Only a strong education and training system with committed and excellent teachers can ensure South Africa becomes a caring society, with a thriving economy, according to President Thabo Mbeki. He was addressing finalists and guests at the National Teaching Awards late in October. Mbeki said the legacy of apartheid had created a number of social […]
The teaching career of tough-talking former Big Brother housemate Janine Orderson hangs in the balance, but she remains unfazed. Nazarene Khan reports Janine has been widely condemned because of her antics on the banal reality television programme Big Brother. The Western Cape teacher is currently under fire from the education authorities over her conduct before […]
Educators from one of the country’s poorest provinces excel in maths and science contest For the second year running, an under-resourced, rural school in Northern Province has produced the winner of the Maths and Science Teacher of the Year Award. When Nelson Mphaga collected the prize at the Sowetan/Telkom Protec Awards, he was bubbling with […]
Christian groups clashed with Minister of Education Kader Asmal over Curriculum 2005, report Marianne Merten and Edwin Naidu The revised National Curriculum Statement has seen Minister of Education Kader criticised in print and broadcast media for his “undemocratic” and “dictatorial” behaviour. Opponents of the statement, including Reverend Kenneth Meshoe, MP, and leader of the African […]
Damelin gives learners a head start with In-school IT training When learners at Die Hoerskool Menlopark in Pretoria complete their studies they will leave the school with not one but two qualifications. Damelin Education Group has set up a computer centre which has been a resounding success, says Kobus Momberg, director of IT Training Solutions. […]
A new telescope opens up distant galaxies The new Southern African Large Telescope (SALT), rising from a Karoo koppie as a symbol of the new South Africa’s commitment to science and progress, has passed its first anniversary since groundbreaking. It will take South African scientists into realms they could only dream about before, starting the […]
The past is far from over as an online database revisits South Africa’s past. Julia Grey reports History’s a funny business: the politics of capturing the past can lead to so many interpretations of one event that you would be forgiven for wondering if any of it really happened at all. Omar Badsha, director of […]
"This is what the French money has paid for!" jokes Deputy President Jacob Zuma, waving his hand over Oliver Tambo House, his official residence. In a rare interview Zuma spoke to <i>Mail & Guardian</i> reporter Vicki Robinson about a range of issues — but refused to be drawn on the Schabir Shaik trial.
When historian Dr Rob Turrell stuck his hand in the lens of an SABC team outside the Richtersveld land claim hearing last week, the manne set about mooting explanations for his pique. Vrot Snoek reckoned Turrell had been watching Indiana Jones flieks and just wanted to butch up his mousy profession a little. Dok Rabie put his money on agoraphobia.
This month local soap opera literally jumped the reality gap. The glitz and glamour of the multimillion-rand soapie industry was upstaged by real life. Precious Simelane and Lindiwe Chibi fought for their lives while media focused on their mothers’ grief. With the actresses absent, plot lines in <i>Muvhango</i> and <i>Generations</i> ground to a halt.