Latest news with #UniversityofSouthAfrica
TimesLIVE
2 days ago
- Politics
- TimesLIVE
MK Party MP Brian Molefe earns master's degree in law from Unisa
MK Party MP Brian Molefe has graduated with a Master of Laws (LLM) degree from the University of South Africa (Unisa). The former Eskom CEO's dissertation was titled 'Euthanasia and the right to dignity in South African law: A critique of Stransham-Ford'. 'It's about time we talk about the dignity people have lost over the years as a result of our history and how that is going to be fixed,' Molefe said. 'We are ready to engage on matters of human rights and dignity.' Molefe earned his LLB degree in 2022 from Unisa. In 2015 he was conferred an honorary degree of Doctor of Engineering (DEng) from Glasgow Caledonian University in Scotland. His other qualifications include a master's in business leadership, a postgraduate diploma in economics and a bachelor of commerce. He served as Transnet CEO in 2011 and was in the office of the premier of Limpopo for two years. In 2022 was implicated in alleged corrupt activities in the report of the Zondo commission into state capture.
IOL News
6 days ago
- Politics
- IOL News
Synoptic analysis and expectations: The annual Thabo Mbeki Africa Day Lecture
Africa needs to rid itself of leaders who thrive on populist and ethnic politics. Image: Karen Sandison This annual lecture is hosted by the Thabo Mbeki Foundation, alongside the University of South Africa (UNISA) and other stakeholders, on the founding date of the Organisation of African Unity (OAU), which is the precursor to the African Union (AU). This strategic gathering offers a unique opportunity for the TM Foundation to critically assess Africa's progress and commitment, and to deeply analyse the continent's pressing challenges in the quest for Africa's renaissance (rebirth) through realising political, socio-economic, and cultural self-reliance. Therefore, this article synoptically analyses Africa's progress and reflections of Abdoulaye Bathily on the critical and pressing challenges he raised as a keynote speaker at the 14th Thabo Mbeki Africa Day lecture 2024. The article also delves into the 12th May 2025 press briefing by the AU chairperson of the commission, His Excellency Mahmoud Ali Youssouf. The reflections by these two patriots call for succinct reflection and analysis that sets the tone for the 15th Thabo Mbeki Africa Day lecture that will be held under the theme 'State of the Continent' within the context of reigniting Africa's renaissance in Tanzania this weekend. Professor Bathily expressed concerns that Africa remains culturally downtrodden and politically, economically, and militarily dependent on European countries despite attaining independence more than sixty years ago. He primarily attributes this lack of progress and the new scramble for Africa to the ongoing leadership crisis on the continent. 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 Next Stay Close ✕ He further argues that Africa needs to rid itself of leaders who thrive on populist and ethnic politics. The continent requires new leaders who can revive the liberation and Pan-African project. In my view, although the AU and others oppose the coups that have occurred in West Africa, particularly in the Sahel region, the masses in Mali, Niger, and Burkina Faso have become impatient with the colonial ties to their former coloniser, France, and have resolved to identify themselves as Sankarists, committed to completing the decolonial struggle initiated by the late President Thomas Sankara in Burkina Faso. Therefore, inasmuch as I believe in the democratically elected leadership, but to a certain extent, one is tempted to stand with those Sankarists because, in October 2024, the TM Foundation convened the inaugural Peace and Security Dialogue in South Africa, which I attended and participated in. The dialogue focused on peace and security in the West and the Horn of Africa. On the same date as the dialogue, France convened a Francophonie festival and summit in Paris to celebrate the French language and strengthen relations among the world's French-speaking countries; thus, some leaders in West Africa chose the meeting in Paris over the critical peace and security dialogue. It was indicated that, although West Africa was an area of focus for the dialogue, it was not well represented. This affirms the assertions that African leaders have abandoned the liberation and Pan-African agenda. This confirms what Prof Bathily stated, that African heads of state can leave the meeting of the AU and be convened by one head of state. Therefore, President Sankara and Ibrahim Traore must multiply, on the continent to extricate Africa from neo-colonial bondage. Once again, Prof Bathily argues that Africa has numerous partnerships with European countries and entities for development; however, natural resources depart the continent, but Africa continues to experience stagnation in economic growth and development. The question is, how strategic are those Africa's partnerships for the AU's Agenda 2063? I assert that the AU and its member states should contemplate establishing criteria and reviewing these partnerships in light of the AU Agenda 2063. This is feasible, as a multipolar world creates space for emerging actors who could serve as competitors to the current exploitative one and possibly be partners for genuine Africa's development. Additionally, a concerning factor is the increasing presence of foreign military bases on the continent, which arrived under the pretext of combating the rise of violent extremism and acts of terrorism. However, the reality is that the military weapons provided are fuelling instabilities on the continent. On the other hand, there is a contradiction; for example, African leaders claim to be investing in agriculture to fight hunger and poverty, but continue to auction land to private multilateral companies in exchange for foreign direct investment. In return, these so-called investors practice agriculture solely for maximising profit at the expense of the suffering and hungry masses. Bathily says African land must be given to conscious African farmers who would understand that the land, especially agriculture, must feed Africans before being exported. On 12 May 2025, the newly elected chairperson of the AU Commission, Mahmoud Ali Youssouf, held a press briefing that I viewed as an opportunity for him to outline his detailed plans; regrettably, he provided an overview of strategic priorities without a clear plan of action. For instance, regarding issues related to the Commission on Political Affairs, Peace and Security (PAPS), the chairperson merely identified a few African countries in conflict and the dialogues occurring to resolve those conflicts. He noted that he would soon meet with the foreign affairs ministers from Sahel countries to seek lasting peace in the region. This PAPS has a considerable workload, as Africa accounts for almost 70% of global conflicts. I strongly contend that the AU's decision to merge the Department of Political Affairs with Peace and Security lacked strategy, as the current focus leans more towards peace and security. In my view, the AU should reconsider its decision and separate the commissions so that Political Affairs could lead the revival of the liberation and Pan-African project, as Prof Bathily suggests. Therefore, I am hopeful that the 15th Thabo Mbeki Africa Day Lecture, themed 'the state of the continent,' will take stock of the previous lectures, developments within the G20, and the political, socio-economic, violent conflict and cultural developments, leadership crisis on the continent within the context of the geopolitical shifts and a multipolar world. The New Partnership for Africa's Development should be resuscitated and Africanised to drive the continental development. Orapeleng Matshediso is a Masters graduate of Pan African Development Studies and Research Associate at the University of Johannesburg (Institute for Pan African Thought and Conversation). The author is also an alumnus of the then Thabo Mbeki African Leadership Institute (TMALI) and writes in his capacity. Orapeleng Matshediso is a Masters graduate of Pan African Development Studies and Research Associate at the University of Johannesburg (Institute for Pan African Thought and Conversation). Image: Supplied.
IOL News
22-05-2025
- Politics
- IOL News
The future of e-voting in South Africa: Opportunities and challenges
An illustration of an e-voting machine. Image: IOL / Ron AI Although the powers that be are exploring electronic voting (e-voting), its implementation in South Africa cannot be expected anytime soon. E-voting embraces electronic means of casting votes and counting them. University of South Africa (UNISA) distinguished professor at the College of Science, Engineering and Technology, Professor Colin Thakur, said a voting machine is a specialised type of computer. Therefore, normal computers and smartphones cannot be used. He said issues regarding an election include vote secrecy, vote security, transparency, ease of voting, speed and efficiency of counting, and effect on voter turnout and equity of access. 'When we press a button, we expect privacy, we expect security, we expect verification, we expect,' Thakur said about e-voting. He said paper was slowly losing its gold standard stature because of the logistics of moving 90 million pieces of paper from the central location to the voting districts and then the reversal logistics. Additionally, instances of 'lost' ballot boxes can cause danger by creating a lingering doubt. Thakur said the other challenge lies with ballot tabulation, which includes undercounting, overvoting, and none of the above (NOTA). 'One thing paper does that machine doesn't do is, you can spoil your ballot paper,' Thakur said. Why e-voting? Thakur said modern devices are becoming more intuitive and they mitigate mobility, illiteracy, people with disabilities (PWDs) challenges and the elderly. E-voting is quicker and more accurate for vote tallying and announcements. You can ask electorate-focused questions or percentage-type questions. 'E-voting machines can be used to decide a national non-political question not affecting the Constitution, or be used to gauge if the government has enough public support to go ahead with a proposed action,' Thakur said. He said e-voting is useful in a fragile, transitional, or a government of national unity democracy. Additionally, national, provincial, and local elections can be held simultaneously and can be cheaper too. Election hacking He said theoretically, things like ransomware, denial of service attacks, latency, 404ed! Page not found and Eskom can happen. However, most hacks happen in the lab and not on-site or during elections. However, he stated that no technology is insulated from misappropriation. Radio signal interception is possible. He said hacking needs sustained access to the e-voting machine. 'On voting day, there is no Wi-Fi, no Bluetooth, there's no connectivity, the machine is isolated from the world. So, how do you hack a machine that's secure?' Thakur stated that to secure the vote, there are zero-knowledge proofs, homomorphic encryption, mix networks, blockchain, and a voter-verified paper audit trail. He highlighted that e-voting is adopted in a stable, non-violent political climate; fragile or transitional democracy; multi-party democracy with two dominant parties; coalition government; large populations; a level of technical maturity; illiteracy is not seen as a setback; and a mixed economy. E-voting strengths, opportunities, and advantages Thakur said e-voting is fast, accurate, and gives an unemotional count. It also has multilingualism. He said e-voting helps PWDs, the elderly, and illiterate voters through images, audio, graphics, symbols, and speech-to-text touchscreens. It also provides additional voting options. He added that human error is reduced by automated transmission and tabulation of errors. Thakur said electronic transmission is the last thing that happens, and it is important because of denial of service attacks, ransomware, and man-in-the-middle interception. However, blockchain can mediate this challenge. He said if the IEC decides to pilot or trial e-voting, then the legislation process must start, but information dissemination must start immediately. 'E-voting is not about technology - it's about democracy. We must guard against an election becoming a census of those who vote,' Thakur said. [email protected]
Observer
18-05-2025
- Automotive
- Observer
Why ballast-less T-Track technology is ideal for Oman
The harsh desert environments of Oman and the broader Arabian Peninsula present distinct challenges for railway infrastructure. Wind-blown sand, extreme temperatures, and limited maintenance access create conditions in which conventional ballast-based track systems rapidly deteriorate and become unsustainable. In this context, ballast-less T-Track technology emerges as a highly suitable and proven solution. This system has already demonstrated remarkable success in Namibia, where it was used to upgrade railway infrastructure in the Namib Desert—the oldest desert in the world. One of the primary advantages of T-Track technology is its elimination of ballast and related vulnerabilities. In desert conditions, traditional ballasted tracks are prone to sand infiltration, which fills the voids between ballast stones, compromises track stability, and renders essential maintenance activities such as tamping ineffective. Furthermore, during intense sandstorms, the ballast itself can be displaced or blown away entirely, leaving rails unsupported and hazardous. T-Track completely avoids these issues by removing the need for ballast altogether. The design of T-Track is both robust and innovative. It comprises prefabricated, twin steel-reinforced concrete beams linked by galvanized steel tie bars at carefully engineered intervals. The rails are fastened using proven Pandrol or Vossloh clip systems, with resilience provided by a continuous rubber-bonded cork strip placed underneath. The result is an integrated system that maintains fixed vertical and horizontal geometry, dramatically reducing the need for maintenance and ensuring long-term operational reliability. Moreover, the absence of sleepers and the elimination of tamping requirements further reduce life-cycle maintenance costs and simplify track management. T-Track is specifically engineered to meet defined axle loads and train speeds. The substructure and formation layers are an integral part of the system's overall design, delivering continuous support and reducing rail stress. This allows for the use of reduced rail sizes, which can lead to material savings without compromising safety or performance. T-Track's modular components also allow for rapid and simplified construction, significantly reducing labor and time costs. Its adaptability makes it well-suited for diverse rail infrastructure, including tunnels, turnouts, low-lying flood-prone zones, mining yards, and passenger platforms. The success of T-Track in Namibia underscores its durability and effectiveness in some of the most unforgiving conditions on earth. The system has operated there for over three decades without a single reported issue related to its fastening mechanisms. In addition, ongoing research—such as that conducted by the University of South Africa—continues to refine and enhance the system's performance and economic benefits. For Oman, the adoption of T-Track technology represents an opportunity to develop a future-proof rail network that withstands the challenges of desert terrain while minimizing maintenance burdens and operational disruptions. T- Track technology can also be transferred to the proposed Oman Rail Institute for future track construction here in the Sultanate. Given the country's shared environmental conditions with regions like Namibia and Saudi Arabia, where T-Track's performance has been validated, its application in Oman is both logical and strategic. T-Track eliminates many of the pitfalls associated with ballast systems, allowing rail authorities to redirect focus toward operational excellence and strategic expansion. In conclusion, ballast-less T-Track technology offers Oman a resilient, low-maintenance, and economically viable alternative to conventional railway systems. Its proven success in desert environments makes it an ideal choice for building and sustaining a modern, efficient rail network in the Arabian Peninsula.
IOL News
16-05-2025
- Business
- IOL News
The rise of alternative education
Online education is on the rise in South Africa—and it's changing how we learn. A quiet shift is taking place in South Africa's education landscape—one that is redefining what it means to learn, qualify and succeed. Online education, once seen as a fringe option, has moved firmly into the mainstream. Increasingly, South Africans are turning to digital platforms for accessible, affordable and flexible alternatives to traditional study. From short skills-based courses to fully accredited degrees, the era of alternative education is here—and it's growing faster than ever before. A growing preference for flexibility The demand for flexible learning isn't new, but the pace of adoption has accelerated dramatically. Today's learners want education that fits into their lives, not the other way around. Whether they're juggling work, caregiving or financial constraints, many are finding online education to be the solution. The appeal is clear: no commuting, no rigid timetables, and often, significantly lower costs. Courses can be taken at one's own pace, from anywhere with an internet connection—making it ideal for rural learners, parents and working professionals. This shift is also supported by the growing popularity of short courses, online diplomas and micro-credentials, which offer faster pathways to employment or promotion. Learners are prioritising practical skills and real-world relevance over lengthy academic programmes. Unisa: Leading the online education revolution The University of South Africa (Unisa) is a clear example of this evolution. As the country's largest university by enrollment—and one of the biggest distance learning institutions in the world—Unisa has long embraced online education as a viable, scalable model. With hundreds of thousands of students enrolled each year, Unisa's approach demonstrates the demand for remote and self-paced learning. Its success has paved the way for other institutions and private providers to follow suit, offering courses that cater to a wide range of academic interests and career paths. The model works because it recognises the reality of the modern learner: not everyone can afford full-time study, and not everyone needs a traditional classroom environment to thrive. Changing how we define success The rise of alternative education is also challenging long-held assumptions about what it means to be 'educated.' For years, university degrees were seen as the gold standard—but today, more South Africans are recognising the value of skills-based learning. Online learning platforms have made it possible to earn certifications in everything from digital marketing and coding to agriculture and bookkeeping. These skills are not only in demand but often lead directly to freelance work, side hustles and full-time employment. What matters now is not just where you studied—but what you can do. Support for the new learner With so many options available, navigating the online education space can be overwhelming. That's why platforms like FundiConnect have become essential. From helping students explore online institutions and programmes, to providing advice on career paths and funding, FundiConnect is helping thousands of learners take their next step with confidence. For those seeking to upgrade their skills, change careers or begin studying after a gap—online education is no longer a second-best option. It's a practical, empowering choice for a generation that values mobility, speed and impact. The future of education is here As South Africa's workforce evolves, so too must its education system. The rise of alternative education is not just a response to current challenges—it's a reflection of where the world is headed. Learning is no longer confined to lecture halls and printed textbooks. It's digital, dynamic and on-demand. And for South Africans ready to seize the opportunity, online education offers a gateway to a better future—on their terms. For more study, career and funding advice, visit or email support@ Facebook: @fundiconnectSA or X: @fundi_connect
