Thabo Mohlala
Guest Author
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/ 11 January 2008

Schools’ (r)evolution

A clash between secular and religious conscience could unfold in South Africa’s education system — and different interest groups are set to line up against one another. The teaching of evolution to grade 12 learners from next year might trigger an uproar among South African parents, teachers and religious sectors.

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/ 11 January 2008

Setas to be cut down to size

The recent reported failure by sectoral education and training authorities (Setas) to spend millions of rands allocated to them to deliver skills development and training mandates has given fresh impetus to calls to reduce their number from 23 to five. Since their inception in 2000, the Setas have recorded few successes in addressing the skills weaknesses in the labour market.

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/ 10 January 2008

A second chance

If nothing else, the country’s matric results are a loud and painful reminder that the education system is in need of a major overhaul. Although analysts and educational practitioners differ about what is to be done, what is indisputable is that ways and means must be found to accommodate failure and success.

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/ 11 December 2007

A spelling revolution

Foundation-phase (grade R to three) learners and teachers can now benefit from a highly successful international initiative that partners primary schools and universities to promote the improved teaching and learning of English. On a local level it has been tailored to include all 11 South African languages through the use of free interactive software and a range of educational resources.

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/ 26 October 2007

Evolution to be taught in SA schools

A clash between secular and religious conscience could unfold in South Africa’s education system — and different interest groups are set to line up against one another. The teaching of evolution to grade 12 learners from next year might trigger an uproar among South African parents, teachers and religious sectors.

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/ 20 September 2007

Cuba lends a helping hand

Thousands of unemployed South African youths and an embattled social services sector will benefit from a bilateral cooperation agreement signed between the department of social development and the government of Cuba. Under the agreement just more than 9 000 auxiliary social workers will be trained in the next year in a move to provide relief to overworked social workers.