Bunking teachers fail learners

Two-country study reveals shocking levels of absenteeism -- condoned by some unions.

Revved up, but too many speed bumps

The early childhood development agenda can be accelerated if it heeds findings of new research, writes Shirin Motala.

Keep politics out of the pulpit

Most South Africans believe religion and politics should be kept separate, a recent Human Sciences Research Council survey has revealed.

'Police not liable for child crimes'

The Western Cape has been singled out by police as having one of the highest incidences of child murder.

Labour, business say Eskom hike will hit economy

Labour and business agreed on Tuesday that Eskom's proposed 53% tariff increase would have a severe impact on the economy. "Pricing is not the only solution; effective leadership and strategic appropriation of management is important," said Business Unity South Africa.

Actuaries estimates 5,6m have HIV/Aids in SA

It is estimated that 5,6-million South Africans are infected with HIV/Aids in 2008, said the Actuarial Society of South Africa (ASSA) on Tuesday. The HIV prevalence rates from the ASSA 2003 model are " roughly consistent" with the national prevalence survey conducted by the Human Sciences Research Council.

Mpofu: SABC is resisting political pressure

South African Broadcasting Corporation (SABC) chief executive Dali Mpofu has conceded that the public broadcaster is under political pressure, but said it was resisting this pressure, Business Day reported on Thursday. "The test is if you can withstand political pressure," he said at a conference on media and electoral democracy held in Pretoria on Wednesday.

Return to critical scholarship

Intellectuals, public officials, business and civil-society leaders and political commentators have complained about South African universities' lack of "visibility". For some, universities have not addressed the myriad economic and social-development challenges the country faces.

Govt to probe extent of racism in education

The Department of Education is to investigate the extent of racism and other forms of discrimination in higher education, it said on Monday. A ministerial committee is expected to look into discrimination based on gender, ethnicity and disability, with a particular focus on university residences, said spokesperson Lunga Ngqengelele in a statement.

HIV prevalence in private security industry at 16%

HIV/Aids prevalence in the private security industry is at 15,9% and in the legal services industry it is at 13,8%, a study compiled by the Human Sciences Research Council has shown. Research was carried out among 2 787 participants from private security services in Gauteng, the Western Cape and KwaZulu-Natal.

Union claims teacher shortage in North West

There were about 1 000 fewer teachers in North West province at the opening of schools on Wednesday as the provincial education department had not renewed their contracts, a teachers' union claimed. But an education department spokesperson said no teacher shortages are expected in North West.

Zuma brushes off scandals to lead race

Jacob Zuma is hounded by corruption allegations and his rape trial often overshadows his status as a hero of the anti-apartheid struggle. Yet the burly Zulu politician has shrugged off obstacles that would have crippled others to emerge as favourite to lead the ruling African National Congress.

Yesterday and today, but what of tomorrow?

The 2007 Community ­Survey conducted by Statistics South Africa gives an impressive account of our developmental progress, concluding that "today is better than yesterday". The survey also makes it clear that our society is undergoing massive changes. From the most intimate relations to the most abstract levels of social interaction, communities are in flux.

Hawkers don't want to be marginalised for 2010

Hawkers, often the breadwinners of their families, should not be marginalised in the run-up to the 2010 Soccer World Cup, a colloquium on the international soccer spectacle heard in Johannesburg on Wednesday. Stadiums under construction are often far from amenities and hawkers are providing much-needed services to construction workers.

Sports minister says 'quotas are out'

Sports and Recreation Minister Makhenkesi Stofile ruled out racial quotas for national teams on Tuesday after the mainly white Springboks' recent victory in the Rugby World Cup reignited the debate over transformation. "Quotas are out," Stofile told a parliamentary sports committee. "Let us put our resources into the development of talent."

Slim majority favour racial quotas in sport

A slim majority of the population favoured racial quotas in national sports teams, a survey by the Human Sciences Research Council said. The results from the South African Social Attitudes Survey showed there were still strong racial disparities in the level of support for quotas.

HSRC reports highest financial turnover

Partly due to an increased allocation from the government, the Human Sciences Research Council (HSRC) has achieved the highest financial turnover, R247,8-million, in its history, the council's CEO said on Tuesday. Dr Olive Shisana was addressing the launch of the HSRC's 2006/07 Annual Report in Pretoria.

Rumours swirl over Pikoli's suspension

The suspension of South Africa's National Director of Public Prosecutions amid silence by President Thabo Mbeki has led to concerns of government meddling in the country's justice system. Mbeki's integrity came under fire as his suspension of National Prosecuting Authority chief Vusi Pikoli was linked to the alleged pending arrest of police National Commissioner Jackie Selebi.

Alcohol consumption on the rise in Africa, seminar hears

As Africa's economies grow, the production of alcohol, along with consumption of the substance, will increase, it was said at a seminar on alcohol in Pretoria on Monday. "Africa will be experiencing a growth market and a lot of activity is still going to happen," said Isidore Obot from the Centre of Research and Information on Substance Abuse.

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