Latest news with #NationalWomen'sMonth
IOL News
22-07-2025
- Politics
- IOL News
Fixing Higher Education Rot: Tough Road Ahead for Buti Manamela
New Higher Education and Training Minister Buti Manamela on a site visit to the Central Applications Clearing House (CACH) call centre in Durban. Manamela has been Deputy Minister since 2014, so he understands the changing ANC and higher education landscape better than most, says the writer. Image: DOCTOR NGCOBO/Independent Newspapers Edwin Naidu Removing Dr Nobuhle Nkabane, just before National Women's Month, was poor timing. Her predecessor, Dr Blade Nzimande, whose hapless legacy on tertiary education is unfolding horribly, was undeservedly in the role for more than 15 years. Nkabane was dealt a poor hand. One must question the bona fides of President Cyril Ramaphosa's commitment to gender parity and combating corruption. However, many will agree that the former deputy to Gwede Mantashe at the Ministry of Minerals and Energy was out of her depth in the tertiary education portfolio. But thrusting her into the higher education cesspool without considering the extent of the challenges was unfair. She had no chance of success and was destined to fail. This emerged especially after her botched list of appointees for Sector Education and Training Authorities (Seta). Earmarked for one of the Seta chair roles was Gwede's son, Buyambo Mantashe, resulting in controversy that led to the rescinding of all the appointments. When the row commenced, predictably, Ramaphosa did nothing. Ahead of National Women's Month, Nkabane is gone, and the crucial Higher Education and Training portfolio has returned to a male. It is someone we know well, too. The question is, will the affable Buti Manamela, a well-liked and respected leader from the South African Communist Party, put South Africa first? Or will he stick with the faltering party to which he is not entirely beholden? Or will he be beholden to his friends? That's some of the murmur doing the rounds. Manamela has been Deputy Minister since 2014, so he understands the changing ANC and higher education landscape better than most. He performs well, to the extent that his former boss, Nzimande, once criticised him for gaining more publicity. To his credit, Manamela stayed silent and continued with his work. One feels that Ramaphosa erred in not giving the Young Communist League and the African National Congress leader the job last year. At least he managed to rectify one error. Much depends on the broad shoulders of Manamela. He has a wide smile and oozes confidence. But what South Africa needs is for Manamela to break ranks with the ANC to ensure that the country gets a quality tertiary system. Video Player is loading. Play Video Play Unmute Current Time 0:00 / Duration -:- Loaded : 0% Stream Type LIVE Seek to live, currently behind live LIVE Remaining Time - 0:00 This is a modal window. Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window. Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Window Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Dropshadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps Reset restore all settings to the default values Done Close Modal Dialog End of dialog window. Advertisement Video Player is loading. Play Video Play Unmute Current Time 0:00 / Duration -:- Loaded : 0% Stream Type LIVE Seek to live, currently behind live LIVE Remaining Time - 0:00 This is a modal window. Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window. Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Window Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Dropshadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps Reset restore all settings to the default values Done Close Modal Dialog End of dialog window. Next Stay Close ✕ The higher education system continues to survive, but it is broken. Universities face a variety of challenges, including funding and governance. Setas are in a mess. The National Skills Fund has not delivered on its mandate. Ironically, despite the negative publicity, Nkabane managed to strengthen the National Student Financial Aid Scheme significantly. Under the new chairperson, Karin Stander, and acting chief executive, Waseem Carrim, efforts are in progress to address the issues of the past. Although she had been silent, many believed that Nkabane was strongly trying to get to grips with the corruption among the Setas. Her nemesis, Sihle Ngubane, the former Chairperson of the Insurance Sector Education and Training Authority, is now an MP, serving on the Portfolio Committee on Higher Education and Training. According to reports, under his watch, INSETA allegedly sanctioned dodgy tenders, and was the subject of various investigations. INSETA CEO Gugu Mkhize presided over three qualified audits. In any other organisation, she would have been fired. When the respected industry player, the Graduate Institute of Financial Services, raised a red flag over her conduct, she promptly de-accredited the organisation. GIFS has taken INSETA to court for R240 million. Nkabane was working to settle. As the political principal, she was aware that the Seta CEO's belligerence would be an indictment of her leadership. And she was prepared to act. Sources say that she was going to push for a settlement of at least half that amount. The first task facing Manamela is to read his friend the riot act. As Deputy Minister, Manamela has graced several INSETA events and is prominently featured on their social media pages. His predecessor was attempting to clean up the poor-performing Setas, dealing with errant performers, such as Gugu Mkhize, and the rudderless Construction Education and Training Authority, whose CEO is said to be like a dictator. Organisation Undoing Tax Abuse (OUTA), which has raised alarm over the extent of corruption at Setas, is aware of the alleged friendship between Manamela and Mkhize. It's all over Facebook. The organisation says it will ask for a meeting to discuss the brazen Mkhize. Manamela's first test should be how he deals with the errant Mkhize and the shenanigans at INSETA. What about the damaging lawsuit? Nkabane has passed the baton. And he has inherited a new yet old drama from the Construction Set. Another priority is addressing the funding challenges facing tertiary institutions. There are others, but let's not inundate the new broom. I'd rather focus on what he loves talking about most. When it comes to Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET), for Manamela, no subject arouses as much enthusiasm as the prospect of TVET colleges transforming the workplace and addressing the country's youth unemployment. Manamela passionately describes the potential for shifting the dial for South African youth through these skills-based learning institutions, which are geared towards contributing to the economy. He believes that graduates from TVET are more employable than those from universities. If it is going to make a dent in the country's unemployment figures, Manamela's optimism must translate into positive results. As a product of Mamelodi TVET College, Manamela knows what he's talking about. His youthful face, not masked by the distinguished beard he sometimes sports, lights up when TVET is discussed, particularly its impact on the future. Manamela completed matric at Phagameng High School in Modimolle. he studied towards his N-Certificate in Electronics at Mamelodi College until 2001, completing his Post-Graduate Diploma (2014) and Master of Management in Public Policy at the University of the Witwatersrand (2017). Manamela says TVET colleges throughout the country should offer coding, programming and robotics to broaden the skills for the 21st century. Youthful Manamela is experienced and certainly has reasonable solutions. Nobody doubts the hard road ahead. But let's give him a chance to show his mettle and see whether he is up to the task of putting South Africa first: serving the people, the party or his friends. Buti Manamela: Your mission, now that you have accepted, is possible! * Edwin Naidu is the head of education start-up Higher Education Media Services (HEMS). ** The views expressed do not necessarily reflect the views of IOL, Independent Media or The African.
Yahoo
01-04-2025
- Yahoo
2025's Remarkable Woman winner announced
LAFAYETTE, La (KLFY) — Throughout National Women's Month, KLFY honored four remarkable women who made a great impact in the Acadiana community. Today, KLFY 10 announced Brandy Roberts to be 2025's Remarkable Woman of the Year. Brandy is an educator in Iberia Parish at Johnston Hopkins Elementary school while also an advocate for online safety for children and adults. After the tragic death of her daughter, Englyn, who was a victim of online abuse and bullying. Brandy Roberts has really turned her pain into a purpose. She immediately turned to the 'Heart of Iberia, and Iberia Mental Health Initiative and in Englyn's name helped bring awareness to the community about mental health and the online harms associated with social media. Brandy has been to the Supreme Court in DC, speaking with Congressional leaders, including Louisiana Congressman and House Speaker Mike Johnson to pass the KOSA act (Kids Online Safety Act). She is a Community Leader with The Duke and Duchess, Harry and Meghan's Archewell foundation, hosting zoom calls monthly with parents who have loss children due on social media harms and helping discuss how to survive the 'journey of grief'. Close Thanks for signing up! Watch for us in your inbox. Subscribe Now In November 2024, Brandy went to Bogota, Columbia with the World Health Organization to speak with world leaders telling Englyn's story in hopes of getting countries around the world to pass laws to keep children and families safe. Brandy is determined to help children and advocates for online harms to be addressed through laws so that parents will have tools to supervise their kids on social media platforms. Brandy's determination and care for other children and parents are the qualities that make her remarkable. Roberts will now advance to a conference in Los Angeles where a national 'Remarkable Woman of the Year' will be announced. Community supports Ray's Bakery staff after devastating fire Bicyclist killed in Plaquemines Parish crash Judge refuses Trump admin's request to move Mahmoud Khalil case to Louisiana Lawmakers weigh benefits of artificial intelligence in classrooms Trump announces $100M deal with law firm tied to Doug Emhoff, Jan. 6 House panel Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Filipino Times
28-03-2025
- Politics
- Filipino Times
DMW pushes for gender equality, better opportunities for women OFWs
The Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) is advocating for a gender-responsive approach to eliminate workplace biases and discrimination, ensuring equal opportunities and protection for women overseas Filipino workers (OFWs). This initiative aligns with President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.'s push to recognize the growing role of women in nation-building and provide them with greater opportunities, confidence, and representation in society. At the Women OFW Conference in Makati City, DMW Undersecretary Dominique Rubia-Tutay emphasized the importance of upskilling women OFWs to enhance their employment prospects both locally and abroad. She highlighted that while women dominate various industries, their contributions are often undervalued. 'Let us continue to build on the foundation of women's empowerment, independence, confidence, and hope—values that define every Filipina's strength and contribution to society,' Tutay said. The DMW reaffirmed its commitment to expanding training programs that improve career prospects for women migrants. The conference, held as part of National Women's Month, also emphasized the need for stronger legal protections and welfare programs under the Magna Carta of Women, ensuring workplace equality, mental health support, and protection against gender-based violence.
Filipino Times
24-03-2025
- Business
- Filipino Times
Returning OFWs in PH offered job, business opportunities in local tourism sector
The Department of Tourism (DOT) is working with the Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) to help returning OFWs start businesses and find jobs in the local tourism sector. This is part of the whole-of-nation reintegration program aimed at supporting Filipinos who have worked abroad and their families. Tourism Secretary Christina Garcia Frasco and Migrant Workers Secretary Hans Leo J. Cacdac led a flag-raising ceremony and AKSYON Fund distribution at the DMW Central Office in Mandaluyong. The event was part of the 2025 National Women's Month celebration. 'From the beginning of the Marcos Administration, our President has articulated how important the contributions of overseas Filipino workers are, not just to the Philippines, but to the rest of the world,' said Secretary Frasco. 'And therefore, his directive was for there to be a whole-of-nation approach to honor the work of OFWs.' The DOT and DMW have programs like 'Bisita, Be My Guest,' which lets OFWs invite foreigners to visit the Philippines and receive rewards, and 'Balik Bayani sa Turismo,' offering free tourism skills training for returning workers and their families. 'I'm very happy to report to you that through our partnership with the DMW, nagkaroon na po tayo ng mga graduates doon sa Pangasinan under the Balik Bayani sa Turismo Program,' she added. Some graduates have already started their own tourism businesses. Secretary Cacdac also thanked DOT for helping provide local income opportunities. 'Walang OFW na ayaw umuwi for good. That's why our partnerships with the DOT is a huge help for our OFWs to come home with their families while having a sustainable source of income in the local tourism sector,' he said.
CBS News
07-03-2025
- Entertainment
- CBS News
The Pittsburgh Home and Garden Show, Trace Brewing Women's businesses event and Cookies and Comedy
This weekend a whole new lineup of events will be happening in Pittsburgh, here's some of the events to check out. Pittsburgh Home and Garden Show This Pittsburgh Home and Garden Show is from March 7-16 at the David L. Lawrence Convention Center downtown. The event is deemed the largest home show in America and it's happening right here in Pittsburgh. It will have over 1,500 exhibits and feature luxury home products. There will be different sections including The Kitchen Idea Center featuring the latest kitchen trends, and the Home Interior Galleries which will feature furniture, accessories, lighting, and more showcased by design professionals. The event is hosted at different times each day and for more information about ticketing and event details be sure to visit the website. Trace Brewing's Women-Owned Businesses event The Women-Owned Businesses event will be hosted by Trace Brewing in Bloomfield on Sunday from 4 p.m. - 8 p.m. The brewing team asks the community to come out and support the local community by shopping from small, local, women-owned businesses in honor of National Women's Month. The event is free and family-friendly and more details can be found on Trace Brewing's Facebook page. Cookies and Comedy Film Festival The Cookies and Comedy Film Festival will be in Lawrenceville Saturday at Row House Cinemas. The event will feature comedic film screenings, live comedy acts by multiple comedians, question and answers sessions, networking opportunities and an award ceremony that will feature a cookie table. featured acts and ticketing, visit the official website.
