-Ngcuka, the Former Deputy President of South Africa and former Executive Director of UN Women. Mlambo-Ngcuka captivated the audience with a heartfelt plea for young girls to “take up space” and position themselves as future leaders of the nation. Her powerful…
The Johannesburg High Court has struck off the roll of the application to stop the ANC 8th Ekurhuleni Regional Conference. The court also ruled that the applicants pay legal costs due to failure to meet the necessary requirements of relief. This comes after some branches wrote a letter to the party’s Secretary-General, Fikile Mbalula, requesting that the conference be postponed. They argued that the term of office of the Regional Task Team (RTT) which organised the conference had expired and that decisions that were made at branch meetings were invalid. The ANC Ekurhuleni regional coordinator, Jongiziwe Dlabathi, welcomed the court…
The Department of Higher Education and Training has wished the North West-based Orbit College FC soccer team well, as it gears up for its first Betway Premiership clash this weekend. The team will kick off its league campaign by facing Amazulu FC at the King Zwelithini Stadium in Durban. The department views this as a momentous milestone especially for TVET Colleges across the country. “This is not just a game, but a testament to the power of opportunity, talent and discipline nurtured behind Orbit TVET. The success of Orbit is the success of the entire PSET system. We also extend our congratulations…
The North West Government said it is optimistic that phase five of the provincial service delivery programme, Thuntsha Lerole Reloaded, will develop, strengthen sustainability and empower residents. It said the recommencement of the programme will deepen the focus on improving water and electricity services, the state of housing and explore mechanisms to address the high unemployment rate amongst others. According to the Chief Director of Communications in Office of the Premier, Brian Setswambung during an exclusive interview on YOU FM, the rollout of the programme will begin at the embattled Lichtenburg-based Ditsobotla Local Municipality. “The plan was to commence with…
The North West Department of Education has embarked on a crucial initiative aimed at revitalising underperforming schools across the province. This week’s interactive sessions commenced at the Dr Ruth Segomotsi Mompati District Municipality, bringing together school principals, chairpersons, and members of School Governing Bodies (SGB) to engage in collaborative discussions on improvement strategies. During this initial meeting, MEC Viola Motsumi expressed her satisfaction with the recent performance of Grade 12 learners, highlighting a positive trend in results. “I am immensely pleased with the performance registered by the Grade 12 class in terms one and two compared to 2023,” she reported.…
As Women’s Month commences in South Africa, a potent call to action echoes across the nation. Sindisiwe Chikunga, the Minister for Women, Youth and Persons with Disabilities, has urged all sectors of society to collaborate in the fight against the pervasive issues of Gender-Based Violence (GBV) and Femicide. This year’s commemoration falls under the impactful theme: “Accelerate Action: Rights, Equality, Empowerment for all Women and Girls,” marking an appeal for urgent strategies to foster change. Chikunga’s impassioned address took place at the official launch ceremony held at the Sandton Convention Centre, where she reminded the audience of the historical significance…
The Minister of Health, Dr Aaron Motsoaledi has welcomed the report of investigations into the Pressure Swing Adsorption (PSA) Oxygen Plant tender that was released by his Public Works and Infrastructure counterpart, Dean Macpherson during a media briefing on Tuesday in Pretoria. Among others, the report found systemic procurement irregularities, governance failures and identified flaws in the bidding process of the tender. Motsoaledi expressed relief that those found guilty will be held accountable. ‘’They did not just commit financial corruption but deprived South Africans of urgent life-support in the form of oxygen. As such the Department of Health would like to…