President Cyril Ramaphosa’s plan to eradicate pit toilets in South African schools is a step in the right direction

Written by Christelle Niemandt. Posted in Letters

The Education for Social Justice Foundation (ESJF) welcomes the Sanitation Appropriate for Education or Safe initiative by President Cyril Ramaphosa which was a culmination of a gathering of different stakeholders to come up with concrete plans to eradicate pit toilets in schools across the country.
The ESJF has always called for decisive action to bring up about dignity to the learners especially those in rural schools. The recent action by President Ramaphosa will certainly go a long way to restore confidence and pride in a wide range of communities, some of whom experienced trauma when they lost loved ones who died tragically in unsafe pit toilets.

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‘Deal with registered Estate Agents’

Written by Christelle Niemandt. Posted in Letters

I have encountered several clients who have lost significant amounts of money in property deals.

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March to the Union buildings held

Written by Christelle Niemandt. Posted in Letters

MAHIKENG MAIL – MAHIKENG: Today marks 62 years since about 20 000 South African women from all backgrounds and races marched to the Union Buildings in Pretoria to protest against apartheid pass laws. National Women’s Day is time, especially, to commemorate and honour the courageous women who took a brave stance against the ruthless apartheid regime’s unjust laws.
This year’s Women’s Day coincides with the centenary commemoration of the births of former President Nelson Mandela and Ms Albertina Sisulu.

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Progress is still slow in South Africa to advance women at executive level

Written by Christelle Niemandt. Posted in Letters

Despite some organisations taking steps to boost the number of women at executive level, progress is still slow. The proportion of women to men in executive roles is still low, with only one female CEO among the JSE top 40 companies. These are some of the findings from PwC’s Executive Directors’ Practices & Remuneration report, 2018. Shirley Machaba, PwC Africa Diversity & Inclusion Leader, says: “In order to build future economies that are both dynamic and inclusive, we must ensure that there is equal opportunity for all. “When women are not equally integrated into the economy, the global community misses out on skills, ideas and perspectives that are critical for addressing global challenges and harnessing new opportunities.” The participation by men and women in the workforce is essential for the viability of businesses and economies. Companies that effectively use female talent are 45% more likely to report improved market share, according to worldwide research.

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NSFAS backlog is putting unnecessary strain on new applicants.

Written by Christelle Niemandt. Posted in Letters

The halting of the 2019 NSFAS applications by higher education Minister Naledi Pandor should be viewed as a warning sign that things will get tougher for the next academic year in as far as funding for new students is concerned. Why is it taking so long for NSFAS to obtain signed agreement forms from students? Why should innocent students who are about to enter higher education suffer as a result of some 20 000 students who have not yet submitted their supporting documents? What will happen to the closing date for new applications now that the opening date is yet to be agreed to? Will the Minister extend the closing date now that she has halted the 2019 applications? None of these questions were answered.

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