Education Matters in South Africa

Host: Lesang Sebaeng (DBE) Guests: Kolosa Nonkenge (DBE) and Sibongile Khumalo (Learning Trust) Through the Early Grade Reading Study, the Department of Basic Education, implemented strategies to improve reading outcomes. The strategies implemented included three treatment arms also known as three interventions. However, the Early Grade Reading Research Study indicated that parent involvement is complex, and it requires collaborative effort from communities, civil society, and corporate...

Host: Mary Metcalfe (National Planning Commissioner in the Presidency) Guests: Nompumelelo Mohohlwane, Stephen Taylor, and Carol Nuga Deliwe (all DBE) The Department of Basic Education with its partners has been conducting research to better understand and improve reading outcomes in South Africa. This 10-year study is called the Early Grade Reading Study (EGRS). The Department recently published its second report on early grade reading available on the episode notes available...

Guests: Likho Bottoman and Hanne Huysmans Introductory audio from VVOB: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_gspYn9fUrY&t=10s Gender stereotypes and experiences have an influence on educational outcomes. Gender conformity is affirmed when it is aligned to prominent gender experiences, whilst those who identify differently are made to feel like outcasts. There is a need for more inclusion and affirmation of different gender identities and experiences. Likho Bottoman's journal article:...

Guests: Yandiswa Xhakaza and Unathi Magubeni Conversation is inspired by Unathi Magubeni an author whose bestselling debut novel, Nwelezelanga, The Star Child (BlackBird Books) was published in 2016 and was long listed for the 2016 Etisalat Prize for Literature and the 2017 Sunday Times Fiction Prize. The reading challenge in South Africa has been met with many initiatives, many are driven through CSI initiatives, however this episode puts a spotlight on community members doing it for...

Guests: Rahima Essop and Thobeka Msengana Conversation is inspired by Malaika Mahlatsi’s book, Corridors of Death. The book consists of essays that explore the lived experiences of black students in higher education institutions. It sheds light on the depression and suicide experienced by students. The book advocates for urgent structural and institutional interventions to address mental health challenges. Audio from the #ZeroDropOutCampaign or visit their website...

Guests: Dr Sindiwe Magona, Rahima Essop and Yandiswa Xhakaza Based on the backdrop of Dr Magona’s latest book, this episode reflects on the role communities play in ‘building’ schools and how community members become part of the school ecosystem. The Department of Basic Education through legislation is required to establish School Governing Bodies (SGBs). In essence, the SGB is a statutory body of parents, educators, non-teaching staff and learners (from Grade 8 or higher) who seek to work...

Season 2 Trailer --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/education-matters9/message

Guest: Ms Marie-Louise Samuels --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/education-matters9/message

Guest: Melody Marescia A quality teacher can provide a learning environment in which a child can develop optimally and in a holistic manner. There have been various opportunities made available through which ECD training programmes have been introduced. ECD qualifications have been offered primarily in TVET Colleges and non-profit organisations, with the support of ETDP-SETA --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/education-matters9/message

Guest: Grace Matlhape The high unemployment rate in South Africa is a reflection of idle assets - young people with ambition and potential. There are barriers that limit access to even training young people (#feesmustfall), however SmartStart is a social enterprise that recognises this challenge as an opportunity to address the needs in the early learning. SmartStart enjoys partnerships that unlock opportunities for children and parents who work in the sector. In addition, Grace and Rebecca...

Guest: Professor Eric Atmore Produced by : Tshidi Lengoasa Children raised in deprived or improvised conditions were services are limited experience compromised opportunities towards a good standard of adult life. Through early childhood development interventions, laying the foundation for all future health, behaviour, and learning is ignited. Early Child Development (ECD) works in dual system where the provision of ECD takes different forms depending on the geographical area and earnings....

Guest: Zonele Mdiya This a language series reflection episode. We chat about the previous episodes and we talk books. --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/education-matters9/message

Guest: Senzo Hlophe Researchers worldwide agree that children need six to eight years of learning a second language before they can use it effectively as a medium of instruction. Senzo's experience is no different to the experience of many learners in the schooling system. Classroom was an English and isiZulu experience. When the struggle of understanding come to the fore, teachers, in a communal effort showed up ensuring that learning is a success. --- Send in a voice message:...

Guest: Siwaphiwe Sibeko People have migrated and so do languages. Through migration, languages have owned their different dialects, American English and British English are simple global examples of this differentiation. South Africa is no different, from tradition dialects that have been grouped according Nguni and Sotho, leaving those other beautiful languages that do not fit in the box, such as TshiVenda. What about Sepitori which represents a Sekgatla dialect of Setswana spoken in...

Guest: Nompumelelo Mohohlwane Understanding the power of languages is important, especially in a multilingual and unequal society such as South Africa. There are complex dimensions to be considered because language-in-education policy has a powerful influence on social and economic relations. There are practical considerations around how best to use language to achieve better educational outcomes, and consequently better economic outcomes, especially if guided by sound policies. The...

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