Education

Qualified and unemployed

With almost 53% of its youth unable to find work, South Africa is facing one of the highest youth unemployment rates in the world, far higher than in comparable countries. While the International Labour Organisation (ILO) gives the youth unemployment rate as around 12% in sub-Saharan Africa and around 28% in North Africa, these high percentages are still far lower than they are in South Africa.

Nwabisa Pondoyi

Brief | 4 September 2013

Staff pay dispute closes Walter Sisulu University

Staff at Walter Sisulu University (WSU) on a “no work, no pay” strike for six weeks have forced the university to close.

Nwabisa Pondoyi

Brief | 3 September 2013

60 days before matric examinations - how are Dinaledi schools in Khayelitsha faring?

There are seven Dinaledi schools, but learners see The Centre of Science and Technology (COSAT) as the only answer to succeeding in physical science and maths for matric.

Pharie Sefali

News | 28 August 2013

Reading for change: organisation addresses social issues through cellphone fiction

FunDza Literacy Trust is an NGO that aims to popularize reading amongst young South Africans. FunDza's goals are to encourage youngsters to read for pleasure and to help students, particularly those from disadvantaged backgrounds, to become effectively literate.

Fergus Turner

Opinion | 20 August 2013

Pregnant girls have a right to be in school

Teenage pregnancy and the stigmatisation that accompanies it continue to expose deep seated prejudices that exist in our society. Given the prevailing attitude of vilifying pregnant girls it should come with little surprise that many schools opt for a punitive response by banishing pregnant girls from school.

Lisa Andrews and Lisa Draga

Opinion | 14 August 2013

Labour backs child beating ban

Sex scandals, amid accusations of conspiracy, strikes and ongoing fears of violence have dominated the news about trade unions over the past week and more. And the spectre of Wonderkop and the dead and crippled miners, both pre and post Marikana has continued to loom large.

Terry Bell

Opinion | 5 August 2013

Riot breaks out at Matthew Goniwe High School in Khayelitsha

A riot broke out at Matthew Goniwe High School in Site B, Khayelitsha from about 1pm to 2pm this afternoon.

Pharie Sefali

Brief | 31 July 2013

Chaotic language policy goes to rights commission

Mr. Zolile Prusente is the curriculum specialist with the regional education department in Upington. Recently, he sent a complaint to the South African Human Rights Commission regarding a problematic shift in language policy in the past year.

Selby Nomnganga

News | 26 July 2013

14-year-old can’t find school to finish Grade 2

Olwethu is a 14-year-old boy whose dreams have been shattered. Due to his upbringing, Olwethu is only doing Grade 2 now at 14 instead of the usual age of 8.

Pharie Sefali

News | 24 July 2013