Special needs Education - Is South Africa doing enough?

The Greek biographer of the ancient philosophers, Diogenes Laertius said: “The foundation of every state, is the education of its youth.”

Most people would agree that education is the cornerstone of any civilisation and the only way to ensure a prospering, developing nation. However, a one-size-fits-all approach to education would be totally fruitless, especially when it comes to those with special needs.

Special needs education is defined as the practice of educating learners with special needs in a way that addresses their individual differences and needs (Wikipedia). A more individual approach, and in many cases adapted equipment, materials and settings, often allow these students to achieve a higher success rate in the classroom than what they might have achieved in a typical classroom environment.

Common special needs include learning disabilities, physical disabilities, emotional and behavioural disorders and developmental disabilities.

Sadly in South Africa, these special schools are limited, particularly in rural areas. According to the website, Independent Living, almost 70% of children with disabilities of school-going age are presently out of school. Consequently, illiteracy and low skills are high among adults with disabilities, which results in high levels of unemployment.

A quick search on the website, schoolguide.co.za, reveals that there are 448 special needs schools in South Africa, mostly catering for general special needs. The highest concentration of special needs schools are in Gauteng (155), with the Western Cape (85) and KwaZulu-Natal (79) second and third respectively. The other provinces have much less special education institutions with Mpumalanga (20) and the Northern Cape (10) having the least. The North West province have no special needs schools listed.

South Africa has adopted an inclusive education policy aimed at addressing the barriers to learning in the education system. The policy is explained in Education White Paper 6: Special Needs Education. However, the country still faces huge challenges with regard to the lack of teachers’ skills and knowledge in differentiating the curriculum to address different needs.

An article in the African Journal of Disability maintains that the first step in addressing special needs education in South Africa, is for teachers to address the range of diverse learning needs in their classrooms. This will require new skills, training and support from the educational system. It also proposes a new approach to educational design as represented by the Universal Design for Learning (UDL) model. The UDL model deals with designing all aspects of the learning environment to address the wide-ranging variation of student needs that exist in an inclusive educational system.

It is clear that there are many thoughts and many ideas around special education in South Africa. Educators, specialists and government must work together to ensure that no South African falls between the cracks of a lacking education system.

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April 8, 2015 Articles, Education & Schools 0

Special Education Schools – Two Famous Facilities in Worcester

When one thinks of special education schools, a certain Western Cape town comes to mind. Worcester.

It is here, between the majestic Du Toitskloof and Hex River mountains, where you will find two of South Africa’s most well-known schools for children with special needs. Indeed, here special education schools are nothing strange. Seeing blind and deaf learners making their way around town is part and parcel of everyday life.

The Pioneer School caters for blind learners, partially sighted learners, deafblind learners and learners with learning barriers.

The school’s website proclaims that their main aim is to ensure that their learners are educated in a safe and happy environment. They strive towards empowering their learners to become responsible and independent citizens who have reached their full potential and who can serve their communities with self-respect and self-confidence. The Pioneer Schools remains a beacon of hope for parents and learners.

The blind person has always been part of mankind, but has not always been part of society.  For centuries society marginalized the blind, leaving their care in the hands of the family.

In 1784, however, this changed when the first school for the blind was established in Paris, France.

South Africa had to wait almost another hundred years for its first school for the blind. 1881 was the year in which “Het Doofstommen en Blinden Instituut” was established in Worcester. It was the brainchild of two ministers of the Dutch Reformed Church, Pastor William Murray of Worcester and Pastor Christiaan Rabie of Piketberg. This institution paved the way for the education of the blind.

The first teacher entrusted with the educational needs of these learners was Mr Jan de la Bat. The academic programme with special adaptations was developed, and very soon the blind child followed the National Curriculum as offered in mainstream schools throughout the country. As they do till this day.

In 1981 the name of the school changed from School for the Blind to the Pioneer School.

The second of the special education schools in Worcester is the De La Bat School. It serves as a special school for the deaf’s educational needs.

As far as special education schools go, De La Bat has quite a few unique features and offerings.

They employ deaf and hearing educators and assistants. They offer South African Sign Language as a subject from 3years to grade 12. They take pride in their vocational and skills orientated courses. They have a section for multi-disabled deaf learners as well as diverse sport and cultural activities.

Support services on campus are also not neglected. There is ample health care, social services, and psychological, audiological and occupational services.

Students are further supported by way of transport for day scholars as well as weekend and holiday transport. Nine hostels ensure that age appropriate 24 hour care is provided.

First-year teachers at special education schools worldwide are said to find their job extremely challenging. International trends suggest that first-year special education teachers are more likely to leave the service than main stream teachers (Gehrke & McCoy, 2007). Studies indicate that low job satisfaction can be attributed to an excessive workload because of curriculum changes, unreasonable demands and a lack of support systems (Castro et al., 2010; Howard & Johnson, 2004; Kirk & Wall, 2010).

June 3, 2015 Articles, Education & Schools 0

South Africa’s Most Expensive Houses for Sale

Antique lamps, crystal chandeliers, fully furnished indoor cinemas and meticulous landscapes are just some of the features found in South Africa’s most expensive houses for sale. And while these homes make no apologies for their opulence, private cinemas, heated swimming pools and massage rooms are luxuries most of us simply cannot afford. That however, does not mean we can’t take a peep into the luxurious homes resided in by the country’s elite.

These are five of South Africa’s most expensive houses for sale according to Property24.

1. R360 million: 8 Bedroom House in Camps Bay

Camps Bay House

The Enigma Mansion, located between Clifton and Camps Bay, resides on Cape Town’s most expensive land. The over 7000 square meter property offers unobstructed views of the Atlantic Seaboard as well as a 3D cinema, Versace pool, teahouse, Balinese massage temple and underground parking. Additionally, The Enigma Mansion boats a state-of-the-art media room, dance studio, sauna, wine cellar, gym and of course breakfast, lunch and dinner menus served by acclaimed Chef Richard Chamberlain. This palatial property is undoubtedly one of South Africa’s most expensive houses for sale.

2. R120 million: 9 Bedroom House in Upper Constantia

Upper Constantia 1

Previously owned by Earl Spencer and visited by the late Princess Diana, it’s not hard to see why this 2 acre makes the list of South Africa’s most expensive houses for sale. The residence includes en-suite dressing rooms in each of the main bedrooms, a wine cellar, library, tennis court and two vineyards.

3. R110 million: 5 Bedroom House in Fresnaye

Fresnaye

This five bedroom house boasts rare white Carrara marble floors, an elegant living room area housing three fireplaces, a custom bar, gourmet kitchen and spectacular views of the ocean towards Robben Island. Additional features include lift access, a cinema, braai area, swimming pool and fully equipped gym. Situated at the end of an exclusive cul de sac, this property is third on the list of South Africa’s most expensive houses for sale

4. R78 million: 4 Bedroom House in Uitzicht

Uitzicht

Designed by architect, John Halford, this property boasts a pool room, wine cellar, private lounges, heated indoor-outdoor swimming pool and gym. At approximately 8.84 hectares this Uitzicht residence commands a glorious view over the lagoon and provides private access to the beach.

5. R75 million: 10 Bedroom House in Upper Constantia

Upper Constantia 2

Cielo nel Capo’s architecture is reminiscent of a Tuscan Villa. Considered to be one of the top properties in Africa, Cielo nel Capo has featured in Hollywood, European and Bollywood films in addition to numerous advertising campaigns.

This villa which is set over five levels, accessible by two elevators, boasts a state of the art cinema, heated indoor swimming pool, tennis court, spa and steam room. Cielo nel Capo has a home automation system which controls lights, pool pumps, irrigation, security gates and is integrated with a comprehensive alarm system. Cielo nel Capo is number five on the list of South Africa’s most expensive houses for sale.

April 8, 2015 Accommodation & Travel, Articles, Financial, Legal & Business Services 0

Sony to end FIFA sponsorship contract: report

Sony will not renew a multi-million-dollar sponsorship contract with FIFA, reports said on Tuesday, as the money-losing firm undergoes a painful restructuring and football’s governing remains embroiled in controversy…

Japan’s leading Nikkei business daily said the eight-year, Y33bn ($280m) contract, which expires this year, would not be re-negotiated owing to worries that a new deal would be even more costly.

South Korea’s Samsung is rumoured to be Sony’s successor in the FIFA sponsorship, the Nikkei said in its report, which did not cite sources.

“Our company wants to refrain from commenting,” a Sony spokeswoman said in response to the Nikkei report.

National broadcaster NHK, along with other Japanese media, later said Sony has decided not to renew the contract due to cost.

The reports come as FIFA’s leadership faces a string of corruption allegations, including questions over the bidding for the 2018 tournament in Russia and the 2022 event in Qatar.

Earlier this month, Dubai-based airline Emirates decided to end its sponsorship agreement with FIFA, marking a big blow to the embattled organisation.

Adidas, Coca-Cola, Hyundai and Visa are among FIFA’s other major sponsors.

Sony has been an official sponsor of football’s global governing body at more than 40 tournaments, including the 2010 World Cup in South Africa and this year in Brazil.

The struggling firm is looking to slash costs after warning last month that its net loss for the April-September period ballooned to nearly $1bn.

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April 8, 2015 Articles, Entertainment, Leisure, Sport & Adventure 0

Shake-up at DOC - cabinet

Former cabinet spokesman Phumla Williams on Sunday declined to comment on a report that she had been demoted and replaced by a junior employee at the communications department.

“All I will say is I am no longer the cabinet spokesperson and the government communications spokesperson,” she said. “I’m not commenting on the report.”

Williams, however, would still be working in the department.

City Press reported that communications minister Faith Muthambi had sent Williams — who had been acting Government Communication and Information System (GCIS) head since Jimmy Manyi left two years ago — an e-mail informing her she was relieving her of those duties.

Unnamed sources in GCIS reportedly told the paper that staff were shocked when Muthambi appointed Donald Liphoko, a chief director in the department, as acting director-general, in effect making him Williams’s boss.

“We couldn’t believe that she chose Donald. The man can hardly cope with his duties as it is and now she is making him acting DG,” a senior manager in the department told the paper.

GCIS ceased to exist at the beginning of this month after its functions were absorbed into the communications department.

Muthambi reportedly defended her decision regarding Williams.

Ayanda Holo, head of stakeholder relations in the department, said Williams would be sent to help minister in the presidency Jeff Radebe with the interministerial committee tasked with repositioning Brand South Africa, which now falls under the department.

Source: TechCentral

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April 7, 2015 Articles, At Your Service, Financial, Legal & Business Services 0

Safety tips for travel

Crime is a problem in most places in today’s world so it’s important that one makes personal safety a priority when undertaking a travel. These are some basic safety tips for travellers.

1. Stay Connected

If you plan to travel the first thing you should do is check that your mobile device has roaming capabilities as well as the costs involved. If not ensure that one you have reached your travel destination you obtain a rental device or alternatively purchase an international sim card should you have an unlocked GSM device.

2. Vehicle safety

Should you be driving during your travels always ensure that your doors are looked and all valuables are kept in the boot or underneath the car seat where they cannot be seen. This will help avoid car hijackings or “smash-and-grabs”. Take note of your surrounding when at traffic lights or stop streets. Should you opt instead to use a tour operator or travel service only use reputable ones and if unsure ask your hotel to recommend a service provider.

March 18, 2015 Accommodation & Travel, Articles 0

SA to host 2015 AFCON?

Following spread of the deadly Ebola virus in West Africa, 2015 African Cup of Nations (AFCON) host nation, Morocco, is opting to withdraw themselves from hosting the 30th edition of the continental showpiece.

Morocco requested the Confederations of African Football (CAF) to postpone the tournament which was set for January next year, due to the Ebola epidemic, which CAF has turned a blind eye to.

Earlier reports revealed that South African Football Associations (SAFA) president Danny Jordaan is set to meet with the CAF boss Issa Hayatou to discuss a way forward as South Africa is set to replace the North African giants.

SAFA spokesperson Dominic Chimhavi told Sport24 in an exclusive interview on Wednesday that a decision is not final regarding the matter.

Chimhavi also hinted that South Africa is just being considered as a possible replacement, should the royal Moroccan Football Federation (FRMF) confirm their withdrawal.

“I can’t say we are going to host the tournament again next year,” Chimhavi said.

“This is what is happening, as we know that Morocco had requested to withdraw from hosting the tournament due to the widespread of a deadly Ebola virus.

“CAF just voiced South Africa as a possible destination to this challenge.

“But there are still lot of things to be considered before a final decision can be made.

“The president (Jordaan) and the NEC members will have a meeting to discuss a way forward regarding this, but CAF is considering South Africa because we are always ready to host major sporting events.

“We have the best infrastructure in the country but nothing has been confirmed.”

South Africa hosted the previous tournament in 2013 after being involved in a swap deal with Libya due to the political instabilities in their country, which led to the assassination of their President Maummar Gaddafi in 2011.

Initially, South African was supposed to host the competition in 2017.

It remains to be seen where the next AFCON will be played.

 

Source: Sport24
April 7, 2015 Articles, At Your Service, Medical 0

SA Post Office feels financial squeeze

The SA Post Office remained a place of mayhem this week as the strike continued and it emerged that some of its workers did not get paid this month’s salaries.

Post Office spokesperson Johan Kruger said there was a system error and payments were late by only 12 hours.

But a Post Office employee said this was not true and workers were struggling to get answers out of branch managers.

The current strike started two weeks ago after a dispute about the process of converting workers from casual to permanent employment. But Post Office employees have been participating in various unprotected strikes since January.

The Post Office’s flexible labour strategy to convert 7 945 casual workers into permanent employees was adopted last year.

Chief operating officer Mlu Mathonsi said: “The aim of the flexible labour strategy has always been to advance the part-time employees to more permanent positions with full benefits. However, a staggered approach had to be adopted, given the difficult financial position the company is in.”

The Post Office has adopted a phased system where casual workers were offered permanent part-time positions.

Mathonsi said the disputes with the unions were around agreements that casual workers would be employed in entry-level positions with limited benefits.

“This was the only way the Post Office could permanently employ the large number of casual workers,” he said.

Communications Workers’ Union spokesperson Mantankana Mothapo said the Post Office had pushed workers too far.

“There are employees who have been there for 10 to 15 years who are casual workers,” he said.

According to the Post Office, more than 2 000 casual employees have been given permanent contracts since last year.

It is no secret that the Post Office has been in dire financial straits. Management has described the situation as a crisis.

Internal emails circulated last week, addressed to Mike Faasen, the general manager for retirements, tax and treasury, accused the Post Office of withdrawing R401 million from the pension fund between April and August.

A recent report in The Star newspaper said a draft audit report by Deloitte alleged it had used the employees’ pension fund to pay off an overdraft of R250 million.

According to the emails, employees are concerned that surplus funds from the pension fund are being mismanaged. Surplus funds accumulate when there are unclaimed retirement benefits due to resignation or death.

A legislative change in 2001 required all pension funds to distribute surpluses to members.

Faasen, however, dismissed the allegations, saying the Post Office withdrew the money from its own resources.

The Deloitte report also said the Post Office had incurred a R361 million loss and racked up R1.2 billion in irregular expenditure, including the irregular award of tenders. The report said it spent R184 million on consultants and R114 million on travel.

In the previous financial year, strikes cost the Post Office R100 million, so more losses can be expected when financial results are announced.

Kruger said the Post Office’s audit committee would meet next week, after which the company’s annual report would be available. It has until tomorrow to release its results.

“All we want is competent management because the current management is collapsing the Post Office,” Mothapo said.

Source: City Press

April 7, 2015 Articles, At Your Service 0

Retail and Wholesale - Building blocks of the Trade Industry

Our world has become very convenient. No longer do we have to hunt small animals or forage in the woods for food and clothing to keep us warm. These days, we pop down to the supermarket or the corner shop to buy everything we need. This is where retailers, wholesalers, producers and manufacturers come in. They all have a role to play in the supply chain, but most of the general public only deal with the retail and wholesale industry.

In the world of trade, many people are unsure what the difference between retail and wholesale is. The easy answer is that the wholesaler sells to the retailer, and the retailer sells to the customer.

In truth, there is much more to retail and wholesale, and both are important building blocks of any economy.

Producers mostly deal with wholesalers. They are the middlemen between the producer and the retailer. Wholesalers frequently sell in bulk and are often not allowed to sell to the public. As a result, a wholesaler doesn’t have many costs and those that are incurred don’t change much, whether selling one or a thousand of something. Usually, wholesalers sell a large number of items to retailers, who then repackage and resell the items to the public.

Retail is any sale to an individual or company for end use. Retailers has costs such as rent, employees and advertising. They also have to make a profit to stay in business. These costs are added to the price of the product purchased from the wholesaler. Therefore, it is almost always more expensive to buy retail than wholesale.

According to the MSC Business College, the wholesale and retail sectors in South African remains the 4th largest contributor to the Gross Domestic Product (GDP), contributing 14%. More than 3 million people work in wholesale and retail in the country, making up 26% of the economically active population. It is clear that both retail and wholesale fulfil important roles in the trade cycle, which ultimately makes our lives a whole lot easier.

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April 8, 2015 Articles, Retail & Wholesale 0