Alan Hammond

School shutdowns and rotational attendance has seen the amount of teaching time cut by a half over the last year. However research has now revealed that the amount of actual learning by pupils was more dramatically impacted, with one researcher commenting that there was hardly any learning.

For those who haven't got a job and can't find one with the restrictions of the lockdown, there was good news from the President in his latest speech to the country. The R350 Social Relief Of Distress grant paid out by SASSA is going to be coming back. This time it will also apply to more people.

With the number of cases of Covid-19 still at a high level in the country the President has announced that the stricter lockdown measures under the adjusted level 4 have been extended for another two weeks. The return to school for the third term has also been delayed.

In an unscheduled media briefing on Saturday afternoon, the Health Department and scientists presented their latest research to the public that demonstrates the unwelcome arrival of the Delta variant of Covid-19 in South Africa. They went on to explain the impact of this on the medical outlook and how this will influence the vaccine programme.  This may also impact the discussions about whether a harder lockdown will be coming.

Up to 582 000 teachers and other school staff will be vaccinated in an ambitious programme to by launched by the Basic Education Department this week. The Minister has given details of who will be vaccinated, and when.

Higher Education Minister Blade Nzimande is trying to get Facebook to close down a fake account used to scam unsuspecting users who think they are helping the government leader support struggling students.

President Cyril Ramaphosa used his Youth Day speech for the official launch of a new government service to help battle the 46% youth unemployment rate.  He called on young people to register for the new SA Youth service to help them gain access to jobs and learning opportunities.

With the number of Covid-19 cases that need hospital treatment rising by 58% over the last two weeks the government has decided to increase restrictions and raise the lockdown level. There will be restrictions on the sale of alcohol and the evening curfew will be brought forward as a strategy that is intended bring down the number of infections that are spread during social gatherings.

Fears of a third wave of Covid-19 spreading across the country has lead the government to move the country back up to Level 2 of the national lockdown.  President Cyril Ramaphosa has addressed the country with another 'family meeting' where he has outlined the new restrictions that have been put in place to attempt to slow the spread of the disease.

26-year-old Yonwaba Manyanya passed away this week and on social media her tragic death was blamed on the  student funding body NSFAS. The organisation has released a statement to clarify the status of her studies.

It is a monthly event that Unisa students struggle to make ends meet while they wait for their NSFAS study allowances to be paid into their accounts.  While payments have started, social media accounts are still active with comments from those students who are further back in the queue and therefore still waiting for their turn.

After a raging wildfire spread through the university's campuses, UCT has announced that all academic activities are suspended for two days. The announcement came hours after all students and staff were evacuated from the university campuses on the slopes of Table Mountain.

UCT has evacuated all students and staff from the upper campus and middle campus as the fire that moved down from the mountain slopes continues to cause havoc at the university.  Students were seen walking down Main Road Rondebosch to find university transport to take them to safety.

A veld fire that started on Sunday morning on the slopes of Table Mountain has destroyed a local restaurant and spread to the UCT campus. Reports have come in of fires burning on upper campus, middle campus and medical campus.

UPDATE at 14:43 UCT SRC advises evacuated res students should meet at Mowbray bus terminal for transport to secure locations.

UPDATE at 13:42 Students evacuating all campuses as strong winds aid the spread of the fire. UCT Sports Centre reported to have caught alight.

First year university students have been left worrying about whether they can afford their courses this year after the funding decisions were delayed at the last minute.  The student finance body has now announced that they have finalised the funding decisions for first-time applicants.

Learnerships and internships both provide you with work experience, and both can be the start of a long and successful career. But there are big differences between the two.

Because of the drop in new cases of Covid-19 in the country the President has announced a relaxation of the lockdown regulations. It's good news for those who like to stay up late, or wake up early, but there are still many restrictions in place and Cyril Ramaphosa has reiterated that the chance of a third wave, or the arrival of new variants are still things we have to be concerned about.

The University of Johannesburg is open for late applications from the 23rd of February. Please note - no walk-ins allowed - only online applications. 

NSFAS have confirmed that they are dropping funding for many courses including BTECH, teaching, nursing and other degrees. The information came to light just as the class of 2020 were hoping to get their matric results and finalise their study options for the year. NSFAS clarified that they were only stopping funding for courses that were be phased out.

The Matric final exams of 2020 were marred with controversy when it was announced that two exam papers had been leaked before they were written. The Education Department wanted the papers to be re-written but the courts ruled against them. An investigation had to be held to determine whether the final exam marks could be released. The 1 million learners who wrote the exams will be glad to know that the report has now been released.