Future SA - Volume 2 l Issue 1

EDUCATION l SKILLS DEVELOPMENT & TRAINING l EMPLOYMENT VOLUME 2

ISSUE 1

FEBRUARY 2022

Acing your

interview How

online schooling is a game changer for Gen Zs

Top ICT skills

that will take your career to the next level

WIN!

5

Considerations for tertiary

education in 2022 Cover feature

GUESS watch set valued at R6 390 February 2022 | R39.90 Incl. VAT

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CEO Stefan Botha: Optimi preparing learners for a bright future

Entrepreneurs grow income & jobs in disadvantaged areas 9 772788 710006

Can the agricultural sector be a remedy for youth unemployment in SA?

Editor's note

It’s the start of a new year and it's alive with possibilities!

The first quarter of a new year comes with excitement, opportunity and to be fair, a good dose of anxiety. People – be it newly minted graduates, members of the skilled and professional workforce or unemployed persons – are seeking to progress within their desired career field, start a new field of studies or search for a job.

The first quarter can be scary to school leavers who are unable to study further at public tertiary education facilities due to realities such as limited space, finances or poor results. On the bright side, there are alternative options available such as online study courses, which continues to grow traction (the Optimi cover feature provides further insights on this). There is also the possibility of working full-time while studying part-time. Resilience is the key factor – always look ahead and see what alternative possibilities are open to you.

With a new year, some people are also energised to find a new job that aligns more with their career and personal goals. So, you have a good CV and have managed to clinch an interview – next step is the interview. You may find interviews daunting, however, the more interviews you do the more comfortable you become doing them – check out the article in this edition that offers some key tips on how to "Ace an Interview".

A new year generally means new goals or a revitalisation of goals. We are unique individuals; our dreams and goals are different – what works for you does not necessarily work for someone else. A critical component of achieving your goals is authenticity – understand your strengths, work on your weaknesses and pursue your dreams with passion.

Good luck for 2022!

Tashne @FutureSA.Media

@FutureSA9

future__sa

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Contents 6

Cover Feature: Optimi preparing learners for a bright future

12

Digital transformation: The greatest barrier to education

16

Back to school: a challenging reality for vulnerable South African learners

18

6 Tips for the new school year

20

Advertorial: Rhodes University committed to student development & success

22 24 26 28

Maths and science for shaping one’s future 5 Considerations for tertiary education in 2022 How online schooling is a game changer for Gen Zs

44

The impact of support for Grade 7 learners and beyond

46

Future-proof your child’s employability from an early age with 4IR skills

48

The top ICT skills that will take your career to the next level

50

Internships can unlock opportunities

52

Entrepreneurs grow income & jobs in disadvantaged areas

56 58 60

A beginner’s guide to investing offshore Acing your interview Lockdown lessons: saving for your child’s education

Setting the scene for 1st year university success

64

Zimele launches retail sector skills development programme

30

A game plan for higher education – can gaming transform the way we learn?

66

Learnerships form foundation for addressing youth unemployment in SA

34

Why investment in the after-school sector is critical for addressing Covid-induced learning backlogs

68

Can the agriculture sector be a remedy for youth unemployment in SA?

38

Regent's MAHALABox makes sure SA's most vulnerable don't get lost in the digital divide

72

Succeeding in the workplace

74

Access to land, prejudice & poverty: Hurdles a young agripreneur is conquering

78

Book reviews

40 42

Figuring out freelancing Financial literacy is key to prosperity and wellbeing

PUBLISHER Elroy van Heerden elroy@mediaxpose.co.za EDITOR Tashne Singh editor@futuresa.co.za 6 Carlton Crescent, Parklands, 7441 | Tel: 021 424 3625 | Fax: 086 270 9693 Email: info@futuresa.co.za

|

@FutureSA.Media

Website: www.mediaxpose.co.za

@FutureSA9

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COVER IMAGE: Optimi Group PICTURE CREDIT: 123rf.com DISTRIBUTION:

ON THE DOT PRINTED BY:

Disclaimer: The views expressed in this publication are not necessarily those of the publisher or its agents. While every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of the information published, the publisher does not accept responsibility for any error or omission contained herein. Consequently, no person connected with the publication of this journal will be liable for any loss or damage sustained by any reader as a result of action following statements or opinions expressed herein. The publisher will give consideration to all material submitted, but does not take responsibility for damage or its safe return.

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SUB-EDITOR Tessa O’Hara tessa.ohara@gmail.com CONTENT MANAGER Wadoeda Adams artwork@mediaxpose.co.za EDITORIAL CONTRIBUTORS Garry Ackerman Kutlwano Tshetlhane Janine Jones Kerry Simpson Professor Heather Nel Natasha Madhav Professor Barry Dwolatzky Sibongile Khumalo Annie Hodes Nadine Kuyper Prudence Mabitsela Linda Christensen Nelisiwe Masango Thembile Cele Karabo Ramookho Thapelo Manyathela Daniel Orelowitz Cyriaque Hakizimana

DESIGN & LAYOUT: Anja Bramley artwork1@mediaxpose.co.za Shaun Mays artwork2@mediaxpose.co.za EDITORIAL ASSISTANT Maurisha Niewenhuys maurisha@mediaxpose.co.za ADVERTISING SALES Elroy van Heerden elroy@futuresa.co.za Bruce Crowie bruce@mediaxpose.co.za DIGITAL MANAGER Trish Jukes digital@mediaxpose.co.za SOCIAL MEDIA Kyla van Heerden social@mediaxpose.co.za DISTRIBUTION & SUBSCRIPTIONS Shihaam Gyer distribution@mediaxpose.co.za CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER Shaun Mays shaun@mediaxpose.co.za RECEPTIONIST Daniela Daniels receptionist@mediaxpose.co.za

www.futuresa.co.za

Basadi Ba Molao believes in the spirit of networking and standing in agreement with others, to enable change, and prosperity within legal practice, communities, and society at large.

A non-profit organisation focused on issues that include equality, discrimination, and women empowerment in the workplace. We are an intimate space where women gather to network and share resources—inspiring each other for the prosperity of all.

Visit our website at www.basadibamolao.co.za for more information.

Empower HERstory, Empower Basadi Ba Molao info@basadibamolao.co.za 011 223 8000 079 105 6513

Cover Feature: Optimi

Optimi preparing learners

for a bright future

Education is a key to unlock a variety of opportunities, but as the world changes so too must the education landscape. Stefan Botha, CEO of Optimi, discusses the diverse range of accessible learning solutions that help to position learners for a future tomorrow.

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www.futuresa.co.za

Cover Feature: Optimi

How is the education landscape changing, and what are the current trends locally that are increasing?

There are three key trends currently shaping education in South Africa: digitisation and the increased use of technology, personalisation of learning, and changes in the role of the facilitator.

Covid-19 has accelerated the digitisation of learning, with more learners than ever before using technology to access their lessons. Online schooling has become a viable alternative to traditional models, supported by digital material and improved connectivity between facilitators and learners. The generation of 'digital natives' will continue to drive this trend, and our role will be to ensure that teaching and learning adapt accordingly.

Learners and facilitators are also seeking more personalisation than ever before. Gone are the days where a class of students all learn the same things in the same way. A digital learning experience allows the journey to be adapted to each learner’s preferences and requirements. My kids are all able to pursue their own interests through easy access to educational topics.

Many schools and education institutions have started to offer extra-curricular options to provide learners with a broader range of choices.

As a result, the role of the facilitator is changing. Teachers, lecturers, and tutors are not the “sage on the stage” anymore, but rather the “guide on the side”. These facilitators have had to keep up with the rapid changes in our learning environments, and adapt to the new normal due to the pandemic. They are becoming proficient in the use of technology, moving learning beyond the classroom into the new era.

There have been numerous reports on the importance of early childhood development. How does Optimi’s Arrow offering help to give young learners a solid educational foundation?

Arrow Academy provides a dynamic learning environment, incorporating whole-child development principles to help prepare our learners for the 21st Century. We focus on literacy and other core skills, while also exposing them to activities that promote social and emotional development.

We aim to cultivate independence and a desire to learn. We believe that these characteristics equip our Arrow pupils to become lifelong learners, able to thrive in the changing world of tomorrow.

Gone are the days where a class of students all learn the same things in the same way. A digital learning experience allows the journey to be adapted to each learner’s preferences and requirements.

Optimi looks at learning solutions covering four areas: home, classroom, college and workplace. What are some of the key offerings by Optimi and how do they benefit learners from early childhood development stage through to adulthood?

Our Home division provides home education and supplementary learning for parents, learners, and tutors. Our Impaq offering is the largest home education provider in South Africa, serving more than 30 000 learners in 2021. We have recently launched the Impaq Online School as an exciting addition to our offerings in this division.

Our Classroom division provides classroom and extra-class teaching and learning solutions for schools and other education institutions. These solutions are used and improved in Arrow Academy, our model school for Grades RRR-7 in Centurion.

Our College division provides accredited qualifications and short courses for adult learners. We have more than 100 exciting courses that help individuals reach their professional or personal education goals.

Our Workplace division provides workforce and community education and training for corporates and the public sector. We are the leading provider of Adult Education and Training in South Africa, and we offer a range of learning solutions to upskill a company’s employees and the communities within which they work.

www.futuresa.co.za

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Cover Feature: Optimi

Has the traction of home schooling accelerated since the start of the Covid-19 pandemic? And if so, what are some of the key benefits of home schooling?

The Covid-19 pandemic has had a significant impact on education globally. Many families decided to move to home schooling, and as a result, we have experienced a ~60% increase in learner numbers since the start of the pandemic.

Parents choosing home schooling during this time felt that they were more in control of their children’s education, without the risks and uncertainty that Covid has caused in traditional classroom environments.

Home schooling also provides learners with several other (non-Covid-related) benefits, including better focus on specific subjects, more freedom to pursue other interests, personalised attention, and safety from negative aspects sometimes experienced in schools (e.g. bullying, peer pressure).

For learners attending traditional schooling institutes, what sort of support does Optimi offer for additional learning and tutoring?

We offer several options for additional learning, both at schools (through our Academy offering in our Classroom division), and at home (through our Plus offering in our Home division).

Learners can access support materials and services in core subjects, learn about non-curricular topics (such as robotics and coding), improve their learning skills, or get help with subject and career guidance.

How does Optimi define “21st Century teaching and learning”?

We believe that 21st Century teaching and learning should equip learners to adapt to an uncertain future, where they will require skills to navigate a rapid-changing world.

The World Economic Forum has published a list of 16 skills that we believe will be necessary in the 21st Century, including foundational literacies (such as literacy, numeracy, technology literacy, and cultural literacy), key competencies (critical thinking, creativity, collaboration, and communication), as well as character qualities (such as curiosity, initiative, persistence, and adaptability).

It is clear that we should move away from the focus on what people learn, and rather equip them to become lifelong learners, able to solve problems and design solutions, navigate change, deal with adversity, and define their own futures.

Over the years traditional tertiary institutes, with typical 3-4 year diploma or degree programmes, have had challenges coping with the high numbers of applicants versus limited space. How can short courses or e-learning platforms via accredited institutions assist in making individuals attractive to employers?

These new learning options provide learners and institutions with more choice, and make it easier to study. As a result, there has been a steady growth in the uptake of short courses, and institutions now offer a wide range of affordable options to learners.

If you want to learn about something in order to perform better at your work, there is most likely a short course on the topic. These options also make it easier for employers to design meaningful learning journeys for their employees that incorporate short courses on relevant topics.

In terms of the workforce, does the traditional diploma or degree carry the same weight as it used to, particularly when it comes to scarce skill jobs in the ICT sector?

In South Africa, a degree or diploma still seems to carry a lot of weight with employers, but we have definitely seen a shift towards the use of alternative options.

As mentioned above, short courses now provide employers and employees with exciting alternatives to upskill themselves for the workplace.

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www.futuresa.co.za

Cover Feature: Optimi

With reference to the ICT sector, which continues to evolve rapidly, what role do short courses play in continuous skills development?

The use of short courses has proliferated in all industries, but is especially relevant in those sectors that rely heavily on technology and being up to date with the latest information.

Because of the rapid changes in these sectors, short courses are ideal to keep learners up to date with the latest developments, as these courses can be adapted easily and regularly to keep up with changes.

It was reported by Stats SA (in August 2021) that the unemployment rate hit a record high of 34.4%.

It was further reported that 64% of youth aged 1524 were unemployed, and 42.9% of individuals aged 25-34 are unemployed. What role can education, together with the job sector, play in alleviating these numbers?

These reports always indicate a very important fact: the unemployment rate is significantly lower for people with better levels of education. As an example, the most recent unemployment rate for people without matric in South Africa is above 40%, while graduate unemployment is below 10%.

Education, and especially post-school education, is a key tool to help someone find work and improve their prospects of employment in the longer term. Employers in South Africa have highlighted the dire shortage of skilled workers for many years, which not only affects their ability to deliver goods and services, but also inhibits our economic growth as a country.

number of long-term employment trends that learners should take note of in order to be prepared for the future.

The world is moving from an industrial era to knowledge economies that are connected at a global scale. Technology will continue to be a key aspect of our work. Technology-based commerce, such as online shopping and the associated supply chain industries will certainly continue to grow and become part of our everyday lives.

Service industries will continue to evolve to provide a more personalised experience to customers, and I believe there will be significant opportunities for people to be involved in all aspects of the customer journey in these sectors in the coming years.

The world is also moving towards more sustainability in terms of resources, energy use, and various other aspects of our daily lives, which in turn will provide new opportunities for work.

Optimi provides accessible learning solutions to over 200 000 learners every year covering: Home, Classroom, College, and Workplace. It offers a range of cost-effective and user-friendly learning courses, products, and services, using their unique GuidED LearningTM model and their proprietary learning technology. www.optimi.co.za

Linked to the previous question, how can policy and legislation assist in helping to drive the change in the education landscape to unlock employment opportunities?

South Africa remains a deeply divided country in terms of access to quality education, and the result is that we continue to perform poorly on all education dimensions when compared to global standards.

Our political landscape is key to changing this scenario through the development and implementation of smart education policies, especially at a basic education level where the foundation is laid for young learners to become skilled future employees.

There are many international examples where countries have improved their education (and eventually their economy) through pragmatic and well-designed education policy.

Looking ahead, what are the critical work sectors that learners should be looking at to be better prepared for the future?

While it is hard to predict the future, I do think that there are a

www.futuresa.co.za

Stefan Botha has been the CEO of Optimi since PSG invested in the business in 2012. Prior to that he worked as a management consultant, an engineer, and a project manager. He holds a B.Eng. (Civil) Cum Laude from the University of Pretoria, and an MBA Cum Laude from Ashridge Business School in Hertfordshire.

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impaq plus

Home education and supplementary learning

itsi academy arrow academy

College SA IT academy

media works tuta-me

Classroom and extra-class teaching and learning solutions

Accredited qualifications and short courses

Workforce and community education and training

Learning? We’re the experts Optimi provides accessible learning solutions to over 200 000 learners every year through our four divisions: Home, Classroom, College, and Workplace. We offer a range of cost-effective and user-friendly learning courses, products, and services, using our unique GuidED Learning model and our proprietary learning technology.

TM

At Optimi, we recognise that education will lead to a better future. We are inspired by people who keep moving forward in life. Ours is a story driven by the passion for learning, for teaching, and for accomplishing one’s goals through education. We are committed to supporting every step of your learning journey.

Digital Transformation

Digital transformation:

The greatest barrier to education

By Garry Ackerman, Argantic CEO

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www.futuresa.co.za

Digital Transformation

More than 70% of disadvantaged students lost learning due to limited or no access to digital devices, this is according to a report by Oxford University Press (OUP) titled Education: the journey towards a digital revolution, which reflects on how schools can embrace digital technology to shape education in the future.

Education is one of the sectors that has been most dramatically affected by global lockdowns. Millions of students, parents and teachers across the world had to suddenly adapt to new ways of learning and accessing educational resources.

According to the report, more than 50% of teachers and learners do not have the skills needed to make digital learning a success.

More concerning is that 60% of teachers identified engaging students in online lessons as the main challenge to learning, greater than education funding or digital infrastructure.

Schools are reluctant to make the conversion and digital migration is slow largely because some traditional teachers are set in their ways and don’t want to change. However, the impact and disruption of school closures forced many of these traditional teachers to adapt to modern trends.

Limited digital skills is the greatest barrier to education at the moment. School leaders need to introduce training for teachers to build their digital competencies. It not only about ensuring that they have access to the necessary devices and connectivity, it’s more about filling the skills gap to make sure teachers, parents and learners know how to use digital tools effectively.

Remote learning Creating an online classroom is an important step in moving to a remote learning environment. Microsoft Teams for Education provides an online classroom so students and teachers can find new ways to continue to focus on learning — free for schools and universities.

Schools need to create learning environments that empower students to be independent and creative learners, build reading, language and STEM skills, and prepare them for their futures. Inclusive, student-centred classrooms increase overall learner success and improve learning outcomes.

Microsoft seeks to empower all young people, especially those most at-risk of being left behind, by providing access to computer science education and digital skills needed to participate in a world transformed by technology.

www.futuresa.co.za

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Digital Transformation

Digital transformation tools Learning can happen from anywhere with the right set of tools. Whether it’s a school leader looking to bring together learning resources or an educator looking to bring out the best in their students, Microsoft Teams puts your classroom tools into one powerful platform.

The Microsoft O365 and the Teams digital learning environment were at the epicentre of this shift for millions of students. Microsoft Teams is a digital hub that brings conversations, content, assignments, and apps together in one place, letting teachers create vibrant learning environments.

Teams helps schools build collaborative classrooms, connect in professional learning communities, and connect with colleagues - all from a single experience, and free to educators and students.

To enhance interactive learning, Microsoft Whiteboard, integrated within Microsoft Teams, is offering brand new features designed to increase lesson engagement. What better way for students to express ideas than on a digital canvas where they can collaborate with peers.

Moving to the cloud

Moving to the cloud is easy and beneficial for school budgets, it not only replaces costly hardware with digital alternatives, but it reduces spend on unnecessary traditional school assets. Instead, digital assets and resources can now be stored in the cloud, making it far cheaper and more accessible.

Cloud software requires no capital expenditure; students only need a computer and high-speed, reliable internet. It enables everyone to store or access learning materials from any device, anywhere and at any time.

Argantic aims to help organisations thrive and reach their full potential in a modern cloud-centric era. Argantic was founded nine years ago with the aim to focus on delivering software and infrastructure services to the corporate and enterprise business market.

The company was founded by two ambitious South Africans with a simple promise – to make a difference. This has resulted in the formation of a company staffed with a highly successful business and technical skills that focused on delivering software and infrastructure services to the corporate and enterprise business market. www.argantic.co.za

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Opinion

Back to school:

a challenging reality for vulnerable South African learners

By Kutlwano Tshetlhane, Marketing Manager BIC Stationery, Southern Africa

Students and younger generations in South Africa have faced challenges when it comes to education, especially since the rise of the Covid-19 pandemic.

Existing hurdles in the education space continued to pose a problem and were amplified by the pandemic.

These include infrastructure, limited service delivery of learning material and stationery, poverty resulting in a lower ability to receive satisfactory education levels, and a major digital divide amongst the population.

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Opinion

Like any other country around the world, the Covid-19 pandemic also introduced new challenges to the education system in South Africa – an added burden for students and teachers alike. Sporadic school closures, the introduction of online learning, and rotational school attendance are factors that have affected communitiesi.

The pandemic caused a 54% loss of learning time and resulted in students falling behind in the school curriculum across the country.

Remote learning was not an option for most of the SA population

Only 10% of households in South Africa have an internet connection while only 22% have access to a computerii.

This meant that remote learning was not an option for most of the South African population. Many students were unable to access data and online resources due to the lack of technological resources available to them, resulting in limited school attendance, and minimal attention to schoolwork and projects.

The minimal supply of resources supporting students’ learning and education, including printed material and stationery, has impacted students as it stopped them from being able to complete their schoolwork. South Africa saw an increase in school dropout rates over the past 16 months. According to UNICEFiii, between 40 000 and 50 000 students dropped out of public schools between February 2020 and July 2021.

Public-private partnerships needed to mobilise resources

The challenges in South Africa’s education system are intertwined with the larger economic landscape and require a concerted effort from the public and private sectors to be resolved. Whilst Covid-19 has had negative implications, it has helped reveal challenges in the country’s education system which calls for stronger public-private partnerships to mobilise the necessary resources and better serve the students. The issues faced across the country require collaboration where each player in the private and public realms will need to evaluate how they can contribute to the nationwide challenge and play their part.

BIC committed to improving learning conditions of 25 million children by 2025

BIC are committed to improving the learning conditions of 25 million children by 2025 and for the past nine years has managed to donate 13 million pens and pencils through the Buy a Pen, Donate a Pen initiative. BIC continues to empower youth and contribute towards being part of the solution.

Through product donations, research projects that help identify challenges faced in the sector, on ground activities in selected schools, and forums that allow teachers, psychologists, and experts in the field to talk through challenges and opportunities that they face, BIC remain committed to contributing to the nationwide problem.

The support of the private sector would certainly help in resolving the issue but will not be the main driver. To do that, the public and private sectors need to work closely and regularly together. This is inevitable as the lack of resources and the inadequate school system will certainly affect the nation as a whole in the future.

Our children need to receive the right level of education to build and sustain a better future for our country. They say a journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step, and this is very true with the situation we are facing currently.

i. www.unicef.org/southafrica/press-releases/learners-south-africa-one-school-year-behind-where-they-should-be ii. www.amnesty.org/en/latest/news/2021/02/south-africa-covid19-pushes-inequality-in-schools-to-crippling-newlevel-risks-a-lost-generation-of-learners/ iii. www.unicef.org/southafrica/press-releases/learners-south-africa-one-school-year-behind-where-they-should-be

www.futuresa.co.za

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6 Education

Tips for the

new school year

By Janine Jones, Teacher at Glenwood Boys High

Every parent wants the school year to be successful for their children. Here are a few simple ‘tricks of the trade’ from a parent of three school-going children and an educator who has been ‘on the other side’. With a little preparation and thought, every family can start the school year off on a positive note.

Calendar the entire year

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One of the most unsettling things is when a school project or holiday creeps up on you and you didn’t know about it. You can avoid this stress if you put the entire year on everyone’s calendar at the beginning of the first school term.

Put everything you can on the calendar. Every holiday and excursion, back-to-school night and gala day – anything that your school publishes on their annual school calendar that affects your kids and family.

With digital calendars it’s easier than ever. Invite your partner to these so it’s on both of your calendars. If you have an au pair or carer, you can invite them too. And if you still use pen and paper, get all the dates on the master calendar that the whole family can see.

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Education

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Creating a system for the kids

Helping your kids get organised helps you too. For parents it’s stressful when we’re rushing to get out the door in the morning and one of the kids suddenly remembers they need us to read and sign something from the school. Or, "by the way mom or dad, I need R100 for the excursion to the Science Centre today".

Surprises like these are not the fun kind. To eliminate them, we suggest creating a system.

Each child has two slots in a desktop or mail organiser. Each slot is labelled for each child as 'important' and 'school work'.

Important means the parents need to address immediately. And schoolwork is for homework books that need to be signed. This way we know right away if there’s a permission slip or an important note from school we need to read.

For this system to work, the kids need to be taught to use it. Through this simple intervention, parents say they have almost completely eliminated the morning stress of having to sign a form they didn’t know about and has made their jobs as parents so much easier.

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Creating a learning space for the kids

Giving your kids a set time to focus on academics is important, but having a space in which to do it is important, too.

Decide now where homework will be done in the coming year and start getting that space ready. Whether it is decluttering a desk in a teen’s bedroom or setting up a dedicated space in a common room, having somewhere for kids to go that is solely for their academic studies can greatly improve their focus. Plus, creating that space can be a fun activity; working together to organise and decorate the space may give them a motivated start to the year.

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Clean and declutter

In addition to creating organised spaces for homework and academics, it’s important for kids (and parents, too) to start the year off with a clean slate – in other words, an organised house.

For kids, this means getting their rooms in order and having set places for school stationery, backpacks, sports equipment, etc.

For you, it’s making sure you’re ready for the influx of forms, notices and art projects that are about to start flooding in daily – not to mention the chaos of school mornings.

Whether you need to purchase labelled containers for easy school lunches and snacks, or a supply of cardboard, glue and marker pens for projects, the more you do now the better. As much as you might dread it, when the school year starts, you’ll all be grateful for it. Check out one-stop stationery stores like PNA for these supplies.

Be thankful. Be supportive

Teachers’ jobs are more difficult than most people can imagine. The amount of work that they do during the week and on the weekends – to prepare lessons, ready their classroom, research best practices, work with specialists, mark and grade schoolwork, respond to parents, attend meetings, and continue their own education – is immense.

We need to be grateful for their hard work every day, and not just on ‘Teachers Day’ or at the end of the year. Sign your emails with a sincere "thank you for all you do", and mean it. Ask what you can do to support them, and follow through.

Say thanks to the administration, the teacher assistants, the specialists, the sports coaches and the tuckshop workers because they’re all working towards creating a safe environment for your child to meet with success and have the best year possible.

www.futuresa.co.za

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Finally, level up for an amazing year!

As with most things in life, when it comes to school, attitude is everything. Start building up excitement for the coming year with positive thinking, conversation, and expectations.

As a parent, you get to be your kids’ biggest cheerleader, and now is a good time to remind them how much you believe in them. Whether they ace every test or struggle academically, make sure they know that you are proud of them and are there to see their efforts pay off.

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Advertorial: Rhodes University

Rhodes University committed to student development & success With just over 8,200 students, Rhodes University is a small university, which enjoys the distinction of having among the best undergraduate pass and graduation rates in South Africa, outstanding postgraduate success rates, and the best research output per academic staff member. This is a testimony to the quality of students that Rhodes University attracts and of academic provision, and to the commitment of Rhodes University staff to student development and success.

Of our more than 8,000 students, 30% are postgraduates and over 18% are international students from 54 countries around the world, making Rhodes University a dynamic and cosmopolitan knowledge institution. Students are able to undertake an extensive range of undergraduate and postgraduate degrees in the faculties of Humanities, Science, Commerce, Pharmacy, Law, and Education.

With the most favourable academic staff to student ratio among South African universities, Rhodes University students are guaranteed easy access to academics and close supervision.

For more information, contact: Sibongile Mkwetshana, Student Recruitment Officer Email: s.mkwetshana@ru.ac.za www.ru.ac.za

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Did you know?

• Rhodes University was established in 1904 • It is the smallest public university in South Africa • It is situated in the small peri-urban student town of Makhanda, commonly known as Grahamstown • It is a research-intensive university in a semi-rural setting • It is a residential university with the best run residence system in the country • All of its 54 residences are situated on campus, and all are within walking distance of all facilities and the town • It boasts a small lecturer-student ratio of at most 1:17 • It affords all undergraduate students exceptional academic support through an extensive tutorial system spanning all the student's undergraduate years • It offers a flexible degree structure that allows for individuality and diversity in degree content; e.g. BSc in Computer Science and Law or BA in Environmental Science and Politics or BEcon in Economics and Geology • It guarantees high pass and graduation rates • It boasts an array of alumni in key leadership positions and in a variety of careers • It provides students an international and cosmopolitan study environment due to it having the highest percentage of registered international students • It boasts the following unique degree and study options:

o A 4-year degree in Journalism and Media Studies

o Human Kinetics and Ergonomics

o Ichthyology and Fisheries Science • A supportive Student Affairs Division offers free 24-hour confidential Counselling and Health Care facilities

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At Rhodes University we believe in infinite possibilities. That’s why we give you the option of making up your own degree by choosing two majors across faculties. #RU interested in studying Chemistry and Music, OR Environmental Science and Law, OR Human Kinetics and Ergonomics and Psychology? If so, apply to Rhodes University today! Not only is Rhodes University ranked as one of the top 10 universities in South Africa, but also ranks #801-1000 in QS Global World Rankings 2021. Rhodes University is globally respected for research, acclaimed for academic excellence and will guide you to real success.

T: 046 603 8276 | F: 046 603 8300 | E: registrar@ru.ac.za | W: www.ru.ac.za/admissiongateway

Education

Maths and science for shaping one’s future Maths and science are often considered the two most difficult school subjects that are so often avoided by students, yet they can have a significant impact on what a learner can do when they leave school. STEM (science, technology, engineering and maths) skills are critical in today’s fast-paced world, but it is evident that learners in South Africa are showing less of an appetite for subjects like maths and science.

This mainly comes down to misconceptions and negative perceptions of maths and science, rather than one’s ability or aptitude for the subject.

“Our youth are brought up to believe that maths and science are too difficult, that it has no real value in the real world and, therefore,

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Education

they are not worth the effort,” says Prof Azwinndini Muronga, Executive Dean of Science at Nelson Mandela University. “This can have an incredibly negative effect on learners’ attitudes on these subjects,’’ says Prof Muronga.

“What many learners and parents fail to realise is that maths and science are enabling subjects that are a gateway to higher education and beyond,’’ says Prof Muronga. “They lay the foundation in applying knowledge when encountering complex principles competently in the school curriculum, at university and later on in life.”

The performances of learners in maths and science are well below par compared to other countries.

Data from a TIMMS assessment shows that South African learners consistently performed lower in maths and science than their international peers. Out of the 64 countries, South African learners in Grade 5 scored an average of 374 for mathematics, and 324 for science – far below the 400 basic threshold – despite being older than their counterparts.

Only 41% of Grade 9 mathematics learners demonstrated that they had acquired basic mathematical knowledge, and just 36% of learners in Grade 9 science learners had acquired basic science knowledge.

One of the major factors impacting the findings is the unequal status of learners and their different backgrounds. Learners from households that lack basic amenities like running water, flushing toilets, electricity and access to the Internet, have the lowest educational outcomes.

Conditions at home that are conducive to learning are crucial for improved learning and outcomes in maths and science.

Cultivating curiosity through maths and science

Young people have a natural curiosity about the

world around them. Learnings from maths and science ‘plant the seed’ in gaining an understanding of the order of things and how they work. These skills are honed on the education journey and applied in scenarios that go beyond the classroom, such as in the kitchen, garage, in nature and the rest of tangible reality.

“Maths and science give learners more choice when it comes to applying to study at university,” says Prof Muronga.

“Without them, they would not be eligible for programmes and apprenticeships in the fields of science, engineering and even commerce, as many higher education institutions place a strong emphasis on maths and science,” says Prof Muronga.

Maths is also beneficial in other areas, including problemsolving, quantifying and interpreting data, the comprehension of text, debating, project management, and personal finance.

Science and technology can cultivate creativity, observation, analytical research, and can also have an impact on society such as sustainability and environmental conservation.

Improving the shortcomings in basic education in South Africa

“The ability of learners to creatively solve real-life problems is vital to address job creation and sustainable economic growth, particularly against the backdrop of 4IR. This underscores a dire need for skills development and support of mathematics teachers and structured programmes to incubate learners for access to and success with STEM study programmes at university,” says Prof Werner Olivier, Director at the Govan Mbeki Mathematics Development Centre.

Nelson Mandela University has made it a priority to improve shortcomings in basic education in South Africa. The Govan Mbeki Mathematics Development Centre (GMMDC) is a selffunded engagement centre within the School of Computing Science, Mathematics and Applied Mathematics, Physics and Statistics at the Nelson Mandela University for improving teaching and learning of mathematics and physical sciences in South African schools and colleges.

“The GMMDC has successfully developed customised technoblended models and programmes to support the teaching and learning of mathematics and physical sciences in secondary schools,” says Prof Olivier. “These programmes assist hundreds of learners annually from rural and urban districts of the Eastern Cape, to obtain quality Bachelor passes in matric.”

STEM in ACTION is a community engagement entity within the EBET Faculty. It supports learners, educators, and parents across the educational phases, through a hands-on, brains-on approach within the teaching and learning of physical science.

“This constructivist approach, together with a dynamic and enthusiastic STEM in ACTION team, aims to excite learners and motivate them about the science and start considering possible careers paths,” says Prof Muronga.

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Education

5 Considerations

for tertiary education in 2022 The Covid-19 pandemic continues to dictate the way we work and our lifestyle. Tertiary students likewise have been affected.

Professor Heather Nel, Senior Director of Institutional Strategy at Nelson Mandela University offers the following advice for tertiary students.

1.

The importance of being digitally ready

Students must ready themselves for a combination of maskto-mask and online learning. Being ‘digitally fluent’ can ensure that students are prepared and that they embrace the digital tools and online learning platforms to successfully navigate the flexible learning environment.

3.

Not all students, however, are expected to enter their first year of study being equally digitally prepared. Students embarking on their university journey may feel isolated or overwhelmed. Therefore, it is vital for students to tap into the student support services offered by universities.

All assessments are conducted in a way that is fair to students, but also ensures academic quality and integrity. In this way, the final marks obtained are a true reflection of the student’s knowledge, understanding and ability to apply the content.

2.

Preparing for on-campus and remote learning

It is extremely difficult to predict what the 2022 academic year will look like due to the pandemic.

Most university programmes are expected to take a hybrid approach, comprising both online content and mask-to-mask learning.

Mask-to-mask learning that takes place on campus is the first prize, but higher education institutions will only be able to ramp up such sessions on campuses if population immunity amongst students and staff is attained.

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Understanding e-assessments

The way that students are assessed has also changed.

Pre-Covid, most courses would have had some form of formative assessment – for instance, assignments, tests and practicals – occurring during the term and then a formal exam at the end of the term.

Universities have had to shift to continuous and e-assessment methods, because this is a much better indicator of progress in an online environment.

4.

Student wellbeing

It is easy for a student to feel overwhelmed when transitioning to higher education. Given the added pressure of Covid-19 restrictions and the responsibilities that come with flexible learning, students may need support to ensure that they are able to cope effectively.

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Education

5.

Embracing beyond-the-classroom activities

The pandemic has highlighted the importance of living a balanced life. Sitting at a desk and being fully immersed in coursework for the majority of the day, can have a negative impact on one’s wellbeing in the long-term.

Being a successful student is more than just preparing oneself academically. Student success is also about cultivating the kinds of qualities, attributes, values, and skills in addition to the disciplinary knowledge gained at university to add value to society.

Students are encouraged to adopt this thinking from the start of their university journey, otherwise they get locked into their studies and this becomes the sum total of their university experience.

www.futuresa.co.za

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Education

How online schooling is a game changer for Gen Zs

A bright young UCT student from Krugersdorp shares her perspective on studies, life and embracing the future of work through online learning.

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Education

Gabriella Gitari is a bright 19-year-old from Krugersdorp who studies Psychology at the University of Cape Town. She is part of Gen Z and the so-called “lost generation” who began their studies during the pandemic. But Gitari is far from lost – having matriculated from a leading online high school prior to lockdown, she was among the first in the country to embrace online schooling which has benefitted her greatly – particularly in her effortless transition to online university and the world of work one day.

“Online school also teaches you to become self-motivated and to become really good at managing your own time. Being at UCT now, I have noticed some of my friends who come from regular high schools struggling with time management, because nobody checks up on you anymore – you need selfdiscipline. At Teneo Online School, I learnt how to prioritise – I could give more hours to tasks I struggled with. The flexibility is so nice.”

Gitari started out at a regular brick and mortar high school in Krugersdorp, but being a highly motivated student who didn’t enjoy distractions, such as being shuffled from class to class or having to do compulsory extramurals, she switched to Teneo Online School before her Matric year in 2020 to focus on her studies.

Useful tools for life

“I moved to Teneo because it felt more like university or college lectures, and although the classes are live, they are also recorded.

You can decide how much time you need to spend on each subject and how you want to organise your week. You have the freedom to decide if you want to do extramurals or not. I could focus on doing well, and by Friday I was done with my tasks, so I could enjoy my weekends as well,” she explains.

The switch paid off: her marks improved drastically and she was accepted to study Psychology at the University of Cape Town.

It’s you versus yourself The switch to online exams was one of the biggest plusses of online schooling.

“I liked taking exams in normal school, but at Teneo Online School you can do it without anxiety. You just wake up, prep, and sit at your desk for the exam. At regular school you have so many other stress factors such as getting dressed and getting to school on time, and those exam halls are always so cold, but they don’t let you bring a blanket.

Crucially, the live classes and online schooling also gave her the headspace to really find herself and work out what she wanted to do with her life. “Yes, we did miss out on certain things in the lockdown, but it was also a blessing in disguise, because it gave us the chance to figure out our abilities and what we wanted to do with our lives – it gave us direction and that makes us excited for our 20s and the rest of our lives.”

The emotional transition was a benefit, but so was the very practical side of studying. Her school 'digitised' her in other ways and she was encouraged to make use of numerous handy apps which Gitari still uses to this day and is now sharing with her university friends to help them get into the swing of things.

“I was more ready than my classmates, so I’ve been teaching them how to use Zoom, Teams, the Notion note-taking app, Anki Cards, which are online flash cards, and Google Calendar.”

Gen Z and the fourth industrial revolution

Looking at it all through the lens of organisational psychology – a subject she enjoys – Gitari sees how online education is priming her generation for the real future of work in the fourth industrial revolution era.

Gitari and her peers will build their careers in a time when humans need to work with technology.

"You also feel pressure when you see everyone else is done, and I was never done first because I’m a thorough person. Online school is different: it teaches you it’s you versus yourself. You don’t have to compare yourself to others,” Gitari says.

“Everything is so digital and connected now; we’ll never fully go back to an offline economy. We need to be more comfortable with digital systems and technology, because it opens up so many opportunities,” she says.

While the past two years have left many South African students feeling lost and anxious, Gitari says her early start with online school has helped her transition effortlessly to a university with a hybrid online-offline setup, and even taught her a few important life skills.

Gitari, who dreams of becoming a psychologist, realises her future clientele can be anywhere, and she has more global career opportunities she can explore online. Mental health services are becoming more and more available online and on social media, and are reaching people in innovative new ways.

“Online schooling makes you more open to learning and relating to others. You become more confident, open, forthcoming, and less judgmental. Everyone is equal. It carries over to your real-life friendships.

“The pandemic has really shown us how the world is changing and has given young people a more interesting perspective of the future. The world is digital and the sooner we get used to it, the better,” she concludes.

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Education

Setting the scene

for 1st year university success Matriculants heading for their first year at university in 2022 have a golden period ahead of them, in which they can take the steps that will ensure they make a success not just of their first year, but which will allow them to lay the groundwork for a productive and fulfilling career after graduation.

Entering Higher Education is a major culture shock for many students and making the right preparations prior to this rite of passage to adulthood can make an important contribution to better outcomes, an education expert says.

“First year dropout rates have historically been – and remain – a problem in South Africa,” says Natasha Madhav, Senior Head of Programme at The Independent Institute of Education, SA’s largest and most accredited private higher education provider.

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Education

She says the reasons why students with seemingly good prospects struggle during their first year are numerous, and many have to deal with a combination of factors which include: • the relative loss of adult supervision and institutional structure of schools and the need to work more autonomously; • the increased academic demand at university; • the culture shock of campus life, the temptations of the social scene; • personal circumstances; and • a lack of support.

Additionally, many students did not do their research properly before settling on a qualification and institution, and will soon find themselves at sea as they realise they are on the wrong academic path.

“There is a myriad of things that can potentially go wrong during your first year of post-school study, but the good news is that by getting your head in the right space before you even set foot on campus, a great deal of potential challenges can be either ameliorated or entirely neutralised, setting you up for first year and future success,” Madhav says.

She says prospective students and first years who are already enrolled at a university can take the following steps to firm up their further study foundations:

1) U-turn or fullsteam ahead

Probably one of the most important steps to take, is to ensure you are confident that you have enrolled for the right qualification (for you) at the right institution, Madhav says.

“Unfortunately, matrics often scramble to apply for studies without having a clear idea of what they want to do, or what they are going to do once they have completed a qualification,” she says.

When considering whether you have made a good decision about your studies, ask yourself the following questions: • Have I chosen a qualification that matches my interests and my vision for my future?

• Has my institution been clear about the curriculum and its relevance to what is required in the industry in real life?

• Am I clear about how my qualification will help me enter a specific field or career, or am I still vague about my prospects post-graduation?

• Does my institution have a demonstrable track record in helping graduates bridge the gap between the world of study and the world of work?

Getting a satisfying answer to the above questions will set your mind at ease that you are on the right track, and remove

doubts about the massive investment of time and money you will make in coming years.

If, however, uncertainty remains, it is not too late to take action.

“Making the change now, while there is still time and your potential losses are limited, is crucial,” says Madhav.

“Don’t think what’s done is done and there is no changing direction if you have doubts about your prior decisions. If you already have doubts, or can’t answer the above questions satisfactorily, it is unlikely that things will sort themselves out while you are thrown in the deep end. Rather take the time to investigate your options and ensure that you make the best decision for your future before you enter higher education.”

2) Logistics

Make sure you get all your logistical ducks in a row.

“Make sure you stay on top of your institution’s communication, so that you know when, where and how everything is expected to happen. Sort out living arrangements if you are going to be away from home, put together a budget, and as far as possible, ensure that you have the textbooks, technology and stationery you’ll require.”

Of course for many, not all of the above will realistically be in place on day one, but by understanding where the gaps are, and what you have to work with, you can at least start out with a plan.

3) Mental preparedness

Campus life is a whole different kettle of fish compared to school life, and knowing what’s coming, and how you are going to approach this new phase, is crucial.

“Think about what you want from your time in higher education, the outcomes you wish for yourself, and the challenges that might stop you from reaching your dream.

How will you handle the party life? How serious are you about attending all lectures – even 8am ones – and submitting assignments timeously? What are your daily, weekly, monthly goals and how will you ensure you reach them? Do you know where you will be able to go for assistance – emotionally or academically – at your institution should you require it?”

Working towards your qualification can be one of the most exciting and fulfilling times of a person’s life if it is underpinned by a clear vision, discipline and determination, says Madhav.

“As with all things, first year students must start as they wish to finish. Don’t leave it up to fate – take control of your life and your future from the outset, so that you can step into your studies with confidence.”

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Education

A game plan for higher education

– can gaming transform the way we learn?

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Education

Professor Barry Dwolatzky, computer science advisor at University of the People, explains what gamification in learning is and how it is on a path to change the future of higher education.

Generation Z are rapidly stepping onto the world stage. They are graduating from high school, entering the workforce and studying at tertiary education institutions. Referred to as digital natives, this generation grew up with technology and have no knowledge of life without it. They are globally connected, incredibly mobile, and entrepreneurial and crave autonomy – especially when it comes to education where they want flexibility on how, where and when they learn.

Conventional education models are starting to become superfluous Are our South African universities equipped to engage with and stimulate these digitally immersed learners? Wits University’s Emeritus Professor Barry Dwolatzky, who serves on the Computer Science Advisory Board of University of the People (UoPeople), a tuition-free, online university, says that conventional education models are starting to become superfluous in our modern age as more learners go online.

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“The brick-and-mortar style of tertiary education is set to be disrupted in the near future with a move towards virtual learning.

With so much material available through technology anytime, anywhere, it is no longer necessary to physically attend a lecture with hundreds of people. Learners can watch and learn online from the comfort of their homes,” he says.

But can digital learning be as effective and engaging as in-person education? Teaching by traditional methods with a blackboard and the teacher’s voice as focal point – or ‘chalk and talk’ – is already making way for more online learning spurred on by the global pandemic, while a more informal and interactive approach that allows learners to study at their own pace has long been acknowledged to inspire more effective learning.

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Education

Using game-based mechanics, aesthetics & critical thinking promotes studying

This is where gamification comes in. By blending the online method with interactive learning techniques, a new way of learning is created, integrating game elements and game thinking in activities that are not games. Technology, then, becomes a tool for active, instead of passive, learning. Using game-based mechanics, aesthetics and critical thinking to engage people, it promotes studying and increases motivation.

While South Africa is not quite there yet with gamified education, with the digital divide a stumbling block to including lower income learners in online learning, University of the People is opening up opportunities with its tuitionfree model and is on the right path to making gamification in higher education a reality. This is critically important for a country such as South Africa where unemployment among the youth is at a record high and which is in dire need of jobseekers with tertiary certificates or degrees.

Prof Dwolatzky sees huge merit in gamifying learning and believes disruptors in the education sector should tap into this method of learning to keep students motivated and minimise dropout rates.

“There is a lot to be learnt from gaming. There is no penalty for failure – if you lose you start again, taking the lessons learnt with you into the next game. There is no stigma attached to failure – it is seen as part of progressing. People play in virtual multinational groups and learn to collaborate and communicate with players from different cultures in order to jointly solve problems,” he explains.

Gamification perfectly aligns with the flipped classroom concept

World-renowned game designer, author and researcher Jane McGonigal asserts that gamification works because gaming triggers emotions such as joy, excitement, curiosity and pride, among others. Gamification is being used in business with good results, offering hope. McGonigal believes that these techniques could be applied to revolutionise the ways through which higher education is delivered or assessed.

Gamification perfectly aligns with the flipped classroom concept, where traditional ideas about classroom activities are reversed, transforming learning into a hands-on, differentiated and even personalised learning experience. The theory is that students learn best when they have goals, targets and achievements to reach for in a way they perceive as fun.

So, using game-based elements, such as virtual currency or point scoring, problem solving activities, peer competition, teamwork, score tables and advancements to higher levels help learners assimilate new information and test their knowledge.

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As a computer science advisor to the online University of the People, Dwolatzky has insight into how students respond to online learning and what keeps them motivated.

“Universities that recognise the connection between digital engagement and student experience will be ahead of the curve in educating online learners,” he says.

At UoPeople, learners participate in online discussion forums, peer review groups and graded quizzes, all of which improve attitudes towards learning.

“Thanks to our strong online community, students make connections from all around the world. This is a resource for sharing information, wisdom and support as well as for building a vibrant, international network,” says UoPeople President, Shai Reshef.

“When implemented correctly, online education is the solution to the crisis in higher education. It is not just putting lectures on Zoom; rather, there is an entire pedagogy involved. You need to build in meaningful interactions and create virtual resources for students to make a positive change in student behaviour.”

University of the People (UoPeople) is the Education Revolution. It is the first non-profit, tuition-free, American, accredited online university. Currently there are over 106 000 students from more than 200 countries and territories. Designed to open access to higher education globally, UoPeople helps qualified high school graduates overcome financial, geographic, political, and personal constraints keeping them from collegiate studies. The university offers associate and bachelor’s degree programs in business administration, computer science, and health science, as well as an MBA and M.Ed. program. www.uopeople.edu

Professor Barry Dwolatzky, computer science advisor at University of the People and Director of Innovation Strategy at University of the Witwatersrand.

www.futuresa.co.za

Education

Why investment in the after-school sector is critical for addressing Covidinduced learning backlogs

By Sibongile Khumalo, Executive Director of The Learning Trust

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Education

While some would argue that the worst impacts of Covid are slowly beginning to recede in South Africa, this is absolutely not the case for the millions of schoolchildren from townships and poorer communities.

Instead, the learning backlogs caused by school closures and reduced in-class time during the various stages of Covid-19 lockdown, even beyond 2020, have merely exacerbated an already dire situation in schools catering to the most disadvantaged of learners. Research suggests that there is simply no way under the current approach to education that the Covid-induced backlogs can be eliminated.

According to the report compiled in 2021 by The Learning Trust, titled After School Programmes in South Africa: The Investment Case, in the poorest schools – known as quintile 1-3 schools – 44% of all students drop out before they reach their matric year.

Learners also take an average of three years longer to matriculate (15 years) than their best-resourced counterparts (12 years), and only 14% of those who achieve matric do well enough to enter university. In all-important maths, only 1% of learners will achieve a pass mark above 65%.

Given that these startling statistics applied prior to Covid when these children were already lagging behind their better-resourced peers, the now-critical backlogs will create even greater disparity in an education system already bedevilled by entrenched inequality.

Immediate investment in after-school programmes needed

Among the solutions to this crisis is an immediate strategy to invest in and expand after-school programmes (ASPs), which have already proven that they can measurably improve learner success in quintile 1-3 schools and help to reduce the unacceptably high dropout rate.

Non-profit ASPs have been operating since the 90s in townships and poorer communities and occupy a pivotal niche in the education ecosystem by offering tutoring and homework support, skillsbuilding, sports, ICT learning and arts & culture.

After School Programmes in South Africa: The Investment Case highlights that while the ASP sector is currently too small to realistically assist the Department of Basic Education to eliminate the huge learning backlogs, it is well positioned to make a measurable improvement, even in the short-term. This improvement will increase markedly if there is additional investment in ASPs from government, the private sector, and local and international donors.

Covid-19 and lockdowns truly brought to light the importance of at-home and in-community learning, and the education community is now increasingly looking beyond the classroom to the broader education ecosystem – including community members and caregivers.

The focus to date has largely been on the cost-per-learner in ASP participation, which requires significant investment to scale.

Analysis of the cost-per-outcome, however, shows significant returns on the ASP investment and makes a strong case for such innovative financing.

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Education

The improvements that after-school programmes can bring

Among the learner outcomes that ASPs can improve – evidenced by case studies of two such programmes – is that they produce matric results that are consistently above national averages, particularly in critical subject areas like maths and science.

ASPs also reduce the need to repeat grades and decreases the number of learners who opt to drop out of school.

For example, as 85% of the learners enrolled in a national ASP called IkamvaYouth pass matric, the number of years of schooling required per Grade 12 learning outcome is significantly decreased. The number of years of schooling required per Bachelor-level matric pass drops from 104 to 31. Hence, even when factoring in the ASP participation cost, the price tag per Bachelor pass drops from a national average of R2-million per learner to R770 000.

What we know is that by providing a safe environment for children and youth, and supporting their academic and socioemotional development, we improve their chances of not only finishing school, but doing well and going on to live productive and sustainable lives.

Sibongile Khumalo has a Master of Science degree and has over 14 years' experience in the non-profit sector, including managing after-school programmes, leading organisational operations and heading a youth development organisation.

She is the Executive Director of The Learning Trust, an education-focused NGO that has funded and supported over 180 educational non-profits and schools in various provinces.

Her responsibilities include overseeing strategy, advocacy and fundraising.

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Not only does our research highlight the inequality in South Africa’s education system, but it clearly demonstrates ASPs as a viable catch-up intervention at scale and their potential to improve learning outcomes.

What we need is more funding to be released in support of the community-based interventionists who deliver these programmes. By investing in extended learning, it’s possible to significantly turn the tide on the deeper Covid-induced learning deficits that have left our most vulnerable children behind.

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Educational Digitisation

Regent's

MAHALABox

makes sure SA's most vulnerable don't get lost in the digital divide

'Mahala' means 'free' in Zulu, meaning no cost, but the MAHALABox also has the ability to free South Africans from the shackles of unemployment.

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Educational Digitisation

One of the biggest hurdles facing South Africa’s many job seekers is access to vital online resources, including recruitment sites.

Stats SA reported in August 2021 that the official unemployment rate in the second quarter of 2021 was a record 34.4%, one of the many social ills plaguing the country's most vulnerable.

REGENT BUSINESS SCHOOL has developed the MAHALABox to try to make a difference. When the box is connected to a cellphone, users can download videos, e-books and other crucial information without data or access to the internet.

"It is our solution for bringing important skills and resources to students, the unemployed and the youth in local communities, who may not otherwise have access to the internet or such curated digital resources. It is our hope that by providing such a service, it may afford better opportunities to these people," says Ridwaan Asvat, Operations Director at REGENT BUSINESS SCHOOL. While many South Africans have a smartphone, the cost of data can put internet access out of reach, and this digital divide reinforces the inequalities too many South Africans face each day.

Can be powered with solar energy

With load-shedding, another big plus is that the MAHALABox can be powered with solar energy. "By making use of a solar panel and a rechargeable battery, the box can be powered with solar power. It uses low voltage, so requires minimal power input and uses this energy efficiently. It also uses a cheap, ready-made minicomputer that can be easily mounted or be portable – making the solution cost effective, feasible and scalable," says Asvat.

The MAHALABox may be a way to offer free internet access, but that does not make the content available cheap.

"New content can be updated and featured on a regular basis, which will then attract future users and retain them too, thus promoting sustainability and longevity of the system," explains Asvat.

'Mahala' means 'free' in Zulu, meaning no cost, but the MAHALABox also has the ability to free South Africans from the shackles of unemployment.

You can find information about the innovative, relevant graduate and post-graduate courses now available at www.regent.ac.za

Requires just a smartphone to turn it into a one-stop shop

Almost 60-million smartphones are connected to mobile networks in South Africa every day, which is why the MAHALABox requires just a smartphone to turn it into a one-stop shop for a wide range of information and job placements, along with access to agencies, employers and recruiters – all of which would be impossible without data.

The MAHALABox allows users to download books, videos, templates and other important content and services, including self-help, emotional intelligence exercises, career assessments, aptitude tests, CV templates and interview preparation – all for free.

About REGENT BUSINESS SCHOOL

Headquartered in South Africa, RBS’s acclaimed business, finance and management programmes have helped individuals and organisations build and sustain competitive advantages in a rapidly-changing, complex business environment. With campuses in all major hubs of South Africa, including Durban, Johannesburg, Cape Town and Pretoria, as well as in SADC countries, Swaziland and Namibia, the institution’s alumni base of 10 000 is rapidly expanding. RBS’s leading centres for excellence – The Institute of Entrepreneurship, The Centre for Islamic Finance and Banking, and The Centre for Public Sector Administration Management and Innovation – are popular with high performers who are serious about making positive, impactful change within the global finance and management sectors. www.regent.ac.za

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Freelancing

Figuring out

freelancing Freelancing is when you work as an independent contractor and use your skills to provide services to a variety of clients for a fee.

Freelancers are contracted by companies on a part-time or short-term basis.

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Freelancing

Unemployment has remained a challenge for many years. Finding a job has become even more difficult, and people have had to find creative ways to ensure an income. On the other spectrum, some people are employed but are looking for ways to diversify income streams. For both, freelancing can be a solid option.

Ideally, when freelancers start-out they have some sort of safety net – they have saved up a bit of money and have sufficient funds to carry them for a few months until they can get into the rhythm of freelancing.

Unfortunately, with the current unemployment rates, people don’t necessarily have that buffer and are wading into the deep end of freelancing. Here are some tips on how to become a successful freelancer.

Define your area of expertise

Companies require particular skillsets from freelancers to either complement their teams, or plug a gap where there is a scarce skillset within that particular company. Your area of expertise would be something you either have experience in or something you are good at. A good idea would be to undertake an exercise whereby you write a list of the services you can offer.

Build a portfolio

Many freelancers use their networks to get a foot in the door, so to speak. While that is an efficient way of getting clients, it can also be limiting. Build a portfolio of your work – this comes in handy when a client requests to see evidence of your skillset. If you have no prior experience, but are good at something, you can still create a portfolio with samples of your skill. Having a portfolio readily available helps build trust between you and the client.

Setting your price

Do your research so that you have an idea of market rates. As a freelancer, you set your own rate to a certain extent – in some cases companies have a flat hourly/project rate they offer but it is up to you to accept or reject that. Setting your price depends on a variety of factors – your skill level, the scope of the project and so forth. Freelance pricing generally falls into three categories: 1. Hourly rate – you charge per hour, and have to keep track of your hours.

2. Retainer – a flat monthly fee.

3. Fixed project fee – you agree to work on a particular project whereby you agree to the scope and project deliverables.

Put yourself out there

Register with freelance websites. Generally, these platforms will require you to load your profile on their platforms. There are also other platforms like social media where there are ads requesting

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freelance services. However, it’s important to note that not all freelance ads are legit so proceed with caution.

As social media plays such a big role in today’s society, you can also set up a page with your services. It is also a good idea to set up a website – this does not necessarily require a large investment as there are platforms that allow you to set up a webpage for free and have easy navigable tools to self-design your website.

Networking is a brilliant way to get a start. Let your networks know that you are in the market and you might be surprised at how often they can open doors for you.

Best foot forward

When you manage to obtain a freelance project, it is critical that you put your best foot forward. If you do a great job, there is a good chance you will be contacted for further work or might be recommended to another client. Some ways to promote good relations with clients is to keep communication channels open and be organised.

Pros and cons of freelancing Pros

Cons

Flexible hours and location

No benefits offered in terms of medical aid, pension, etc.

Opportunity to work with a number of clients

Juggling multiple clients simultaneously

You are your own boss

Having to constantly be on the lookout for a new gig

Make your own rates

Inconsistent income – some months might be lucrative whereas others are not

Top Tip: Research is critical if you want to get started as a

freelancer. Research platforms, research clients and research how to best market yourself.

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Finance

Financial literacy is key

to prosperity and wellbeing The International Monetary Fund (IMF) and the World Bank report that global debt has trended upwards since the 1970s, with the global average debt-to-GDP ratio having surpassed 225% in 2018.

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Finance

In emerging markets like South Africa, the rise has been particularly steep. According to the South African Reserve Bank, South Africans are now spending over 75% of their take-home pay on debt. Research shows that around 84% of South Africans are not able to make ends meet month-to-month and 80% resort to expensive unsecured loans such as those offered by illicit mashonisas. Furthermore, only 6% of retirees are managing to retire comfortably on their life savings.

A study by business analytics firm, Kantar, revealed that many South Africans want to save, but lack the financial understanding to navigate and select between the various options available, from traditional bank savings accounts to more exotic investment platforms like cryptocurrency.

Financial literacy product aims to address complex financial issues

Leana de Beer, CEO of WaFunda, a social impact enterprise, notes that the financial environment of today is becoming increasingly complex. WaFunda recently launched Blackbullion South Africa, a financial literacy product which aims to address complex financial issues typically faced by South African youth.

“In South Africa, for example, we’ve seen the rise of new borrowing options, as well as widespread, easily available forms of credit and micro-financing. With new fintechs driving rapid innovation, the advent of cryptocurrencies, and new investment options emerging every year, the financial world becomes more and more difficult to navigate, and the need for financial literacy grows ever more crucial,” says de Beer.

“Many of us are understandably intimidated by talk of ‘asset classes’ and ‘investment vehicles,’ but when we empower people with knowledge about how the money world works, we give them the confidence to make good financial choices; a confidence that comes with a solid understanding of the principals involved.”

Financial knowledge is key

De Beer believes that financial knowledge is the key to building financial empowerment, especially for South Africa’s youth.

“Financial literacy should be a cornerstone of the education system at all three levels – primary, secondary, and tertiary,” she says. “By weaving financial education into the schooling and training spheres and embedding the concepts of financial literacy into the syllabus, we can target the young people who will be the leaders of tomorrow, equipping them with the tools to cultivate financial success and drive South Africa’s economy forward.”

She envisions a model in which the tertiary education and private sectors collaborate to fully embed financial literacy into the student funding environment, ensuring that prospective students can manage their funding confidently, and leverage their earning potential for better financial outcomes.

“The student financing landscape is ripe for high-impact financial education initiatives,” she says.

De Beer believes that instilling a culture of financial literacy in South Africa will result in knock-on benefits at the macroeconomic level.

“Financially wise citizens are discerning consumers, and can manage finances, avoid bad debt, and plan for the future. This in turn eases government’s task of crafting fiscal policy that works for the people,” adds de Beer.

Social benefits of better financial education

The social benefits of better financial education include more people being able to afford education, property and accommodation, and medical care. De Beer adds that financial knowledge prefigures many key outcomes throughout our lives, including borrowing, saving, and investing decisions, not only during our working careers, but afterwards into retirement too.

“Financial literacy is a potent form of investment into South Africa’s human capital,” de Beer says. “Less debt means less stress and better health. At a holistic level, good financial literacy leads to better life outcomes, enhanced personal prospects, a thriving landscape of entrepreneurship, and more opportunities for everyone.”

Blackbullion South Africa delivers engaging and relevant content to help young South Africans make better financial decisions before, during and after University. For more information on Blackbullion South Africa, visit www.wafunda.com/products/blackbullion or send an email to blackbullion@wafunda.com to book a demonstration of the platform.

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ICT Skills

The impact of support for Grade 7 learners and beyond The Nokuphila Primary School in Thembisa is run by The Love Trust, an NPO dedicated to eradicating poverty through quality education and psychosocial care for its learners. Starting from as early as Grade 000 through to Grade 7 (with hopes of soon adding Grades 8 and 9), they help prepare their students to be their best selves and contributing members of society.

But what happens beyond Grade 7, when their learners leave the comfort and support to embark on the next phase of their growth.

Nadine Kuyper, an educational psychologist with a background in teaching at government and informal settlement schools, offers her insight into the situation. Her exposure to the education system in one of South Africa’s poorest communities, along with research on resilience in poor communities, gives her a unique insight into the issues that schools such as Nokuphila and its teachers, learners, and parents face.

What pressures and opportunities influence learners’ experience of this transition?

The transition from primary school to high school is such a big one in terms of moving from what is a smaller environment that is structured, supportive and nurturing into a completely different climate. Everything, academically and socially, comes with renewed pressures and so many more demands and expectations. On top of which learners find themselves in a highly competitive social environment all while trying to build their own individual identity.

Why is this period so important in the psychological development of a child?

This is such an important time in terms of learning independence, which often means less support and greater responsibilities. It’s therefore important and unavoidable – teenagers will and need to make mistakes. By learning from mistakes and their natural consequences learners build experience. It’s how they deal with those consequences that will determine the type of experiences that help shape their identities and selfimage.

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ICT Skills

Between the ages of 13 and 18 is a critical psychosocial stage in a child's development. During this stage, children are focused on identity: Who am I? Where do I fit? Who are my people?

What do I stand for? And there’s big insecurity about a sense of self which often leads to identity versus role confusion. Role confusion means that if a child doesn't, in this critical period, develop that sense of who they are and a sense of belonging, they become confused. Later in life, it can often cause a big rift in intimate relationships, job relationships and becoming a functional member of society.

How do these pressures and experiences differ for learners from poorer communities?

Learners from poorer and disadvantaged communities have an added layer of stress and pressure that they have to deal with on top of the pre-existing conditions linked to poverty, such as higher exposure to crime, abuse, malnutrition, etc.

The discrepancy in South Africa between schooling for the privileged versus the disadvantaged is massive because of what resources they have access to. Support is the greatest resource we could provide, but for learners in these poorer communities, access to support systems at home, school and in the community are nearly nonexistent.

Yet, they’re expected to take on greater responsibilities both at home and school, on top of trying to discover their identity and navigate complicated social structures to find their place in society.

What are the implications for learners who aren’t able to cope or deal with these pressures?

In South Africa, children are legally able to leave school and that’s why you’ll discover the dropout rates after Grade 9 skyrockets from 4.37% (pooled from datasets from 2016-2018) at the end of Grade 8 to 10.51% at the end of Grade 9. This percentage steadily increases in Grade 11 and Grade 12.

I believe that although transitioning from Grade 7 to 8 is a critical stage, by keeping those support structures in place past this

stage you pave the way for them to buy into their future, making the learners more resilient and more likely to stay in school.

Early intervention is key. We shouldn’t wait until Grade 9 or 12 for the wheels to fall off.

What can be done by parents and teachers to help prepare children for this transition?

The transition is just one aspect, coping throughout high school is another. By providing support, teachers and parents form part of a learner’s identity – which they start piecing together in high school.

Their self-confidence and self-awareness are tied to their support base. That’s why providing consistent support throughout is so crucial, especially when they face what seem to be impossible situations.

It's not a ‘nothing will go wrong’ attitude but more an ‘if I need help this is my circle'. And we must be very careful to not project our experiences. Support doesn't mean normalising their experiences, because their experience is different if you look back at the world after navigating social media, technology and Covid. It’s almost like surfing: there are days when the water is very choppy and there are going to be big waves, but there will also be days where it's a little calmer.

This is life: there will be waves, but as long as you have your surfboard and if you can see land, which is your support structure and all those mentors and people to speak to, that anchors you, you don't feel like you're drifting out by yourself, which is what we're trying to avoid.

Parents and teachers need to extend their support throughout and truly be present in a learner’s school journey.

By knowing that they have a fixed point of support for their academic, psychological and social pressures and problems, students grow more resilient.

We go through so many transitions daily, and that's what life is. In the end, we can't prepare for everything. But being able to adapt because of a better understanding of their core identities, which they are busy developing at this point, learners have a higher likelihood to survive and even perform well under difficult circumstances.

About The Love Trust

Founded in 2009, Love Trust is a South African not for profit organisation (NPO) with a vision to nurture future generations of servant leaders. Their two core focus areas in education are to: deliver quality Christian education to primary school and preprimary children at Nokuphila School in Thembisa, Midrand; and train black South African adult women as accredited early childhood development teachers qualified to teach Grades 000, 00 and Grade R school children. www.lovetrust.co.za

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Thought Leadership

Future-proof your child’s employability

from an early age with 4IR skills

By Ian Strydom

The world of work has changed over the past decade. Fourth Industrial Revolution (4IR) trends have become very clear in the workspace – remote work has emerged as an imperative, and many will pay the price if an effective remote work policy is not put in place.

Leaders in education have turned their focus to what the lasting effect of the pandemic will be on educators and future leaders – the youth. These leaders have a responsibility as a transformative element in society to pave the way for thriving, growth mind-set individuals ready for the 4th and even the 5th industrial revolutions. But how?

Top 10 skills most in demand According to a report by the World Economic Forum, titled The Future of Jobs, the skills that will be most in demand during the Fourth Industrial Revolution are: 1.

Complex problem solving 2.

Critical thinking 3.

Creativity 4.

Managing people 5.

Coordinating with others 6.

Emotional intelligence 7.

Judgement and decision-making 8.

Service orientation 9.

Negotiation 10.

Cognitive flexibility

Educational organisations must focus on being transformative experiences, delivering an individual that has gained more than knowledge after completing a programme.

Education can no longer be about merely learning facts. Educational organisations must focus on being transformative experiences, delivering an individual that has gained more than knowledge after completing a programme. Central to these future skills is a mindset resembling that of the entrepreneurial-mindset, where resilience and personal growth are centre stage in determining success.

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Thought Leadership

It’s important to future-proof your child so he/she thrives with skills of the future, including lifelong purposeful learning, unlearning and relearning, adaptability and rapid (re)skilling.

Industries tied to 4IR technologies will give rise to new areas of work

The industries tied to the defining 4IR technologies (robotics, artificial intelligence, augmented and virtual reality, nanotechnology, cloud computing, quantum computing, machine learning, additive manufacturing, genetic modification) will birth new areas of work. McKinsey and Company predicts that by 2030, up to 30-40% of all workers in the developing world may need to move into new jobs or at the least up- or re-skill significantly.

At Wingu Academy learners are introduced to subjects such as coding, robotics, app development and game development from an early age to build a foundational grasp of these fields.

science and others to demonstrate the power of coding in various fields.

More mature learners enter the software development programme where they work on front-end and back-end solutions and build a variety of web applications to develop a portfolio of evidence, equipping them with many entry-level skills in the IT industry.

The internationally recognised curriculum at Wingu Academy prepares learners for entering university degrees locally and across the globe, and focuses on building critical and creative thinking skills. The Kukua Programme enriches the curriculum with skills of the future.

Find out more about Wingu Academy’s Kukua Programme at www.wingu-academy.com/innovation/. Enrolments for online home schooling in 2022 at Wingu Academy are still open. Book a free consultation at www.wingu-academy.com/book-now/

Employers are looking for high-performance individuals – young people and mid-career employees – who are in sync with the demands of a rapidly changing digital workforce. Learners that have these skills at school will be at an advantage, even if a child doesn't go on to pursue a career in coding or IT.

Coding has emerged as a new literacy

Currently SA has 200 000 unfilled positions that require knowledge of coding. At school it is important that children learn to use computational thinking to solve problems. A keen understanding of computational processes allows team members to collaborate with programmers, to better understand the impact of actions and decisions on enabling digital technological processes (and the teams that develop them) and use design thinking principles to drive innovation effectively.

Our aim is thus that learners who complete these courses will not only be more desirable to employ, but at the same time exceed employers' expectations.

What are learners taught to master at Wingu Academy?

Learners in the coding and robotics programme will use a variety of different programming languages such as Python and Javascript to solve various problems, some translating into creative solutions in the real world. They will apply their skills in various different fields of interest including music, robotics,

Ian Strydom has founded a suite of educational businesses, with Wingu Academy as the latest start-up that launched in early 2020. The platform has emerged as the best rated online school in South Africa and leverages on powerful partnerships such as TuksNovation (the University of Pretoria’s High Tech Business Incubator and Accelerator) and is partnering with the WITS School of Education for online science education research.

ENROLMENTS FOR 2022 STILL OPEN Stages 1 -9 | GCSE | AS/A Levels| CAPS

info@wingu-academy.com

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The most advanced blended learning platform for schooling from home

ICT Skills

The top ICT skills that will take your career to the next level

With IT job vacancies continuing to climb as companies struggle to recruit and obtain critical skills in South Africa, there is an opportunity to upskill or reskill individuals to meet this demand. Prudence Mabitsela, founder and Managing Director of Dynamic DNA, believes these skills are needed to build the economy of South Africa.

With IT job vacancies continuing to climb as companies struggle to recruit and obtain critical skills in South Africa, there is an opportunity to upskill or reskill individuals to meet this demand.

Mabitsela, a leading training and skills development company empowering Africa’s ICT generation, believes these skills are

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needed to build the economy of South Africa and to close the digital skills and gender divide in the country.

As the Fourth Industrial Revolution (4IR) kicks into gear and more companies speed up their digitisation strategies due to the global pandemic, now is the time to add these scarce skills to your resume to ensure employability and career advancement in the sector.

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ICT Skills

“There are many opportunities in a variety of industries not just the IT sector,” says Mabitsela. “Jobs span across banking and financial services, retail, Fintech, government, legal, logistics and many more. It is imperative that both learnerships and upskilling or reskilling of existing employees are prioritised so that we can close the digital divide.”

Individuals can take advantage of this skills demand

One way that Mabitsela believes individuals can take advantage of this skills demand is to take specialised, certified courses which can range from one year to a few months in duration for one qualification and depending on the course, and with the advancement of technology many of these can be done online.

“It is important to ensure that these courses are aligned with the MICT SETA qualifications framework and provided by an accredited training provider,” she advises. “This ensures that you receive quality education given by qualified lecturers with a certificate that is internationally recognised.”

Here are the top SIX most in-demand IT jobs in the country and the skills you need to get ahead:

Software developer

There are key skills required in software development today that are worth investing in to ensure that your career stays on track. Cloud computing is one that everyone should add to their CV as more companies move their environments into the Cloud. That means learning platforms like Amazon Web Services, Microsoft Azure and Google Cloud Platform will be highly beneficial for your career.

Other skills include upskilling on version control tools such as Git and SVN; containers and tools like Docker and Kubernetes; Des such as VSCode and for Java Programmers, Eclipse, NetBeans, and IntelliJ. If you only know one database programming language, then adding a few more is critical because this will keep you ahead of the competition.

Computer Network and Systems Engineer

In the interconnected world we find ourselves in, computer networking skills are increasingly in demand. If you are wanting to lead your career forward the following skills will ensure you get there: Linux; Juniper; DOD; Windows; Active Directory; Network Security; VoIP; System Center Configuration Manager; Business Process; Configuration Management; OSPF; Domain Name Systems; Unix; and Architecture skills.

ICT Systems Analyst

Due to digital disruption and advancing technologies it is important for the systems analyst to get the skills needed to deal with the technologies that are reshaping businesses.

Advancing your skills in these technologies will definitely help you get there: AI (Artificial Intelligence); BI (Business Intelligence); Big Data; RPA (Robotic Process Automation); Blockchain; the Digital Economy; Information Security;

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Cloud Computing; Software Development; Agile IT Project Management; ML (Machine Learning); and DL (Deep Learning).

Programmer Analyst

A programmer analyst usually has a broad skillset ranging from vital IT technology skills to softer skills like communication, problem solving and even creativity. From a tech perspective these are the most sought-after skills: developing apps in the .NET framework; database management; Microsoft SQL Server; managing and securing Windows-based apps; developing web apps; create mobile apps with .NET; able to use a range of operating systems; advanced Java features; develop interactive client-side web pages; and use popular coding languages, frameworks, and technologies like Java, Javascript, PHP, C#, Python, C++, SQL, and .NET. It would also be beneficial get certifications in newer computer systems such as cybersecurity; cloud computing; platform optimization; automation; deep learning; intuitive application development and big data.

ICT Security Specialist

With the increasing rise of cybercrime, every ICT security specialist needs a range of skills to ensure their company is secure from attack. Beyond the fundamental networking and security skills the following are worth adding to your CV: Incident Detection and Response; Security Management Frameworks; now more than one of these common operating systems and their vulnerabilities iOS, Microsoft Windows, and Linux; understand different Network Infrastructures; Data Privacy; Data Analysis; Network Monitoring systems like Splunk, Solarwinds and Nagios; as well as soft skills like problem-solving; teamwork and skills.

Business Analyst

It is important as a business analyst to stay up to date with industry developments and be able to analyse the capabilities of the myriad of tools out there. From a technical perspective depending on your current certifications, it is worth updating these skills in 2021: Data Analysis; Business Process Models; SQL Server; Microsoft Visio; Test Cases; Test Plans; UAT; Data Warehouse; JAD; Application Development; User Acceptance; UML; Web; Activity Diagrams; QA, SME and many more.

You also want to add non-technical skills like research, negotiation, communication, financial planning, and decisionmaking to your CV if you haven’t already.

These specialised skills will develop your career and set you apart from the competition, not to mention securing your employability well into the future. Take your future into your hands and speak to your employer about how you can close the digital skills gap in your organisation. www.dynamicdna.co.za

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Internship

Internships can unlock opportunities

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Internship

Armed with a new qualification, graduates are keen to enter the workplace. The reality is that the number of available jobs open is insufficient to accommodate the latest crop of graduates, or if there are vacancies, experience in the field is often required – graduates are then stuck in a catch-22 situation. Internships can be an alternative way to enter the workforce.

Improves job prospects

An internship is an introductory position that is defined for a specific period of time – generally 3 to 12 months. An internship enables graduates to gain experience in their chosen field. It can be paid (a stipend) or unpaid.

An internship could help secure a permanent position for a graduate – either with the organisation they are interning with or with another organisation who required some level of practical experience, which an internship has provided.

First-hand work experience

It is most likely that graduates do not have work experience.

An internship arms graduates with practical experience that assists in boosting their CV for when they apply for permanent positions. It can also be considered a 'test drive' of a career direction – some people do internships prior to studies to ascertain if the field is something they are passionate about.

During interviews, it is often asked, “Tell us about a time where you excelled at…” – having practical experience means that you can answer questions more efficiently and really highlight your capabilities.

Boosts confidence

With experience and exposure, and internship can help boost confidence levels of individuals.

In some organisations, interns are assigned mentors, who help guide young people from a professional perspective. There may also be additional training programmes within an organisation that assists graduates/interns with honing their soft skills.

Often within organisations, teamwork is an essential for optimal organisations. Studying can sometimes be a solitary endeavour, and an internship helps train graduates to work within a team in an effort to ensure key deliverables. Working within a team also promotes information sharing thus broadening a graduate’s knowledge.

There may also be additional training programmes within an organisation that assists graduates/interns with honing their soft skills.

Networking opportunities

Interns are exposed to many facets within an organisation, and have the opportunity to engage with stakeholders (internal and external) thus expanding their network for future prospects.

Some benefits for organisations for running internship programmes

1

2

3

Employers have the opportunity to evaluate new talent without committing to hiring.

Graduates bring in fresh ideas and perspectives that can help grow brands.

Organisations fulfil a social responsibility obligation towards helping to empower young individuals.

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Entrepreneurship

Entrepreneurs grow income

& jobs in disadvantaged areas From till-packer to owner of a supermarket in one of South Africa’s biggest retail networks, Shadreck Siziba’s business journey has taken him to the top of the class in the Small Business Academy (SBA) development programme for township entrepreneurs run by the University of Stellenbosch School (USB).

Siziba, 32, owner of Avonwood SuperSpar in Elsies River, received the Top Student award for the highest mark overall in the 2021 SBA programme at the recent graduation ceremony for 14 entrepreneurs from the greater Cape Town area. He says the programme has helped put him on track to achieve his vision of owning a chain of supermarkets across the Cape Flats.

Equipping entrepreneurs with business knowledge & practical skills

Nocawe Nompunga, owner of Alatha’s Daycare Centre in Khayelitsha, won the award for the best business plan, while Mambiki’s Security Services owner Constant Mambiki was recognised as the most improved student.

“The vision of the SBA is to make a difference in the lives of small business owners in low-income communities and build their capacity to ensure the sustainability of their businesses, with positive impact on their surrounding community,” Dr Bam said.

Another 14 participants in the Stellenbosch leg of the programme also graduated recently, bringing the total number of entrepreneurs from disadvantaged areas trained and mentored by the SBA over the past nine years to more than 350, SBA Head, Dr Armand Bam said.

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The nine-month small business development programme by USB, sponsored by ABSA and Distell, equips entrepreneurs operating in disadvantaged areas with the business knowledge and practical skills to grow sustainable, job-creating businesses.

Bam said that the majority of start-up small businesses in South Africa fail in their first 12 to 24 months, mainly because the entrepreneurs, while having the technical skills in their sector, lack the knowledge of how to plan, run and sustain a business.

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Entrepreneurship

“The SBA aims to fill that gap and, unlike many other SME support programmes, we don’t hand over a certificate and walk away – we continue the involvement through mentoring, workshops and masterclasses, and that is key to the programme’s success. Our impact research has shown that the majority of participants have remained in their business, have grown profitability and grown employment,” he added.

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Giving back by setting up a profit-sharing scheme for employees

Shadreck Siziba started his career in retail as a seasonal casual worker at his local Spar in Benoni after finishing high school. He said he had benefited from Spar’s employee-to-owner empowerment programme which had enabled him to establish his own SuperSpar and Tops at Spar liquor store in Avonwood Square shopping centre in Elsies River in 2020.

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Entrepreneurship

funded educare centre offering additional skills development for children of all ages, including classes in English and technology.

Winner of the award for best business plan, she said the SBA had helped her to improve the management of her business and she was implementing what she had learned, especially in improving the marketing of the centre.

“Achieving the certificate from the SBA programme has raised the credibility of the business. It raises the standard, gives parents confidence that the centre is run properly and is a selling point in marketing the centre,” she said.

Now, he plans to 'give back' by setting up a profit-sharing scheme for his 135 employees and is entering into partnerships with other small retailers in the group and buying an interest in their stores.

Siziba says his financial plans are on track to establish or take over one or two smaller stores on the Cape Flats as well as open another SuperSpar in a shopping centre in the next two years.

His 10-year plan is to become his own landlord by buying the current premises.

He said the SBA had made a huge impact in setting achievable plans in place to achieve his goal of owning a chain of supermarkets.

“The programme opens your mind to looking at all aspects of your business, rather than focusing only on rands and cents. I’ve been able to crystallise the vision for the business, and drill down into our underlying principles and values that guide decisionmaking. The SBA has deepened my management perspective and enabled me create a properly managed business,” Siziba commented.

Improving business management

Nocawe Nompunga runs Alatha’s Daycare Centre in Khayelitsha, providing educare for 26 children from birth to five years, as well as after-school care for learners from Grade R to Grade 2.

Previously a financial adviser for a large financial services company, she said she saw a need in Khayelitsha for a clean and safe environment to care for children of working parents, with qualified teachers providing early childhood development and literacy and numeracy education.

Initially set up in her own house, the centre now has three classrooms and Nompunga’s vision is to expand into a fully

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Most exciting for Nompunga, is that she has been asked to be a mentor on the 2022 SBA programme.

“I know how difficult it is to start a business, and I’m excited to be able to help others on their journey,” she said.

Exposure to new ideas and knowledge, along with practical skills

Constant Mambiki worked two jobs, as a waiter and a security guard, to save up the cash to take his business, Mambiki’s Security Services, full-time in 2013 along with his wife Malise.

The couple both had a background in the security industry and their savings enabled them to buy a car and a bakkie for cash and rent premises to kick-start the business.

They now employ 21 full-time and eight part-time qualified security officers, have recently purchased their own premises in Delft for cash and established a high-tech 24-hour control room and reaction unit.

Level 1 B-BBEE certified and registered with the Private Security Industry Regulatory Authority (PSIRA), the company services mainly business clients across all areas of Cape Town with a full spectrum of security, guarding and access control services.

Mambiki said his vision was to grow the business in size and profitability, continuing to provide affordable services, create employment for disadvantaged individuals and set up his own inhouse security training centre.

He said he was thrilled to have been recognised as the most improved student and that the SBA had exposed him to new ideas and knowledge, along with practical skills to improve his business.

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5- in-1 supplement with Amino Acids Antioxidants B-Complex vitamins Vitamins & Minerals Disclaimer: Complementary Medicine: Health Supplement. This unregistered medicine has not been evaluated by SAHPRA for its quality, safety or intended use. For more information, speak to your healthcare provider. Full product information refer to www.inovapharma.co.za or www.staminogro.com Name and business address: iNova Pharmaceuticals (Pty) Ltd, Co. Reg. No. 1952/001640/07, 15E Riley Road, Bedfordview. Tel. No. 011 087 0000. IN1460/21

Investing

A beginner’s guide to investing offshore

Nelisiwe Masango, Financial Markets Analyst and CEO of Ubuntu Invest, looks at offshore investment and offers advice to new investors.

Masango maintains that investing offshore and exposing your portfolio to different markets creates a valuable sense of diversity – and you don’t need hundreds of thousands of Rands to get started.

“American economist, author and Sterling Professor of Economics at Yale University, Robert J Shiller, once said: "The future is always coming up with surprises for us, and the best way to insulate yourself from these surprises is to diversify."

diversity. Investing offshore exposes your investment to more opportunities, so all your eggs aren’t in one big, high-risk basket," adds Masango.

“You may feel you’ve found the next big thing in your investment portfolio, but there is always more security in

“Possibly the easiest way for a novice investor to gain exposure in foreign markets is through futures trading. Futures trading

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Futures trading

www.futuresa.co.za

Investing

fits under the umbrella of the derivatives market, which encompasses a few different types of investors, trading in futures, options, forwards or swaps. For the purpose of this article, though, let’s just look at futures for beginners.

“Simply put, futures trading is a sales agreement between two parties. One party agrees to buy a commodity by a certain date.

The party selling the commodity then agrees to provide it at a set cost – no matter what the future market price may be. For example, a retailer could lock in a set price on a mielie crop from a farmer," Masango says.

“The agreement could work in favour of either the buyer or the seller, depending on whether the price of mielies goes up or down. And in the case of volatile commodities like Bitcoin or fuel, for example, there is the potential for a futures trader to either make a very large profit or a substantial loss."

Beyond our shores

“Being based in sunny South Africa doesn’t prevent you from enjoying the spoils of the US tech boom," Masango advises.

"Apple and Tesla shares are great examples of tech giants that investors have historically cashed in on. The ever-growing Asian market is also worth exploring. And a promising place to start is to take a position in the Nikkei or Hang Seng indices. With CFDs (Contract for Differences), there are no limits to how much you can benefit from offshore investments, because you don’t have to buy a huge number of shares outright."

Smaller investment with the potential to make more

CFDs are all about minimising your initial capital outlay and learning how different markets work. Marry these two concepts and, once you have the balance right, you are primed to take advantage of international market exposure without spending a fortune.

In brief, a CFD allows a trader to make a profit from price movement – but without actually owning the assets they’re trading. Here’s how: • A CFD is a formal contract between a buyer and a seller.

• The contract stipulates that the buyer must pay the seller the difference between the current value of an asset and its value when the contract ends if the value drops.

• If the value goes up, the seller pays the buyer the difference.

• CFD trading must be conducted through a reputable broker.

Here’s an example: If you bought 20 000 shares that are currently valued at R3 each, you would pay R60 000 and a broker commission. But if you buy a CFD as opposed to purchasing the shares outright, your broker could offer you a CFD at a proposed margin of, say, 10%.

www.futuresa.co.za

That way, you expose your portfolio to the same 20 000 shares at just 10% of the cost. So, rather than having to pay R60 000, you pay R6 000. If the share price goes up – for example, by 10c – you would then be entitled to a profit of around R2 000 because of your 10% agreement with your broker – i.e., 10c x 20 000 is R2 000. Bear in mind, you would have to pay broker fees from that profit. Percentage-wise, the profit is potentially far bigger and the risk far smaller for a CFD trader than it is for someone who buys the stock outright.

“The CFD trader exits the trade with a profit of approximately 33.3% on their R6 000 investment, whereas the full-price buyer exits with only 3.33% on their R60 000 investment. So, rather than laying out extensive capital on one commodity, with a CFD, the smaller investment means you can potentially expose your portfolio to a larger collection of diversified trades for a less risky mix of profit and/or loss," Masango explains.

It’s important to remember that, with CFDs, you will be taxed locally on any profit you make, regardless of the market or country they’re exposed to. And it’s up to you to declare your trading and investment activities with SARS.

Stay in the know

The greatest way to empower yourself to maximise your success is financial literacy. Google, market news and expert commentary can be great tools to start understanding how the markets work.

"At Ubuntu Invest, we also offer a free education centre to help aspiring traders learn how to identify opportunities in the various markets, including cryptocurrencies, the stock market and commodities. There are also resources like daily market updates and signals that will make investing easier," says Masango.

“Don’t let fear hold you back when you explore trading in the markets. Staying informed can be your greatest protection from failure. We live in a time when you can learn and manage investing in the palm of your hand.

“There is no need to leap in and invest every spare cent you have. Caution is always a good place to begin. Start small and minimise your risk while you get more comfortable. Trading has become so much more accessible and is far less daunting than the old days of busy stock exchanges and frantic brokers shouting out instructions."

It can be as simple as starting the process by investing online or by downloading an Android or iOS app. The markets are at your fingertips. Today’s cutting-edge technology allows you to open a new account, upload your FICA/KYC documents and start investing offshore immediately. We are in a bold new era, filled with opportunity and you can’t succeed if you don’t try.

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Job Seekers

Acing your

interview

By Thembile Cele, HR Talent Acquisition Specialist

The impact of Covid-19 in the global economy has been felt widely, and companies have had to really examine how they operate and what positions are critical. The job losses since the pandemic have been heavy as companies overhauled their entire operations to accommodate this 'New World'. Prior to the pandemic, job seekers were already struggling to find and secure new job opportunities, and now it is even more of a challenge.

Assuming you have an awesome resume and you avoided the errors that plague almost 60% of resumes, your accomplishments have grabbed the attention of your potential future employer.

How do you go from being a job seeker to being their most preferred candidate? How do you convince the person on the other side of the table to hire you? How do you win the interview?

Often an interviewer is trying to confirm whatever impression they formed while reading your resume, and whatever impression you

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gave in the first 30 seconds of them meeting you. In interviews, questions such as “Tell me about yourself”, “What is your greatest weakness?”, “What is your greatest strength?” pop up. However, an interviewer knows that the amount of time required to truly know a person requires more than 30 to 60 minutes, which is generally the amount of time the interview lasts. This weakness in the interviewer’s ability to assess a candidate’s suitability can work to your advantage. You have the opportunity to control the encounter and here are six tips that can assist you ace it.

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Job Seekers

1. Predict the future

4. Read the room

With the right preparation you can walk into your interview already knowing 90% of the questions your future employer will ask you. You already know the common questions – “tell us about yourself”, “what is your greatest strength?”, “what is your greatest weakness?”, and “can you tell us about a time when you had the solve a tough problem?”.

Remember that you are there to present yourself to your future employer. Interact with them. One of the biggest mistakes job seekers make in interviews is that they do not look at the interviewer when answering questions. You can often tell whether the interviewer is listening or connecting to the answer you are giving them.

Try and think of at least 20 possible questions you may be asked. The job specification will give you direction on the type of questions you may be asked. Scour the internet for common questions related to a specific position/company.

2. Plan your answers It may sound tedious but write down your answers with examples in advance. Doing this helps make the answers stick and you will not have to think of the answers during your interview. You want your answers to be automatic and clear. Being able to answer questions confidently and calmly leaves you more time to show them the real you versus having to now spend the very limited time you have trying to think up answers.

3. Prove yourself For every answer you give, have examples of situations you have experienced in relation to that question. You work well under pressure? Why? What example do you have that demonstrates that you work well under pressure?

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So, watch their body language and watch your own body language.

Your interviewer more often than not will mirror you, so sit up straight and look around the room. Look them directly in the eye, smile where necessary. You are not in front of the firing squad, so stay calm.

5. Ask questions You have done your research and you believe you are the right person for this position. Now it’s time to find out if the employer is the right fit for you. Interviews are more than just about you being assessed for the position. You also have to find out if the employer will be the best for you.

Do not be afraid to ask questions because this is an opportunity to show your potential employer what matters to you and they need to know this upfront. This also shows your interest.

6. Dress for success As mentioned earlier, first impressions matter. The interviewer is walking in wanting to prove whatever impression they have formed.

How you look when you walk into that interview will matter. For example, if you are being interviewed for a job in the banking sector, showing up in your jeans may not be the best choice. Looking the part will also give you confidence.

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Saving For Education

Lockdown lessons:

saving for your child’s education Education remains critical to unlocking future opportunities. Old Mutual shares some key tips on saving for education.

Two very tough years of living in the shadow of a deadly pandemic have shifted many of our attitudes, lifestyles and priorities.

“Being in lockdown with their children has, for example, increased parents’ understanding of the value of great teachers and made the role teachers play in a good education much clearer,” says Karabo Ramookho, Strategic Retail Marketing Manager at Old Mutual.

“It’s also become evident that the people who are emerging from this pandemic financially better off than before tend to be those who are well educated and financially smart.”

A recent report by the World Bank confirms that being educated raises your income and sense of wellbeing, which buffers you during hard times, and expands your boundaries of thought, helping you discover new opportunities.

In addition, it’s education that spurs on the socio-economic development of societies, and drives growth and inclusive prosperity. In an uncertain, unstable world, saving for your child’s education has therefore become a bigger priority for parents than ever before.

“The challenge is that household budgets continue to be under a lot of pressure. It’s hard enough to stick to a budget, let alone save, when the cost of living keeps rising. But it remains true that the sooner you start saving, the greater the positive impact of compound interest on your savings.

“With long-term education inflation continuing to outpace general inflation, it’s important to ensure your savings grow faster than inflation erodes it.”

To achieve this, you can increase the premium you pay by any whole percentage between 1% and 20% via an automatic Scheduled Annual Premium Increase (SAPI). Or, you can choose an increase that is directly linked to inflation or the cost of education. You are also free to increase your premium or add a lump sum at any time.

The advantage of saving in advance instead of taking out a student loan later and paying it off with interest is that saving helps your money grow and helps keep you out of debt.

“To prepare you financially for whatever role your child wants to play in making the world a better place – whether it’s fighting coronaviruses or slowing down climate change – or if you want to fund their gap year so they can travel the world after matric – you need to start saving as early as possible,” Ramookho says.

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Saving For Education

The costs. Unfiltered.

Government (public) primary school fees are currently about R22 600 per year, while private primary schools cost about R66 200 on average per year.

potential by starting to save for their education as early as possible. Even if they receive a scholarship to study abroad or are accepted by a free university in, for example, the Netherlands, Germany or the UK, remember their living expenses are likely to be steep, due to the exchange rate.”

Sending your child to a government high school will cost around R33 400 per year. At today’s prices, a private high school is likely to cost you R97 200 per year.

Find the savings option that suits your family best

The annual cost of remote or home-based online education, a third option that has grown during the lockdowns, is generally a bit lower, but the jury is still out on whether the benefits of wholly online learning can outweigh the disadvantages and challenges.

South African university and college students who do not qualify for NSFAS (National Student Financial Aid Scheme) assistance will pay about R51 600 on average a year. (Only tertiary students whose total household income is R350 000 or less per year qualify for NSFAS assistance.)

None of these figures of course take into account living expenses and items such as extra tuition, laptops, smartphones, data and entertainment.

“Take control of your family’s future today,” stresses Ramookho. “Help unlock your youngster’s

Explore all solutions to identify which is best suited to your budget, timeframe and individual circumstances. Consider consulting a financial adviser who can look at your needs, goals and available resources and recommend solutions that will help you achieve your objectives.

Tax-Free Savings Accounts (TFSAs) are flexible and let you access your funds at any time without incurring penalties and could be right for you.

Unit trusts are another flexible and cost-effective option, although exposure to market fluctuations means there’s some risk involved.

Other solutions to consider include disciplined savings plans like Old Mutual’s SmartMAX Education Plan, which require you to make regular contributions over a fixed term.

If you’re a member of the Old Mutual Rewards Programme, remember you can earn great rewards simply for taking steps towards your financial goals.

Save the points to finance your dreams. Alternatively, redeem them from the programme’s partners, or donate them to your favourite charity. The programme is free and open to everyone, and you can sign up today. Call 0860 700 800.

Before you make any savings decisions, contact a qualified financial adviser to help you draw up a proper financial plan.

Visit https://www.oldmutual.co.za/personal/solutions/educationplans/ or call 0860 60 60 60.

Karabo Ramookho: Strategic Marketing Manager, Old Mutual

www.futuresa.co.za

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Registered with the Department of Higher Education and Training as a Private Instituti Tel: 087 821 1109 or 012 110 4080 | Fax: 086 550 3692

Email: education@foundation.co.za | www.foundation.co.za

POSTGRADUATE DIPLOMA IN DISTANCE HIGHER EDUCATION (NQF 8) SAQA ID: 109941

ABOUT THIS COURSE

BECOME AN ONLINE LECTURER

The Postgraduate Diploma in Distance Higher Education is designed to enable potential, new and current lecturers to facilitate their courses online. The development of this programme is in accordance with a broad move towards online learning (e-learning) and the tendency to supplement contact programmes with a range of online teaching technologies, at both public and private higher education institutions world-wide.

WHO SHOULD ENROL?

INTAKE DATES

This qualification is aimed at lecturers at higher education institutions with an interest in embracing e-learning.

INTAKE 1: June 2022 INTAKE 2: October 2022

CERTIFICATION

COURSE FEE

The successful candidate will be awarded with a Postgraduate Diploma in Distance Higher Education (NQF Level 8).

R 31 000.00 (Inclusive of all VAT and taxes) + R350 Application fee

MASTERCLASS ON CRITICAL THINKING ABOUT THIS COURSE PREVENT MISTAKES IN THINKING

WHO SHOULD ENROL? Any individual who has identified a need to develop their critical thinking skills. For example, managers across a variety of sectors.

CERTIFICATION FPD will award participants with a certificate of completion for this course, should they successfully complete the assessment process.

Critical thinking is one of the top skills identified by the World Economic Forum as what companies want to see in their employees. Critical thinking is described as disciplined thinking that is clear, rational, open-minded, and informed by evidence that will help individuals respond to the rapid rate of change in technology, business and education.

This short course aims to provide critical thinking strategies that can be applied to situations that call for reflection, processing and evaluation of information.

COURSE FEE R 2 500.00 (Inclusive of all VAT and taxes)

REGISTERED with the

DHET SINCE 2002

ion of Higher Education under the higher education act, 1997. Reg No. 2002/HE07/013 FPD Knowledge Park, 173 Mary Road The Willows, Pretoria

500 000 Students 45 Countries 24 Years

PO Box 75324, Lynnwood Ridge Pretoria, 0040

FPD is a member of the SAMA Group

HIGHER CERTIFICATE IN EARLY CHILDHOOD CARE AND EDUCATION (NQF 5) SAQA ID: 112139

ABOUT THIS COURSE

IMPORTANT DEVELOPMENTAL STAGES

This programme is intended to develop educators who can support and promote early learning and development for babies, toddlers and young children up to and including four years of age. By enrolling for the HCert (ECCE) participants can gain an entry level qualification that will afford them recognition as an early childhood development (ECD) educator. Furthermore, graduates who successfully complete the HCert (ECCE), and who want to become professionally qualified, can then enrol for a Diploma (Dip) in ECCE or a Bachelor of Education (BEd) in ECCE.

WHO SHOULD ENROL?

INTAKE DATES

School leavers who want to enter the field of Early Childhood Education, caregivers and/or au pairs.

INTAKE 1: June 2022 INTAKE 2: October 2022

CERTIFICATION

COURSE FEE

The successful candidate will be awarded with a Higher Certificate in Early Childhood Care and Education (NQF Level 5)

R20 500.00 (Inclusive of all VAT and taxes) + R350 Application fee

LECTURING METHODS MASTERCLASS COURSE OBJECTIVES PRESENTATION & COMMUNICATION SKILLS

WHO SHOULD ENROL?

COURSE FEES

Individuals providing training or that need to present workshops. New lecturers and aspirant educators with an interest in embracing teaching excellence.

INTAKE DATES Workshop Intake: 18 - 19 May 2022 Virtual Training Intake: 13 - 15 July 2022

To enable facilitators and subject experts to transfer their knowledge and skills through effective and efficient teaching practices designed to meet the need of adult learners within the higher education framework.

2 day Workshop in Pretoria: R 5 200.00 3 day Virtual Training: R 3 200.00

TO REGISTER FOR THESE COURSES, FOLLOW THIS LINK: https://www.foundation.co.za/education-courses

Skills Development

Zimele launches retail sector

skills development programme

Anglo American Zimele recently launched its retail skills development programme aimed at unlocking employment opportunities within the sector for youth in host communities.

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Skills Development

It was reported that up to 400 youths in host communities will benefit from the programme, which is offered in partnership with Reach Summit (Pty) Ltd, through acquisition of skills that will enhance their employability in the retail sector.

“This initiative forms part of Anglo American Zimele’s efforts to actively pursue partnerships with key players in sectors that have the highest potential of creating employment opportunities for youth living within Anglo American’s host communities,” says Larisha Naidoo, Head of Anglo American Zimele.

The initial phase of the programme focuses on two host communities, namely Rustenburg and Kathu, targeting 200 youths from each of these areas.

These programmes are designed and implemented to develop relevant skills for the youth to enable them to secure employment opportunities in the sectors that are in high demand, as well as to offer recruitment and job placement support into national and global brands.

The training is SAQA-recognised with programme participants gaining NQF Level 2 or 4, depending on the course they participate in. Only youths from the host and zone of influence are eligible to participate in the programmes.

The skills programme is demand-led and would be focused accordingly to include jobs, including check out controllers, sales assistants, credit controllers and storeroom attendants, and it will be offered in a blended approach of on-line learning and face-to-face.

“We are excited to be in this partnership to help youth in our country take advantage of employment opportunities presented by the retail sector, which is one of South Africa’s biggest, most affluent, and important sectors with the fastest growing segments, including textiles and clothes, hardware, general stores, household goods, pharmaceuticals, and food and drinks,” says Matt Lambert, Managing Director of Summit.

The programme follows a similar training programme targeted at enhancing skills for the tourism and hospitality sector, through which about 270 youths from host communities around the Mogalakwena, Rustenburg, Far Eastern Limb, and Sishen and Postmasburg operations have been placed in jobs.

Anglo American encourages youths from its host communities to participate in these programmes when advertisements for participation are made. However, youth are urged to remain cautious of job scams that are sometimes distributed to the public purporting to be from Anglo American.

Larisha Naidoo, Head of Anglo American Zimele

www.futuresa.co.za

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Opinion

Learnerships form foundation

for addressing youth unemployment in SA

By Daniel Orelowitz, MD at Training Force

The Statistics SA Quarterly Labour Force Survey for Q2 2021 paints a grim picture of the employment landscape in South Africa – with the official unemployment rate at 34.4%. Most significant of all, the unemployment rate for youth aged 15 to 24 years stands at 64.4% and the unemployment rate for those aged 25-34 years is 42.9%.

These are the age groups that should be contributing the most to an active and thriving economy, and if this issue is not addressed, there will be significant challenges for South Africa’s economy in the future.

It is vital to invest in the youth to ensure the growth of South Africa, and learnerships are one of the key ways corporates can get involved.

Back to basics – what is a learnership?

Learnerships are not to be confused with internships, as they are not the same thing. Internships are simply informal work experience programmes, which may or may not be paid. A learnership, on the other hand, is a formal, work-based qualification that incorporates both theory and practical elements in the training, which needs to be delivered by an accredited training partner.

Learners are paid during their learnership, enabling them to earn an income while also gaining vital NQF qualifications and workplace experience. For many, tertiary education is a luxury they cannot afford, and learnerships provide an avenue for further education and training.

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Opinion

Business benefits

Learnerships not only give people the opportunity to gain experience and a qualification while earning an income, they also provide businesses with an excellent opportunity to train staff members from the ground up.

This ensures that they are a good fit for the company, both in terms of experience as well as culture, which the standard threemonth trial employment period cannot always do.

Investment in the youth, and in educating, training and mentoring them, makes sound business sense from a future economy point of view. From a more immediate perspective, however, there are also tax incentives involved, which can offset the cost of the learnership, as well as Broad-Based Black Economic Empowerment (B-BBEE) skills development points that can be attained.

Learnerships can also be offered to those already employed by a business to help them develop additional skills in line with business development goals.

The right partner is essential

There are numerous different business sectors and thousands of learnership categories, including everything from sports management to manufacturing, wholesale to retail and administration. Learnerships can also be sponsored by companies that have the funding and need the skills development points, but do not necessarily have the capacity to take on learners themselves. This is where the right training and skills development partner becomes a key part of the equation.

It is vital to have a partner that understands the sensitivities around learnerships, and is also skilled enough to connect them with the organisation’s business model, to ensure the skills developed enhance overall business strategy.

In addition, learnerships need to be registered with the relevant SITA, and since the programme is multi-faceted, the registration process can be onerous and admin intensive. An accredited training partner will handle the admin and can also provide candidates for learnerships, or host learners for businesses that may not have capacity but require the skills development points.

An opportunity for the future

With the unemployment rate as high as it is, all avenues need to be explored, and learnerships are one area where a real, measurable difference can be made.

Not only do they offer opportunity for youth to gain realworld experience, employment opportunities, along with skills and qualifications; they can also be used to upskill existing employees in various areas.

Both avenues can be hugely beneficial for business. When learnerships are used in the right way, they are a win-win for everyone, boosting the economy while enhancing skills and increasing economic participation.

www.futuresa.co.za

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Unemployment

Can the agriculture sector be

a remedy for youth unemployment in SA?

By Cyriaque Hakizimana, Institute for Poverty, Land and Agrarian Studies (PLAAS), University of the Western Cape, South Africa

South Africa has a relatively youthful population with 66% of the population younger than 35 years of age. Despite overall high enrolment ratios in secondary and tertiary education, youth unemployment is an important development crisis in South Africa.

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Unemployment

The Covid-19 crisis is likely to deepen the hardship experienced by the youth in South Africa who are already considered to be the most vulnerable in the South African labour market as 46% of 20.5 million South African youth aged 15-34 years were not employed, or studying or training in the third quarter of 20211.

The temporary Covid-19 relief grant for the unemployed people in the 18- 59 age group who are receiving no other form of government assistance is just a drop in the ocean given the scale and magnitude of youth unemployed in South Africa.

South Africa has one of the most unequal distribution ratios of land ownership in the world and the agricultural sector is characterised by a steady and rapid concentration, vertical integration, and consolidation of market power in both primary production and agribusiness2.

Major reforms are urgently needed for SA’s agricultural sector

South Africa’s large-scale commercial farms, with an average size of 2 500 hectares, are predominantly owned by white producers, occupy about 82 million hectares, which amount to 87% of the total agricultural land, producing 95% of all marketed farm outputs.

They are well integrated into reasonably well established upstream and downstream industries (inputs industry, food processing, beverages, textiles, wood, paper, leather, rubber). An estimated 13 million subsistence farmers live in the former 'homelands' which were historically segregated rural areas where the black population were quarantined under the apartheid regime3.

The high concentration, vertical integration, and consolidation of market power in the agribusiness sector limit meaningful participation of youth in South Africa’s agricultural economy. Major reforms are urgently needed for South Africa’s agricultural sector to address the daunting challenge of youth unemployment in South Africa.

www.futuresa.co.za

A clear agrarian vision will enable young agrientrepreneurs to grow and flourish

It is important to conceive and implement a clear and coherent government policy strategy able to effectively engage and empower South Africa’s youth. Beyond enhanced communication and access to information, this would include appropriate and effective training, education, and mentorship programmes for rural youth to increase their capacity and access to entrepreneurship opportunities in the agricultural sector. It would also include access to innovation and new technologies to attract and enable South Africa’s youth to play an important role in agriculture and food systems.

A clear agrarian vision will enable the young agri-entrepreneurs to grow and flourish as independent producers in the sector.

This includes enhanced coordination between the Department of Agriculture, Land Reform and Rural Development (DALRRD) and other stakeholders in public and private sectors, as well as a streamlining of land reform and financial service provision.

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Unemployment

More clearly articulated agricultural finance policy framework is urgently needed

The youth organisations should be represented in that institution to mainstream the interest of young agri-entrepreneurs in policy processes that could bring about transformation in agricultural finance sector.

In spite of a sophisticated and globally respected financial sector that South Africa enjoys, the financial services to support young agri-entrepreneurs and bring about socio-economic inclusion have remained limited in both private and public sectors.

The inclusion of the historically marginalised communities and young agri-entrepreneurs requires a reform of the practices of the private sector. A more clearly articulated agricultural finance policy framework is urgently needed. Often responsibility for policies impacting agricultural finance falls into a void among several government ministries, such as finance, agriculture, planning trade and commerce. Different government bodies often have divergent interests and perspectives concerning agricultural finance.

Accordingly, the subject area is frequently pushed to the side and neglected, inhibiting a coordinated legal environment that promotes the cohesive development of strong, sustainable and socially responsible agricultural finance policies and supportive underlying legal and regulatory systems.

Stats SA Quarterly Labour Force Survey, Quarter 3: 2021 National Treasury (2018) Budget review. Pretoria, South Africa.

3 Mathivha, O. (2012) Current and Emerging Youth Policies and Initiatives with a Special Focus on Links to Agriculture: South African Case Study Draft Report. Food, Agriculture and Natural Resources Policy Analysis Network (FANRPAN), Pretoria, South Africa.

1 2

Coordination of policies intersecting both the financial and agriculture sectors is critical to facilitating access to finance for the youth and agricultural SMEs. The appointment of a single coordinating body as advocate for agricultural finance can optimise policies that target farming as an economic enterprise to promote agricultural development through finance and investment.

The youth organisations should be represented in that institution to mainstream the interest of young agri-entrepreneurs in policy processes that could bring about transformation in agricultural finance sector. For these youth organisations to achieve success in influencing the policy direction that promotes young people’s involvement in the agricultural sector, they need to act as fully autonomous entities.

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media works tuta-me workplace

Leaders in workforce education and training.

A trailblazer in South Africa’s workforce training and community education landscape, Optimi Workplace provides top-quality, accessible education and training for corporates and the public sector alike. This is achieved through its flagship offerings, Media Works and Tuta-Me. Short courses Improve your workplace skills.

Through Media Works, which has been operating for over 25 years, businesses can give employees the education and training they need to succeed in the workplace. Our comprehensive range of qualifications, short courses and institutional support are tailored to your business and employee development needs.

• Workplace essentials: Prepare employees for the world of work.

• Occupational courses: Give employees the knowledge and skills they need to do their job.

• Management training: Help your team leaders become effective managers.

• Personal development: Provide employees with general self-improvement knowledge and skills.

Qualifications

Institutional support

Get the tools to empower your employees with a recognised qualification.

Take your institution’s training and compliance to the next level.

• Academic programmes: Help your employees complete their basic education.

• Employee assessments: Evaluate performance and productivity.

• Skills programmes: Equip your team with creditbearing skills, helping them to be more effective employees.

• B-BBEE advisory: Get the maximum value out of your training spend.

• Learnerships: Register your employees for one of our accredited work-based learnerships.

• Training project management: Let us implement and manage your end-to-end training projects.

Contact us 0861 696 757

enquiries@mediaworks.co.za

www.mediaworks.co.za

Workplace Tips

Succeeding

in the workplace Be digital savvy

In most industries, using digital platforms is a given. Even if you are not in a technical field, you will be required to have some sort of computer skills with knowledge and experience of using basic programmes such as email, word processing, presentation and spreadsheet programs.

For specific jobs you would need to know how to work particular programmes – for example, if you work in finance, you would need to learn the financial software programmes.

Research is essential

Whether you are new in a job or have been there for a while, knowing the product offerings and services is important. A lot of people may think that only people in functions such as sales and customer service are expected to have in-depth knowledge of company offerings. The reality is that when you work for a company – regardless of your role – you are a brand ambassador. Knowing the products and services also gives you the opportunity to meaningfully contribute to discussions that could perhaps help get you noticed for growth purposes.

Research can also help you develop yourself – knowing what the latest platforms are or trends can help position you as a leader. Essentially, research can be used to help upskill yourself and broaden your knowledge base.

Teamwork

Teamwork is critical. Collaboration is an important aspect of any business – no department should work in a silo. That being said, the sharing of information can help to improve efficiencies and it is a smoother journey to achieve the goal – ultimately everyone within an organisation is working towards a common goal. Getting along with others helps to reduce conflict – if you disagree with colleagues, it is essential that you approach this is a calm and rational manner that is not demeaning towards others.

When you are part of a team, and when one person or department is recognised for an exceptional job it is a win for everyone – celebrate it.

72

Project management

Being organised goes a long way to ensuring delivery against timelines. Keep track of the project and yourself – this will help ensure you stay on top of things. There are a variety of programmes you can use such to stay organised and to better manage time.

Communicate efficiently

Communication is a critical skill from a personal and professional perspective. Effective verbal communication can help you attain buy-in from colleagues for projects.

While not everyone is a writer, it is advisable to have some sort of writing skills that will convey your ideas and pitches to a variety of stakeholders professionally. To brush up on writing there are various materials online that can guide you and provide some practice.

Communication skills are not just about you talking and writing with purpose – effective communication also involves

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Workplace Tips

having good listening skills. Listening helps to prevent misunderstandings.

Keeping the lines of communication open with stakeholders plays an important role in ensuring that everyone is aligned.

Communication can also assist you in the long run when it comes to negotiation – at some point you will be at a table for a performance review or a salary review.

Being able to get your point across will go a long way in achieving your goals and helping you grow.

Be the best you can

Believe in yourself, and if in doubt ask questions and do research.

Believe in your capabilities, and grow them continuously.

Having confidence in yourself helps others have confidence in you.

Being agile and flexible is also an important skill – sometimes things don’t go as planned and it is imperative you keep a clear head, analyse the situation critically and respond in a rational and pragmatic manner.

Be confident to express new ideas – new ideas drive innovation and growth.

Be a person of integrity – that means be honest, show up and deliver in a timely manner.

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73

Entrepreneurship

Access to land, prejudice & poverty:

Hurdles a young agripreneur is conquering While her peers were being carefree, a young Masello Mokhoro had already adopted the mindset of an entrepreneur. From selling soap with her grandmother to sweets and snacks at primary school, she helped generate an income for her family from a young age.

Growing up as an only child to a single mother who worked as a seasonal farmworker in the small town of Bultfontein, Free State, meant that Mokhoro had to take on a lot of responsibility much earlier than most children.

Today, her entrepreneurial spirit has led to the establishment of her own agri-business called Starlicious Enterprises, which rears broiler chickens and pigs for meat production. She notes that the name of her business is “unconventionally girly” but was purposefully chosen as it sends a strong message that a woman can be as capable in farming as anyone else.

With agribusiness offering huge potential for growth in Africa – up to US$1 trillion in value by 2030, according to the World Bank – the role of women in the sector has come under the spotlight. And so, the career chosen by Mokhoro could turn her into the sort of role model the sector needs to attract other women.

Even when I was able to land a placement, I was often told to stick to the kitchen instead.

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Entrepreneurship

A passion for farming

Mokhoro’s passion for farming is clear from her studies and her current activities. She holds a National and Advanced Diploma in Agricultural Management, both Cum Laude, from the Central University of Technology in Bloemfontein.

She has also mentored first-year students studying Agricultural Management since 2019, and serves as Chairperson of the Agricultural Student Organisation, while also offering parttime practical lectures in Soil and Pasture Science for first-year students.

Inequality affecting women in agriculture

Despite these personal achievements, Mokhoro has had to confront many issues of inequality affecting women in agriculture.

According to NEPAD, while women account for 50% of the agricultural labour force in East and Southern African countries, their ownership of agricultural land for business purposes drops to a mere 15%. Women continue to suffer the repercussions of persistent inequality, including access to resources such as finance.

When asked why she decided to start her own business after completing her studies, Mokhoro notes that it was her struggle to enter the industry as a woman that became the driving force behind her decision to strike out on her own.

“In my second year of studies I had to gain practical experience on a farm for an entire year, but it was a huge struggle to get a farm placement as a woman. Even when I was able to land a placement, I was often told to stick to the kitchen instead,” she says.

“That’s when I realised that I would probably have to deal with the same kinds

of problems when I’d completed my studies and started looking for work. I decided to start my own business. In addition, I wanted to be able to look after my family whom I had been supporting with my university allowance while I was studying.”

However, Mokhoro points out that building her own business did not exempt her from dealing with those challenges she faced as a woman in the agricultural sector, and that it was still often difficult to get people to take her seriously and respect her.

Mokhoro is hopeful, though, saying, “I believe that progress is already being made in the industry with the government's call for more women and youth to participate in farming, as well as the amount of support being made available to these two groups in the sector. The only thing left that we need to change is our mindset that farming is not for women.”

Selected as one of the top 26 Anzisha Prize fellows

Mokhoro says that she chose to work with pigs and chickens since they are reared intensively and access to land was difficult. She attended a business proposal workshop at university where she was chosen as one of the lucky winners and this helped to fully kickstart Starlicious Enterprises.

Her tenacity to overcome the obstacles set before her continues to bear fruit. In October 2021, Mokhoro received the exciting news that she had been selected as one of the top 26 Anzisha Prize fellows, out of hundreds of entries from entrepreneurs across the continent.

The fellowship prize is awarded to young entrepreneurs between the ages of 15 and 22 who will take part in a three-year fellowship programme where they will be able to learn critical business skills and receive more than US$40 000 in prizes and venture-building support services.

“I wasn’t fully aware at first of the significance of the Anzisha Prize when I first applied or of the benefits that come with being a part of the programme. I heard stories of people who had applied more than three times before getting selected, so I was surprised when I was selected after my first attempt,” says Mokhoro.

“It has been such an honour to be part of this fellowship and it has motivated me to keep pushing boundaries. It will help take my business to even greater heights than I had imagined and help to unleash my full potential as an individual business-owner and help me to create jobs and sustainable income opportunities for others.”

Launched in 2010, the Anzisha Prize aims to support the development of young entrepreneurs and empower them to become job creators that build up themselves, their families, and their communities in a way that has a positive impact for generations to come.

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Book Reviews

Applied Strategic Marketing, Fifth Edition Applied Strategic Marketing, fifth edition discusses the strategic role of marketing management in organisations. The focus is on how managers choose and manage the markets they serve, how they handle competition and what strategies they devise to build brand value and customer relationships in the dynamic marketing environment of presentday South Africa.

Authors: A Berndt, G Bick, S Boshoff, J Chigada, HB Klopper, D Maduku, M Mpinganjira, T Ndoro, R Rugimbana & J Strydom Category: Business

Personal Selling Fresh Perspective, First Edition This first edition of Personal Selling: Fresh Perspectives is aimed at first-year students studying towards diplomas in marketing and retailing at higher education institutions in South Africa. The book is also relevant for students studying towards other businessrelated qualifications such as the Diploma in Management, the Certificate in Sales Management, the Certificate in Marketing Communications Practice and the Diploma in Business Studies.

Authors: M Bogaards, S Boschoff, N Dlodlo, D Noel & M Wait Category: Business

An Introduction to the Ethos of Nursing, Fourth Edition Since it first appeared in 1985, An Introduction to the Ethos of Nursing has been the most widely used textbook on the topic for basic nursing students. The fourth edition is the most extensively revised edition to date – reflecting the wide-ranging changes in society, healthcare and nursing in recent years. Key features include: learning outcomes, outline of the book and a reflection on the ethos of nursing, the ethical and legal foundation of nursing, and activities that invite reflection on issues that the nurse will have to deal with.

Authors: F Paton, J Bell & A van der Merwe Category: Health Sciences and Nursing

Curriculum, Pedagogy and Assessment: A Handbook on Early Childhood Education in South Africa This is a scholarly text depicting a robust presentation of the tenets of Africanisation of education in South Africa, introducing the conceptualisation of the ‘thinking teacher’.

The book is edited by Hasina Ebrahim and Manjula Waniganayake, two high profile professors of early childhood education, with the assistance of Donna Hannaway and Matshediso Modise, senior lecturers with extensive experience in teacher education.

Edited by: H Ebrahim and M Waniganayake Assistant editors: D Hannaway and M Modise Category: Education

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AA Technical College –

getting the right tools for the future Trained and skilled artisans are often the unseen heroes of many organisations although they are the cogs that keep companies on the road.

Without their skills many companies would not be able to keep their vehicles operational and their contribution to the bottom line is therefore immense. Unfortunately, there is a shortage of skilled artisans in the automotive industry with fewer people entering the profession than is needed.

To address this, the Automobile Association of South Africa NPC (AA) launched its Technical College which was awarded accreditation as a training provider on 21 June 2006, for the facilitation of the full learnership qualifications of Autotronics and Maintaining Vehicles as well as apprentice training in the trades of: Automotive Electrician, Automotive Engine Fitter, Diesel Fitter, Diesel Fuel Injection Technician, Diesel Mechanic and Motor Mechanic (accreditation number: 17-QA/ACC/0023/06).

Skilled artisans play a crucial role in any company “Skilled artisans play a crucial role in any company as they reduce down time and maintenance costs for businesses with big fleets. And, they are employable across a wide variety of industries from mining and agriculture to construction and transport. Many government departments also rely heavily on automotive artisans to keep their vehicles on the road,” says Werner Wandrey, National Technical Training Manager at the AA Technical College (AATC).

Since its inception in 2006, around 1 200 students a year have passed through the AATC’s learning centre, qualifying in a range of different disciplines.

“We train people to become automotive electricians, diesel mechanics, diesel fuel injection technicians, motor mechanics (petrol), diesel fitters and automotive engine fitters. When these students leave us, they leave with a nationally accepted and useful qualification, with which

they will be a scarce resource in a competitive economy,” says Wandrey.

Two main streams of learning

There are two main streams of learning offered at the AATC: Competency Based Modular Training (CBMT) and learnerships that are NQF aligned. There are different courses within each of these streams.

“There are huge benefits to companies sending staff on these courses. The error ratio is reduced and the quality of work of the artisans who have been through our doors is markedly improved.

There is great value in people attending these courses – not only for themselves personally but also for the companies who send them to us,” explains Wandrey.

AATC is an accredited training facility

Importantly the AATC is an accredited training facility and trade test centre. Accreditation has been awarded by the Department of Higher Education and The Quality Council for Trades and Occupations (QCTO). As such AATC can provide training for companies no matter which Sector Education and Training Authority (SETA) skills levies are paid to.

Each of the courses offered at the ranges from between 18 months and four years with the artisans then leaving with a formal qualification.

“I think we understand the market extremely well and are teaching quality artisans here; after all, when they leave, they will say the AATC trained them, so we work hard to keep the highest standards,” he says.

And this hard work is paying off judging by the quality of clients who send their learners to the AATC for training. Among these are, OEM’s, Dealers, Groups and even the SME aftermarket.

AATC can be contacted on 086 133 3668 or email: aatrainingjhb@aasa.co.za

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