Day: January 19, 2023

The Minister of Higher Education, Science and Innovation, Dr Blade Nzimande is saddened by the killing of Mabutho Jenamo, a Community Education College student who was attending his classes at Reneilwe Community Learning Centre in Mamelodi East in Gauteng.

On his way back from school after the orientation day on Tuesday, 17 January, Mabutho, an 18 year old Level 4 General Education and Training Certificate (GETC) student was stabbed to death during a mugging incident by a group of men who took his cell phone and wallet. At the time of the incident, Mabutho was in the company of his fellow students who those belongings were also taken by these rascals.

Minister Nzimande passes his condolences to the Jenamo family, friend and the entire Reneilwe Community Learning Centre.

The Minister said Mabutho’s passing is a loss to the entire Post School Education and Training sector.

Minister Nzimande is however satisfied that the four alleged killers were arrested by the law enforcement agencies following a tip-off by the members of the community who witnessed this heinous incidence.

These four perpetrators have already appeared before the Mamelodi West Court yesterday,18th January 2023 and their next appearance is on the 25 January 2023.

Minister Nzimande thanked the community of Mamelodi who responded swiftly by identifying the perpetrators and helping the police to apprehend them.

Through the Gauteng Community College, and Higher Health, the Department of Higher Education and Training will continue to provide the necessary support to the family.

Source: Government of South Africa

KwaZulu-Natal Premier, Nomusa Dube-Ncube, has welcomed the smooth start to the 2023 academic year as over 2.8 million learners across the province went back to school on Wednesday.

Dube-Ncube accompanied Basic Education Minister Angie Motshekga and Education MEC Mbali Frazer on visits to schools in Umlazi, Parlock and La Mercy to monitor the first day of school for coastal areas.

Speaking during the school monitoring visits, Dube-Ncube emphasised that quality education is an apex priority for the provincial government and expressed her satisfaction that learning and teaching started in earnest on the first day of the school calendar.

“The minor challenges experienced in some schools are being urgently addressed by the Department of Education. We were very encouraged by the active citizenry demonstrated by the community and members of the governing bodies in the schools we have visited.

“We also commend the dedication shown by educators. As the provincial government, we are fully committed to ensuring access to quality education therefore it is critical that teaching and learning begins from the first day of the school year,” Dube-Ncube said.

The Premier announced that the province will pilot online registration for schools in the province from this year.

This is in a bid to reduce the number of parents waiting in queues to enrol their children and so that all learners are enrolled within the stipulated timeframe.

“The process for admissions for the 2023 academic year started early in 2022 when admissions opened on 1 March 2022 and closed on 30 September 2022. A total of 209 665 learners have been admitted in Grade 1 and 237 987 learners have been admitted in Grade 8,” the department said.

Source: South African Government News Agency

Higher Education and Training Minister, Dr Blade Nzimande, has wished the 2022 matric class well as learners await the announcement of their examination results.

Basic Education Minister, Angie Motshekga, is expected to make the announcement later this afternoon in Johannesburg.

Nzimande assured current and prospective students that the release of the results will not affect the state of readiness for the Post School Education and Training (PSET) 2023 academic year.

This as registration for the academic year 2023 at universities commenced on 16 January and is anticipated to close on 20 February 2023.

There are also several universities that will allow late registrations.

Nzimande advised prospective students to continue to liaise with the universities of their choice through their communication channels.

“Most Technical Vocational Education and Training (TVET) colleges have commenced with their teaching and learning, including practicals, following the successful online registration process.

“Some of the colleges are still accepting students in areas where the enrolment targets are not met and the department’s TVET branch is monitoring the developments at each college,” Nzimande said.

Community colleges opened on 11 January 2023 for inland provinces and 18 January 2023 for coastal provinces.

The Minister advised prospective students to go to their colleges of choice for registration for the academic year 2023.

NSFAS application results

Nzimande reminded students that National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS) application results will be communicated to all applicants once the scheme received confirmation from the institution that an academic offer has been made.

This will be communicated to all students via SMS, email and through students’ myNSFAS account. For further information on the NSFAS application processes, applicants are advised to visit the NSFAS website at www.nsfas.org.za.

CACH services to open next week

Meanwhile, in order to assist prospective students, the department has activated the services of the Central Application Clearing House (CACH) to assist individuals access university, college and skills development opportunities.

“The system will open on the 24th January to the 31st March 2023,” the Minister said.

As part of the department’s normal process to work with the sector to prepare for the academic year’s registration process, consultation meetings are being held with various stakeholders including Universities South Africa (Usaf), South Africa College Principals Organisation (SACPO), South African Union of Students (SAUS) and South African Technical and Vocation Student Association (SATVESA).

Nzimande wished the 2022 matriculation class well as they are awaiting the announcement of their results.

The Minister is expected to announce further details on the department’s state of readiness before the end of January 2023.

Source: South African Government News Agency