I'm currently studying a postgraduate honours degree in Media Theory & Practice at the University of Cape Town (UCT). When writing I tend to focus and specialize in human interest and protest action. I have a deep understanding of the matter due to my involvement in grass-root-level social ...

NSFAS boss placed on leave after students protest against direct banking system outside Parliament

17 Aug 2023  |  www.dailymaverick.co.za  |  English  |  Financial Aid

Students marched to Parliament demanding intervention against the new direct banking system by NSFAS, which has led to delayed payments and high bank fees. NSFAS CEO Andile Nongogo was placed on leave amid allegations of misconduct from his previous role at Services Seta. The NSFAS board will investigate these allegations, particularly focusing on the direct payment system. Students from Western Cape universities voiced their struggles with the new system, citing financial hardships and lack of support. The civil rights organization Outa highlighted issues with the system, including exorbitant fees and lack of banking licenses for some service providers. The Stellenbosch University SRC criticized NSFAS for ignoring their complaints, while ANC MP Tebogo Letsie assured that the students' memorandum would be reviewed.

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Blade Nzimande Andile Nongogo Ernest Khosa Masile Ramorwesi Jessamy van Beulen Arno Carolus Masilo Silokazi Tebogo Letsie

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Lyse Comins is a freelance journalist and content creator in Durban South Africa.  She covers, business, consumer and social rights, breaking news and health as well as business to business communications for clients across South Africa. Her work has been  has published in The Mercury, Freight and ...

Department of Education

22 Dec 2023  |  mg.co.za  |  English  |  Government Performance

South Africa has made significant strides in transforming its education system from the apartheid era, but challenges remain. The Department of Education has seen various reforms under different ministers, with mixed results. Sibusiso Bengu's tenure saw some improvements but was marred by cadre deployment. Kader Asmal introduced outcomes-based education but faced sustainability issues. Naledi Pandor focused on early childhood development and teacher remuneration but struggled with systemic underperformance. Angie Motshekga's tenure has been criticized for poor infrastructure and educational quality, despite a high matric pass rate. Blade Nzimande dealt with student protests and financial aid issues, with mixed success. The National Student Financial Aid Scheme is highlighted as a significant achievement. Overall, the department receives a grade of D for its efforts to serve learners adequately.

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Blade Nzimande Sibusiso Bengu Kader Asmal Naledi Pandor Angie Motshekga Jacob Zuma

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Sema Fonkem is a multimedia journalist based in Johannesburg, South Africa. 
Fonkem has been practicing uninterrupted since 2022. His professional career kicked off as a freelance multimedia consultant, Public Relations Officer, Researcher and Writer. Fonkem communicates in both French and English ...

South Africa’s president Cyril Ramaphosa announces new cabinet members

30 Jun 2024  |  Orgella Entertainment - Informative. Empowering. Entertaining  |  English  |  Politics

President Cyril Ramaphosa announced the new cabinet members for his second term under the Government of National Unity, emphasizing the diverse and inclusive nature of the appointments. The cabinet includes members from various socio-cultural backgrounds, reflecting South Africa's diversity. Key appointments include Paul Mashatile as Deputy President and John Steenhuisen as Minister of Agriculture. The announcement follows Ramaphosa's re-election and a coalition between the African National Congress and the Democratic Alliance. Ramaphosa called for continued support from civil society, labor unions, and business organizations.

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Blade Nzimande Cyril Ramaphosa Paul Mashatile John Steenhuisen Rosemary NokuzolaCapa Mzwanele Nyhontso Chupu Stanley Mathabatha Siviwe Gwarube Reginah Mhaule Solly Malatsi Mondli Gungubele Velinkosi Hlabisa Dickson Masemola Zolile Burns‐Ncamashe Angie Motshekga Bantu Holomisa Richard Mkhungo KgosientshoRamokgopa Samantha Graham Nomalungelo Gina NomakhosazanaMeth Jomo Sibiya Phumzile Mgcina Enoch Godongwana David Masondo Ashor Sarupen Dion George Narend Singh Bernice Swarts Aaron Motsoaledi Joe Phaahla Nobuhle Nkabane Buti Manamela Mimmy Gondwe Leon Schreiber Njabulo Nzuza Mmamoloko Kubayi TandiMahambehlala Ronald Lamola Alvin Botes Tandi Moraka Thembi Nkadimeng Andries Nel Gwede Mantashe Judith Nemadzinga‐Tshabalala Maropene Ramokgopa Seiso Mohai Senzo Mchunu Polly Boshielo Cassel Mathale Khumbudzo Ntshavheni Nonceba Mhlauli Kenneth Morolong MzamoButhelezi Pinky Kekana Dean Macpherson Sihle Zikalala Stella Ndabeni-Abrahams Jane Sithole Sisisi Tolashe GaniefHendricks Gayton McKenzie Peace Mabe Patricia De Lille Maggie Sotyu Parks Tau Zuko Godlimpi Andrew Whitfield Barbara Creecy Mkhuleko Hlengwa Pemmy Majodina David Mahlobo Isaac Seitlholo Sindisiwe Chikunga Mmapaseka Steve Letsike Pieter Groenewald Lindiwe Ntshalintshali

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Peroshni Govender is a journalist based in Istanbul,  Turkey. A former Reuters correspondent in Johannesburg, with experience in text, television and radio reporting.

South African president Jacob Zuma rules out university fee rise after protests

24 Oct 2015  |  www.smh.com.au  |  English  |  Government Policy

South African President Jacob Zuma has announced a freeze on tuition fees at public universities in response to widespread student protests. The decision came after thousands of students rallied in Pretoria, with some clashing with police. The protests, the largest since the end of apartheid, have highlighted the economic and racial divides in the country. The African National Congress, which has been in power since 1994, is seen as corrupt and has been losing support. Universities had proposed fee increases due to underfunding, but students demanded no increase, rejecting a 6% cap offered by the Minister of Higher Education.

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Blade Nzimande Jacob Zuma Nonsikelelo Nako Ramabina Mahapa Thando Khumalo

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Munyaradzi Makoni is a journalist based in Cape Town, South Africa. His stories on agriculture, climate change, environment, higher education, politics, science and technology, science policy and religion have appeared in  SciDev.Net, Thompson Reuters Foundation, Africa Renewal, Research Africa, ...

Blade Nzimande opens annual South African science forum

06 Dec 2023  |  www.researchprofessionalnews.com  |  English  |  Science Forum

South Africa’s science minister Blade Nzimande emphasized the crucial role of science in policy development during the launch of the Science Forum South Africa on 6 December. The forum, held at the CSIR International Convention Centre in Tshwane, gathers science stakeholders to showcase achievements and discuss common challenges.

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Blade Nzimande

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I'm a passionate journalist with a multimedia approach to news reporting and storytelling. I believe that news content must be direct, accurate, and informative. 

With experience across digital, print, and broadcast media, I strive to engage and inform diverse audiences through compelling ...

‘They’ll be immediately funded’: Nzimande urges matric Sassa beneficiaries to apply for Nsfas

10 Jan 2024  |  The Citizen  |  English  |  Government Policy

Higher Education Minister Blade Nzimande has encouraged Sassa beneficiaries to apply for funding from the National Student Financial Aid Scheme (Nsfas) before the application deadline on January 31, 2024. Nzimande highlighted that Sassa grant recipients, as well as applicants from households earning less than R350,000 annually, are eligible for Nsfas funding. He emphasized that matriculants should not delay their applications until after receiving their results. The Department of Higher Education has removed the requirement for supporting documents at the time of application to expedite the process. Verification of applicant information will be conducted through coordination with Sassa, the South African Revenue Services, and the Department of Home Affairs.

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Blade Nzimande

Oliver Meth is an award-winning South African based Journalist, available for assignments in KwaZulu Natal and Gauteng provinces.

He is a researcher, writer, filmmaker and social advocacy journalist on development issues. Oliver has a particular focus on environmental rights, public ...

Students won’t tolerate being used as pawns in party politics

19 Oct 2017  |  www.dailymaverick.co.za  |  English  |  Politics

The removal of Higher Education Minister Blade Nzimande by President Jacob Zuma is seen as unsurprising and ineffective in addressing student grievances or improving the higher education sector. The ANC's policy on fee-free quality education is viewed as ambitious and unfulfilled after 23 years in power. The delay in releasing the Fees Commission Report is perceived as a political tactic, with the ministry using student struggles as leverage in internal party conflicts. The article argues that education should be an instrument of liberation, advocating for free, quality, and decolonized education. The authors, Meth and Seabe, are associated with Wits University and have contributed to publications analyzing the #FeesMustFall movement.

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Blade Nzimande Jacob Zuma Hlengiwe Mkhize Nkosazana Dlamini Zuma Cyril Ramaphosa

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Kimberly Mutandiro is a journalist based in Johannesburg, Gauteng, South Africa.

Students sleep on the floor at CPUT amid housing funding blunder

12 Feb 2024  |  Bizcommunity  |  English  |  Financial Aid

The Cape Peninsula University of Technology (CPUT) in Cape Town is facing a severe student housing crisis, with about 100 students forced to sleep in a multipurpose hall without proper facilities due to a shortage of accommodation. The crisis is exacerbated by the National Student Financial Aid Scheme's (NSFAS) cap on private accommodation allowances, which has left many students without adequate housing. Despite efforts by CPUT to increase available beds, the demand far exceeds supply. Higher Education Minister Blade Nzimande's recent announcement of increased living allowances has not alleviated the immediate housing issues, leading to significant student dissatisfaction and poor living conditions.

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Blade Nzimande Rudie Heyneke Lauren Kansley

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Mia Spies is a journalist based in Cape Town, South Africa.

‘Shut up’, says Zondo and new expropriation law at the last hurdle

26 Mar 2021  |  www.nuusmetspies.com  |  Afrikaans  |  Fuel Prices

Discussion on potential stricter COVID-19 restrictions before Easter weekend and their implications. Highlights from the Zondo Commission, including unprecedented statements heard by Deputy Chief Justice Raymond Zondo. Updates on the expropriation bill process, with expert Elmien du Plessis indicating a possible constitutional amendment by May to allow land expropriation without compensation. Higher Education Minister Blade Nzimande expresses concerns over student protests. Anticipation of a sharp increase in fuel prices next week.

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Blade Nzimande Raymond Zondo Elmien du Plessis

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