Daily Higher Education News

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SA universities are consolidating planning towards integrating African Languages in their core functions and in administration - Source:Universities South Africa (USAf)

The 3rd Vice-Chancellors' Language Policy Colloquium that takes place from 5-6 December 2023 will sharply focus on implementation practices, monitoring and evaluation of the Language Policy Framework for Public Higher Education Institutions, which came into effect in 2022...

Inaugural SASS programme is an overwhelming success, with applications set to open during December for 2024 - Source:Universities South Africa (USAf)

When Professor Sibusiso Chalufu first heard about the launch, this year, of the inaugural HELM (Higher Education and Leadership Management) SASS (Student Affairs and Student Success) programme- he said he thought it was "the best thing since sliced sphatlo or kota"...

Career advancement for SASS participants - Source:Universities South Africa (USAf)

They are the graduating class of 2023 - the 51 participants in the inaugural SASS (Student Affairs Student Success) programme which was conceptualised by a consortium of higher education and student affairs experts and coordinated by the Higher Education Leadership and Management (HELM) Programme of Universities South Africa (USAf)...

A SASS peer learning group examines the effect of NSFAS funding on student experience of higher education - Source:Universities South Africa (USAf)

The National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS) has been in the headlines recently with its former CEO fired over "breach of trust", on-going reports of students battling to get their monthly allowances and news that a new NSFAS funding model will be presented to Cabinet before the start of the new academic year...

Bumpy road for higher education - Source:Sunday World

A number of challenges have been highlighted as a cause for concern when the higher education sector took stock of its state of readiness for the start of 2024 academic year. The release date of the matric results; the start dates of the academic year for different institutions; the closing date for applications for funding at the...

Embattled Unisa in new court battle for convocation top spot - Source:News24

The embattled University of South Africa (Unisa) has now been plunged into a new battle for a key leadership position. Former student Simamkele Xani has hauled the institution to court over changes made to criteria for convocation president, which essentially pushed him out of the running...

Financial rot runs deep in all SA universities - ANC MP - Source:Sunday World

ANC MP Tebogo Letsie painted an alarming picture of rampant corruption in the higher education sector, accusing universities of being major role players in committing crime. Letsie - a member of the national assembly's portfolio committee on higher education, science and innovation - said this when he chaired the...

Momentum sponsors machine learning in finance research chair with Stellenbosch University - Source:Engineering News

Investment management company Momentum Investments has established the Momentum Investments Research Chair for research into machine learning (ML) in finance in conjunction with Stellenbosch University. ML is a rapidly growing field that offers many potential applications in investment management and related financial services...

NWU Choir shows why they sing - Source:Potchefstroom Herald

The North-West University Choir showcased their immeasurable talent and versatile repertoire with a memorable concert titled "Why We Sing" at the NWU Conservatory on Saturday, 25 November. It was a special performance from this choir on the eve of their departure for Europe as part of an exciting European concert tour they are...

Professor Harry Seftel, well-known medical expert and 'national treasure', dies - Source:News24

Well-known South African medical expert, Professor Harry Seftel has died, aged 94. In a statement on Sunday, President Cyril Ramaphosa said he was saddened by the death of the veteran clinician, researcher and academic, who died shortly before his 95th birthday. "Prof Seftel's passing at the end of an extended life with which...

UL SRC welcomes payment of due NSFAS monies - Source:Capricorn FM

The Student Representative Council at the University of Limpopo has welcomed the long overdue payment of outstanding allowances by the National Student Financial Aid Scheme, for October and November. About 2500 students at the institution were paid their allowances on Wednesday after countless delays by NSFAS, which cited challenges...

Bail hearing of UFH official accused of murder postponed - Source:DispatchLIVE

Isaac Plaatjies, the senior University of Fort Hare official accused of the murder and attempted murder of high-ranking university officials, directly addressed the magistrate from the dock in the Dimbaza magistrate's court on Friday before his case was postponed. The university's director of investigations and vetting...

Coca-Cola SA bursary programme calls for applications - Source:Bizcommunity.com

Coca-Cola Beverages South Africa (CCBSA) has opened the application process to matric students and first time university applicants across the country for its Study Buddy Fund bursary programme for the 2024 academic year. The Study Buddy Fund, now in its fourth year, has assisted over 100 deserving young people from communities in...

Ambitious student leader with a vision for success - Source:Potchefstroom Herald

Leaving a sustainable legacy is one of the main aspects engrained in the leadership DNA of Nomvula Chasakara. Chasakara (21), the newly-elected chairperson of the North-West University (NWU) Potchefstroom Campus Student Council (PCSC) for 2023/24, has made a smooth transition to her new leadership role this term, having fulfilled...

2024 call for applications: YES programme - Source:UNIVEN

The Youth Employment Services (YES) programme is a collaborative initiative between business and the government aimed at creating job opportunities for the youth of South Africa. The programme recognises the critical role that young individuals play in shaping the country's economy. The purpose of the programme is to provide...

Alignment of VUT strategies with opportunities of DSI and NRF - Source:VUT

A delegation comprising members from the Department of Science and Innovation (DSI) and the National Research Foundation (NRF) recently paid a visit to the Vaal University of Technology (VUT) to engage strategically on matters pertaining to the South African Research Chairs Initiatives (SARChI) and Centres of Excellence (CoE). The...

BIIC celebrates newest innovators and entrepreneurs - Source:CPUT

The Business Innovation and Incubation Centre (BIIC) was recently joined by entrepreneurs, innovators, and potential stakeholders to celebrate innovation and entrepreneurship at the South African Renewable Energy Technology Centre. BIIC and numerous presenters took the audience through the world of innovation, as they presented a...

Beach water quality monitoring - Source:DUT

The Institute for Water and Wastewater Technology (IWWT) at the Durban University of Technology (DUT) has conducted water quality tests at some of Durban's popular beach destinations, non-swimming beaches and the Umgeni River. The water samples, to test for E.coli, were obtained on Tuesday, 28 November 2023. All swimming...

Best poster presentation prize for Mandela University at world international microscopy conference # - Source:NMU

Reasons to be Proud #R2bP: Nelson Mandela University's Centre for High Resolution Transmission Electron Microscopy (CHRTEM) received a prize for the best poster presentation by Professor Mike Lee at the 20th International Microscopy Conference (IMC) held in Busan, Korea. The prize-winning best poster presentation by Prof Lee...

Cardiothoracic Surgeon receives the LIBERO FATTI Medal for his Exceptional Performance - Source:SMU

SMU Cardiothoracic Surgeon Dr Dambuza Nyamande was recently awarded the LIBERO FATTI medal for his exceptional performance during the Fellowship examination of the College of Cardiothoracic Surgeons of South Africa. The medal was donated by Davis & Geck in 1992 in honour of the late Dr Libero Fatti, Associate Founder of the Colleges...

Celebratory Dinner for SRC Transition - Source:SPU

On 29 November 2023, Sol Plaatje University's Vice-Chancellor and Principal, Professor Andrew Crouch, hosted a dinner to both welcome and induct the incoming Student Representative Council (SRC) for 2023/24 and to bid a fond farewell to the outgoing SRC members of 2022/23. Mr Buntu Mnyaka, Senior Manager of Student Life and...

DUT is ready to host the 2023 university sport South Africa chess tournament - Source:DUT

For the first time in history, the Durban University of Technology (DUT) will be hosting the University Sport South Africa (USSA) Chess Tournament at the Fred Crookes Sport Centre, Steve Biko Campus in Durban from Monday, 04 December 2023 to Friday, 08 December 2023. The tournament will consist of a maximum of 320 students coming...

Fort Hare dynamo Dila prospecting for more USSA gold - Source:UFH

Despite being in a race against time to be ready for this year's USSA boxing tournament, University of Fort Hare's Vuyolwethu Dila is confident a second consecutive gold medal is hers for the taking. Like others who will be making the trip to next week's event in Cape Town, UFH's champion female has had to put...

Malaria 101 - 'D' is for DIAGNOSIS and rapid treatment: The faster, the better - Source:UP

Malaria, a potentially fatal disease, demands swift action when its symptoms surface. The disease can progress rapidly and lead to severe complications, so early diagnosis and treatment are essential.Knowing the A, B, C, Ds of malaria is crucial for prevention, early detection, and effective treatment. "D" is for DIAGNOSIS and...

Mandela University focuses on STEM education together with Finnish Institute - Source:NMU

Professor Werner Olivier, Director of the Govan Mbeki Mathematics Development Centre (GMMDC), together with Dr Kristof Fenyvesi, senior researcher at the Finnish Institute for Educational Research (FIER) recently presented two papers at conferences in Finland and Norway. They have been working together since August as The Innovative...

Mother tongues mesh with Columbia visit - Source:NWU

The North-West University (NWU) joined hands with the Colombian embassy and the Honourable Ambassador Maria Del Rosario Mina-Rojas to host the culturally enriching event titled Mother tongue: A multilingual dialogue on building identity, dignity and empowerment in Potchefstroom on 27 November. Prof Bismark Tyobeka, principal and...

New research sheds light on Bantu-speaking populations' expansion in Africa - Source:WITS

The vast Bantu-speaking populations in sub-Saharan Africa probably originated in western Africa before moving to the south and east in consistent waves, suggests a study published in Nature on Wednesday, 29 November 2023. Genetic analysis of modern and ancient individuals offers new insights into the evolutionary history of...

Opinion: More intra-Africa university collaborations are needed - Source:UJ

Ylva Rodny-Gumede is head of the division for internationalisation and professor of communication studies at the University of Johannesburg, South Africa. She recently published an opinion article that first appeared in the University World News on 30 November 2023. As a university in Africa and a university in the Global South, my...

Prof Ian Rothman elected to the Academy of Science of South Africa (ASSAf) - Source:NWU

He is renowned for his wealth of expertise and numerous research outputs. Now, Prof Ian Rothman, director of the Optentia Research Unit at the North-West University (NWU), again finds himself in distinguished company on his election as a member of the Academy of Science of South Africa (ASSAf). ASSAf was formed in 1996 and...

Public Lecture Unpacks Why HR Needs Disruptive Innovation - Source:UKZN

The Discipline of Human Resource Management and Industrial Relations (HRM/IR) in the School of Management, Information Technology and Governance (SMIG) hosted a public lecture on the theme Shift: Why HR Needs Disruptive Innovation delivered by eminent international scholar Professor Steve McKenna of Curtin Business School, Curtin...

Research Day explores Impactful Research at Faculty of Humanities - Source:TUT

A compelling and thought-provoking research day, "Promoting Impactful Research for the Good of Society", was hosted by the Faculty of Humanities at the Soshanguve South Campus, late in November 2023. During the five parallel sessions, presentations by Masters and Ph.D. candidates, featured their varied studies aimed at making...

Successful ageing in Africa - Source:WITS

Researchers at Wits University in partnership with Harvard University, along with the University of Cape Town (UCT) and the South African Population Infrastructure Network (SAPRIN) in South Africa, and Columbia University in the US, received the grant from the US-based National Institute on Aging, a division of the National...

Summoned by Brilliance, Convened by Excellence: VC pens a letter to TUT Academics - Source:TUT

The Tshwane University of Technology (TUT) celebrated and recognised top academics and researchers at a special function, which took place on 29 November 2023. Some exceptional administrative and service staff were also recognised. To congratulate and recognise the tremendous work of these TUT staff members, the VC and Principal,...

UCT Staff Annual Awards 2023 - Source:UCT

The University of Cape Town (UCT) honoured and celebrated exceptional individuals at the 2023 Staff Annual Awards on Thursday, 23 November 2023 held at the Baxter Theatre Centre. The UCT Staff Annual Awards acknowledges staff members' contributions through excellence, research, teaching and service to the university community....

UCT hosts send-off for the Sutherland Nine at the Faculty of Health Sciences - Source:UCT

The University of Cape Town (UCT) hosted a final send-off for the Sutherland Nine at the Faculty of Health Sciences on Friday, 24 November 2023. The send-off included significant spiritual, cultural and historical rituals, an unveiling of a garden of remembrance as a tribute to the nine individuals, as well as a renaming ceremony...

UFH softball teams take a swing at USSA titles after grand season - Source:UFH

Following an incredible season in the ECSA provincial softball league the University of Fort Hare go into this year's USSA tournament in scintillating form. The University Sport South Africa competition takes place in Pretoria next week and UFH will be a force to be reckoned with after the women's team won the regional...

UFS Molecular Virology group researching rotavirus vaccines for Africa as part of international consortium - Source:UFS

The Molecular Virology group at the University of the Free State (UFS) is part of an international consortium that works towards addressing rotavirus infections on the African continent. The group, under the leadership of Prof Trudi O'Neill, is assisting in this cause by developing a platform for a locally produced vaccine that...

UKZN Launches BRICS Student Commission and Student Women Economic Empowerment Project Chapter - Source:UKZN

'As students, continuously seek answers to the pressing questions of our time. Keep asking, keep probing, but always remember that merely dreaming and questioning are not enough to fulfil your aspirations. It is the dedicated effort and commitment towards your dreams that will bring them to life.' These inspiring words...

UNIVEN hosts the Vice-Chancellor Summer Golf Tournament to assist missing middle students - Source:UNIVEN

The University of Venda hosted the Vice Chancellor Summer Golf Tournament in Killarney Country Club, Johannesburg, on Friday, 24 November 2023, as part of the University's initiatives to raise funds to support the missing middle students. The Vice- Chancellor and Principal, Prof Bernard Nthambeleni, marked the official tee-off...

UP EXPERT OPINION: Getting to zero: A call for global solidarity and shared responsibility on World Aids Day - Source:UP

The HIV community has a vision: zero new HIV infections, zero discrimination and zero AIDS-related deaths. But how do we get there while HIV continues to devastate the globe? By the time you have finished reading this article (let's say it takes 10 minutes), 25 people around the world would have become newly infected with the...

UWC Launches the Integrated Talent Management Framework - Source:UWC

"If we talk about something that is going to make a difference at the University of the Western Cape (UWC), change the paradigm and make an impact, this is it." - these words by Meko Magida, the University's Executive Director of Human Resources expressed his confidence in the launch of a new framework to steward talent. Magida...

Vice-Chancellor Message - 01 December 2023 - Source:UJ

Dear UJ Community In the past few days, many of our staff, students, and alumni have been awarded honours in a wide range of categories, including academia, research, sports, arts, and culture. Their exceptional performance in their respective fields has been quite remarkable to behold. I am incredibly honoured to be at the helm of...

GHANA- Private universities should also benefit from GETFund - GCUC President appeals - Source:MyJoyOnline.com

The President of the Garden City University College (GCUC) in the Ashanti Regional capital, Kumasi, Prof. Emeritus Anthony Apeke Adimado, wants the government to consider allocating some resources from the GETFund to support private universities operating in the country. Speaking at the 15th congregation of the University College,...

KENYA- Broke universities block freshers from December exams - Source:Nation

Public universities have asked first-year students to pay the household contribution to their tuition fees before they sit for the end-of-semester examinations. The demand comes after delayed disbursement of scholarship funds to the institutions by the government under the Higher Education Funding model that was unveiled this year....

KENYA- Government releases Ksh3.9 billion for first year students in public universities - Source:Education News

The Government has released KSh3.9 billion as the first tranche financing to cover scholarships for Government-sponsored first-year students in public universities under the New Higher Education Funding Model. In a press release dated December 2, 2023, the Education CS Ezekiel Machogu said that beneficiaries of the scholarships are...

LIBERIA- Masinde Muliro University lands major funding for jiggers - Source:The New Dawn Liberia

The Embassy of the People's Republic of China in Liberia through its Ambassador Scholarship has awarded 131 scholarships to young Liberian university students. The Chinese Ambassador's Scholarship was awarded to the beneficiaries on Tuesday, 28 November 2023 on the University of Liberia Capitol Hill campus. The...

LIBYA- Faculty staff member kidnapped from inside Tripoli University - Source:LibyaObserver.ly

Abdelmonem Al-Lamoushi, the brother of a faculty staff member at the University of Tripoli and head of the National Association for Talented and Excelling People, Dr. Abdulkader Al-Lamoushi, confirmed that an armed group claiming to be affiliated with the Internal Security Apparatus of the Government of National Unity arrested his...

NIGERIA- Students should be given grants, not loans - ASUU insists - Source:Daily Post

The Bauchi zone of the Academic Staff Union of Universities, ASUU, has reiterated its desire to reject students' loans. It opted for grants to enable students fund their education. This was disclosed on Saturday by Associate Professor Lazarus Maigoro, the Bauchi zonal coordinator of ASUU.The Bauchi zone of the Academic Staff...

NIGERIA- TETFund, backbone of Nigeria's universities, says Ebonyi varsity VC - Source:newsngr

Vice-Chancellor, Ebonyi State University, Prof. Chigozie Ogbu, has said Tertiary Education Trust Fund is the live-wire of the nation's universities. Mr Ogbu made the remark in Abakaliki during the official inauguration of some TETFund-sponsored projects in the university.The projects include the Faculty of Education building,...

RWANDA- UR student, 19, arrested over abortion - Source:The New Times

A 19-year-old female student is in custody following the probe launched Friday, December 1, when a stillborn was found in the University of Rwanda (UR) Huye campus. The institution's spokesperson, Ignatius Kabagambe, on Saturday confirmed that " The 19-year-old girl, a first-year student at University of Rwanda, was arrested...

UGANDA- Makerere loses Nakasongola land - Source:The Independent

President Yoweri Museveni has canceled the land offer to Makerere University in Nakasongola district after protests from the occupants. In 1989, President Yoweri Museveni instructed the Ministry of Lands and Surveys to allocate 10 square miles of land to enable them to set income-generating activities and education multi-faced...

AUSTRALIA- Calls for Australian academics to share expertise with Pacific universities - Source:ABC News (Australian Broadcasting Corporation)

A not-for-profit is calling on Australian academics to volunteer and share their expertise with universities across the Pacific region. The organisation, Australian Academic Volunteers Abroad, was established earlier this year. The group's chair, Professor Graham Schaffer said the organisation wants to look for areas where...

AZERBAIJANI- Malaysian Universities Pursuing To Attract Azerbaijani Students - Ambassador - Source:MENAFN.COM

Universities in Malaysia seek to attract Azerbaijani students, Malaysia's Ambassador to Azerbaijan Ahmad Kamrizamil Mohd Riza said, Trend reports. He spoke at the Malaysian Education Fair held in Baku. "This exhibition, which is attended by renowned Malaysian universities, is a perfect venue for Azerbaijani students looking for...

CANADA- New report shows province needs to double current funding to Ontario universities - Source:CityNews

A new report is highlighting the consequences of provincial funding cuts to public universities and imploring the Ontario government to double its current funding. The Canadian Centre for Policy Alternatives Ontario office said cuts have put the financial stability of Ontario universities at serious risk and students are paying the...

INDIA- University Grants Commission asks universities, colleges to set up selfie points with images of Narendra Modi in the background - Source:The Telegraph Online

The University Grants Commission has asked all universities and colleges in the country to set up selfie points with images of Prime Minister Narendra Modi in the background, the directive coming in the run-up to next summer's general election. The higher education regulator has nudged the campus authorities to encourage...

PAKISTAN- 4th APSUP rectors conference concludes at COMSTECH - Source:The News

The fourth Rectors Conference, organised by the Association of Private Sector Universities of Pakistan (APSUP) in collaboration with other institutions, successfully concluded on Saturday at COMSTECH. The conference was organised in collaboration with Superior University, COMSTECH, HEC, PHEC, Preston University, FAST University,...

PHILIPPINES- Bomb blast during Mass kills 4, wounds 50 at Mindanao State University - Source:inquirer.net

Four persons died and 50 others were wounded after a bomb exploded inside the Dimaporo Gym of the Mindanao State University (MSU) while a Catholic Mass attended by students was held past 7 a.m. on Sunday, police reported. Brig. Gen. Allan Cruz Nobleza, police regional director of the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao...

PHILIPPINES- Student artistry shines anew in 56th Shell NSAC - Source:The Manila Times

The brilliance and ingenuity of Filipino students shine bright anew with the recently concluded Shell National Students Art Competition (NSAC). Now on its 56th year, NSAC saw a record-breaking number of entries - more than 2,900 submissions across all categories - from young artists who interpreted this year's theme, "Galíng...

QATAR- Education ministry partners with US embassy to train English teachers - Source:Gulf Times

The Ministry of Education and Higher Education, in co-operation with the US embassy concluded recently the "Comprehensive Education Strategies for English Language Teaching" training programme. The programme aimed to enhance English language teachers' and supervisors' skills, knowledge in schools for deaf and...

USA- Shapiro approves funding increase for Lincoln University - Source:Audacy

The ongoing budget impasse in Pennsylvania means community colleges still aren't getting money from the state. Meanwhile, Pennsylvania Gov. Josh Shapiro was in Chester County on Friday to celebrate funding for state universities, including Lincoln University. Shapiro signed House Bill 1461 into law on Nov. 16, which provides...

VIETNAM- VNU-HCM promotes training in high-quality IC design - Source:Viet Nam News

Seeing strong demand for human resources in the semiconductor integrated circuit (IC) technology industry in Vietnam, Vietnam National University-HCM City (VNU-HCM) targets to train about 1,500 engineers and 500 master's degree students in IC design by 2030. VNU-HCM chancellor Vu Hai Quan said the university had set a goal of...