insert_link Business / Economics South Africa is failing people who aren’t poor, but aren’t middle class either By Tinashe Mushayanyama, University of South Africa; Adrino Mazenda, University of Pretoria; Margaret Chitiga-Mabugu, University of Pretoria, and Mary Mangai, University of Pretoria Many South African households are trapped. They are neither poor nor middle class. As a demographic they hover above the indigence threshold financially. But they are not yet securely in the middle class. This aspirant middle class – individuals whose income is above the indigent […] today30 January, 2024
insert_link Lifestyle Responsible, human-centred approach – key to using GenAI in education By Shakeel Jhazbhay, General Manager, Digital Business Solutions at DatacentrixIn the ever-evolving realm of educational technology, Generative AI (GenAI) is emerging as a transformative force poised to reshape the education sector. However, exploring the benefits and drawbacks of GenAI is crucial for a comprehensive grasp of its suitable applications and potential impact. In retrospect: the use of technology in education over time In order to gain context around the use […] today26 January, 2024
insert_link Lifestyle Learning to read in another language is tough: how Namibian teachers can help kids Wolfgang Kaehler/Avalon/Universal Images Group via Getty Images Marta Ndakalako Alumbungu, Stellenbosch University and Nhlanhla Mpofu, Stellenbosch University In a classroom in Namibia’s northern Oshikoto region, a teacher has written English vocabulary words on the chalkboard. She asks her learners to read them aloud. When they stumble with pronunciation, she corrects them. She also helps the youngsters to sound out words. At another school nearby, an English teacher is showing her […] today25 January, 2024
insert_link Africa Education has a huge role to play in peace and development: 5 essential reads Children’s education is frequently disrupted in conflict-fraught areas. Daniel Beloumou Olomo/AFP via Getty Images Natasha Joseph, The Conversation Nelson Mandela was a famous advocate for the value of education. In 1990, the man who would become South Africa’s first democratically president four years later told a high school in Boston: “Education is the most powerful weapon which you can use to change the world.” The United Nations agrees. In 2018 […] today24 January, 2024
insert_link Namibia Concerns Raised by //Kharas Ombudsman over Surge in Education Complaints: 108 Cases Recorded Since 2022 The head of the Office of the Ombudsman in the //Kharas region, Sylvester Sibungo, has expressed concern regarding students approaching their office to file complaints against education authorities in Keetmanshoop. Sibungo mentioned that since 2022, their office has received approximately 108 complaints against principals and teachers. These complaints encompass issues such as classroom bans, suspensions, corporal punishment, and the forceful cutting of hair.Sibungo addressed this matter during the annual meeting […] today24 January, 2024
insert_link Environment Conservationists aim to save South America’s super tiny wild cat, the guina Image courtesy of Jerry Laker/Fauna Australis. By Petro Kotzé via MongaBay For more than 200 million years, the ancient Valdivian Temperate Forest in southwestern Chile has been a refuge for plant and animal species found nowhere else on Earth. This global biodiversity hotspot is home to monkey puzzle trees (Araucaria araucana), the endangered chinchilla (Chinchilla lanigera), threatened southern pudu (Pudu puda) — the world’s smallest deer — and two critically endangered species: the […] today23 January, 2024
insert_link Namibia Kunene remains optimistic despite disappointing exam results Despite disappointing results in last year’s Namibia Senior Secondary Certificate Ordinary (NSSCO) and Advanced Subsidiary (AS) examinations, the Kunene education directorate remains optimistic. Petrus Shipalanga, the region’s interim education director, told Nampa recently there was a modest improvement, as 15.95 per cent of learners qualified for Advanced Subsidiary level compared to 11.3 per cent in 2022. Shipalanga however said more efforts should be made to improve the region’s […] today22 January, 2024
insert_link Namibia Omaheke Regional Council chairperson urges learners to be more committed Omaheke Regional Council Chairperson Ignatius Kariseb on Friday appealed to learners to take their education seriously, emphasising its role in shaping their futures. Speaking during a stakeholder engagement on education, Kariseb expressed concern that some children think they are doing their parents a favour by attending school. “Our children must understand that they are not doing their parents a favour by going to school. It is instead an opportunity […] today22 January, 2024
insert_link Interview Transcripts Dr. Basilius Kasera Explores Education Challenges and Funding Solutions in Namibia In an engaging conversation, Dr. Basilius Kasera from the University of Namibia's Faculty of Social Sciences discusses critical issues surrounding education in Namibia. Kasera addresses the similarities with South Africa, highlighting the politicization of education as a public good and its impact on citizens. He emphasizes the need to rethink the philosophy of education, urging a perspective that views education as a means of empowering individuals to contribute to society […] today19 January, 2024
