Latest news with #ScienceandICTSchoolofSpecialisation
The Citizen
14-05-2025
- The Citizen
Mohloli learners ‘body shamed' and ‘name called' on WhatsApp channel
SHARPEVILLE.- The management of Mohloli Maths, Science and ICT School of Specialisation in Sharpeville frantically dealt with a situation, that if left unattended, could have had serious implications for both the management of the school and learners recently. Sedibeng Ster has learned that there was a disturbing WhatsApp channel that was formed during the Easter holidays where certain learners from the school were being shamed, humiliated and called names. It is well-known that learners who are 'name called' or 'body shamed' end up resorting to drastic actions, some end up taking their lives. Here's a breakdown of the harm, according to research: • Name calling: can alter a child's inner world, leading to feelings of worthlessness, depression, and a loss of control. • Body shaming: can have a dramatic impact on self-esteem, and even lead to physiological and behavioural changes linked to poor health and weight gain. • Both name calling and body shaming: can heighten insecurities, damage self-esteem, and lead to negative self-talk. In essence, both name calling and body shaming (on both adults and children) are forms of verbal abuse that can have lasting negative effects on a person's well-being. The school's management was made aware of the channel and called for calm while it investigated the source of the channel. In one of its communication to parents the school issued a statement that said: 'We want to assure you that the school is taking this matter very seriously. We kindly ask for your support in speaking to your children about the importance of respect, kindness, and responsible use of social media. Let us work together to create a safe and positive environment for all our learners.' Late last week, the school issued another communication (to parents) where it said that the culprit has been found and is going to go through proper school discipline procedure/s and that the disciplinary committee is handling the matter. The Gauteng Department of Education also responded on the matter and said that it strongly condemn any acts of misconduct which seek to undermine the dignity of our learning institutions. 'Schools are urged to enforce their codes of conduct to deal with disciplinary matters. The Department continues to appeal to parents in assisting to enforce discipline in and outside the school environment. The matter is currently being investigated and the outcomes with determine actions to be taken. Accordingly, the victims were identified from the said WhatsApp group and were referred to Psycho-Social unit for necessary support and the said WhatsApp group has since been deleted,' Gauteng Department of Education's spokesperson, Steve Mabona said. Speaking to Sedibeng Ster, one of the parents at the school said: 'This is a great school with amazing results, therefore we cannot allow such actions to derail our children. We will let the process of the disciplinary action take place as the culprit/s have seemingly been found. As in every other case where the law is involved, we should let the law take its course.' Sharpeville police spokesperson, Constable Busisiwe Sango, said that no cases have been opened with them, however, Cyberbullying is a criminal offence, and the/a perpetrator can be charged with crimen injuria, assault or criminal defamation. At Caxton, we employ humans to generate daily fresh news, not AI intervention. Happy reading!
IOL News
07-05-2025
- Automotive
- IOL News
New Ribane-Laka School of Specialisation opens in Mamelodi, focusing on automotive and electronics skills
Gauteng Premier Panyaza Lesufi was flanked by two learners at Ribane-Laka Maths, Science and ICT School of Specialisation in Mamelodi during its launch on Wednesday. Image: Supplied The newly-launched Ribane-Laka Maths, Science and ICT School of Specialisation in Mamelodi township, rebuilt at a cost of R148 million, will offer learners an opportunity to gain skills in electronics and automotive sectors from an early stage, marking a new chapter for them. Gauteng MEC for Education, Matome Chiloane, announced during the school's unveiling ceremony that the school of specialisation will focus on automotive and electronics, aiming to advance the 4th Industrial Revolution. 'As much as one learner said it will improve their employability, our objective is not to be employed; it is for them to create jobs for themselves and others,' he said. He encouraged learners to make use of the skills they acquire at school to economically acquire themselves. 'Once you know how to fix a car, that skill you can actually use to benefit yourselves economically. We are giving you skills that will empower you not only in terms of a career path, but practical skills that you can use if there is a need for them,' he said. The school, converted from a secondary school, features state-of-the-art technology, including advanced laboratories for scientific experiments, modern ICT infrastructure, and a multi-purpose auditorium. He urged community members to protect the facility from vandalism and break-ins by taking care of it. 'This infrastructure must last for long; it must not only benefit the current cohort but it must benefit many for many years,' he said. Chiloane explained that the school was chosen for conversion to a school of specialisation due to its strong performance, citing a 98% pass rate in the first term of the current academic year. Gauteng Premier Panyaza Lesufi said in his keynote address: 'Today we are launching education for purpose, where our children are not going to be taught things that are not going to assist them. Where our children are not going to be taught things that are going to be irrelevant when they leave the school.' He said the school earned its spot as the 36th school of specialisation due to its strong performance, rather than being arbitrarily chosen. He explained that when schools of specialisation were launched three years ago, the goal was to identify and build on high-performing secondary schools. 'We chose Ribane-Laka because at one stage they gave us 100% success,' he said. He said the Gauteng government had resolved years ago to differentiate its schools through the schools of specialisation programme, aiming to address unique challenges and avoid uniformity. 'There are many people who don't understand when we fight for equal education and education that transforms our society. They don't get it. Never before that anyone thought that a Ford Ranger would be inside the school premises not to boast but to teach our children how to repair it when it is broken. No one thought that we could have an engine inside the school premises where our children can explain its meaning; where our children can explain to you how an engine functions,' Lesufi said. Tshwane Automotive Special Economic Zone (Tasez) has signed a memorandum of understanding with the school to offer support. Tasez leader, Bheki Zulu, said the entity has launched an academy, which will give learners opportunities to advance their studies and achieve automotive excellence. 'Over and above that we want to expose these learners to industries so that by the time they exit the school they have a fair understanding of what automotive and ICT is all about,' he said. [email protected]
