In this episode, we dive into the ongoing issue of school uniform monopolies in South Africa. Parents are grappling with inflated prices and limited choices due to exclusive supplier agreements, despite the Competition Commission raising concerns about these practices in 2021. We explore the challenges families face, the lack of action from some schools, and the financial burden on parents as they continue to fight for more affordable options

NSFAS faces significant sustainability challenges due to South Africa's economic constraints, including high youth unemployment (around 60%) and unemployed graduates, which reduce potential economic returns on investment. Constrained public finances which limit government funding for higher education are also contributing factors. The expanding demand for NSFAS assistance due to rising education costs and increasing student numbers is a big issue as Expressions asks, Is NSFAS in a stable condition? Is the fund prepared for the 2025 academic year? What immediate steps ought to be taken to address NSFAS challenges?

Education and employability are closely linked, and it is essential that the education system adapts to the changing needs of the workforce. Graduate employability is the ability of a student to find a job following completion of studies and graduation. More specifically, it is the degree to which students can use their skills and knowledge to find work.

The Minister of Basic Education, Siviwe Gwarube, announced the outcome of the National Senior Certificate examinations on 13 January 2025. It’s inevitable that not all candidates passed with flying colours. While most candidates will opt to further their studies at higher institutes of learning not every learner will get placement at universities. What other options are there for candidates to explore? TVET colleges offer a wide range of vocational skills, which could decrease the unemployment numbers in the country while equipping learners with skills for the working environment. Not every university application will be accepted, so...What Other training programs are there, to help those who are not accepted in universities?

We commemorate World AIDS day under the theme "Take the rights path: My health, my right!". This day serves as a reminder of the ongoing fight against HIV/AIDS and the need for global solidarity. South Africa is one of the leading countries with the highest number of people living with HIV. HIV stigma it remains a significant issue in South Africa, despite medical advances and legal protections. what needs to be done to address the high numbers of HIV AND AIDS?

School safety is the focus this week. According to the in loco parentis principle, teachers assume the role of guardians and parents during school hours. But there seems to be an underbelly on the rise in our South African schools. The crime situation in schools is so dire that education authorities and management are forced to divert millions of funds meant for infrastructure development and maintenance towards security services to safeguard pupils, teachers and staff against rising crime on school grounds. The latest food poisoning outbreak isn’t helping the situation either. But what could be the causations thereof?

While it is appreciated that the festive season is a time for enjoyment and festivities, it remains very alarming that during this time of the year crime escalates apha emzansi afrika. Crimes like murder, rape,robberies and more are very common around this time. During the festive season of the year 2023, Five hundred and sixty suspects were arrested for murder, 604 people were charged with attempted murder and 470 were arrested for rape. Do you feel safe during the festive season?

Violence against children remains a critical challenge facing South African society today, despite tremendous efforts to curb this scourge. The legacy of violence and extreme inequality from South Africa’s past is compounded by high poverty and unemployment in the present. This combination places many children at risk of domestic violence, substance abuse, sexual abuse and neglect.