Category Archives: NEWS

‘Why we need to re-evaluate STEM education’

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Picture: NWU’s Dr Paul Iwuanyanwu/Supplied 

By BAKANG MOKOTO

25 May 2026 – Dr Paul Iwuanyanwu from the School of Mathematics, Science and Technology Education in the North West University (NWU) Faculty of Education believes that STEM education should extend beyond technical training by cultivating engagement with the epistemic and ethical practices of reasoned argument, especially as professionals must justify decisions that carry profound technical, social and moral implications. Iwuanyanwu warns that innovation driven solely by technical efficiency may neglect broader human and societal consequences.

He is the author of the book Empowering STEM Thinkers Through Argumentation: A Framework for Critical Practice. Iwuanyanwu further said in it, he argues that STEM education must move beyond technical knowledge and memorisation to develop critical thinking, ethical reasoning and argumentation skills.

“The book presents a human-centred framework for understanding and advancing responsible STEM education and practice in an age increasingly shaped by artificial intelligence, automation and rapid innovation. Science, technology, engineering and mathematics together are called STEM fields and they drive the systems that power modern civilisation, from healthcare and infrastructure to energy, food security and communication.

“Even our growing dependence on artificial intelligence and other emerging technologies. These fields equip societies to solve complex problems and to innovate. Because of their importance, STEM education must continually evolve; otherwise, it risks producing graduates technically skilled for yesterday’s world rather than intellectually prepared for tomorrow’s,” he said.

According to Iwuanyanwu, his motivation for writing the book came from years of frustration with the narrow ways in which STEM education is often understood. He added that, too often, educational systems equate STEM competence with content mastery, procedural accuracy and examination performance, while neglecting the deeper human capacities that give knowledge meaning and ethical direction.

“For me, this represented a profound philosophical problem. Knowledge without reflection can become dangerous, and innovation without ethical reasoning can become destructive. This concern lies at the heart of the book. The argumentation should not be treated as an optional classroom method, but as the intellectual and ethical foundation of STEM thinking itself.

“Through argumentation, students learn to justify claims with evidence, evaluate competing ideas, respond to counterarguments and revise their thinking when stronger evidence emerges. I believe this is essential because real-world STEM problems are rarely simple. Scientists must defend interpretations, technologists must evaluate competing models and their social consequences, engineers must negotiate trade-offs, and mathematicians must justify generalisations,” said Iwuanyanwu.

He said in each case, responsible innovation depends on disciplined reasoning rather than passive agreement. Iwuanyanwu said traditional STEM education is increasingly inadequate because it was largely designed for industrial societies where success depended on procedural mastery and technical accuracy.

“That model is no longer enough in a world shaped by artificial intelligence, automation, biotechnology and complex socio-technical systems. In such a context, technical knowledge alone is insufficient because intelligent machines can already outperform humans in processing information.

“The deeper challenge is whether human beings can still think critically enough to question assumptions, interpret evidence and ethically govern the systems they create. The risks of failing to do so are significant,” he said.

Iwuanyanwu warns that society may produce professionals capable of building powerful systems without adequately asking whether those systems should exist, whom they benefit, and whom they may harm. He said this is already visible globally in algorithmic bias, unethical uses of artificial intelligence, environmental degradation, misinformation systems and technologies that deepen inequality.

“For me, one of the greatest risks of the contemporary technological age is not artificial intelligence itself, but uncritical human dependence on systems that are no longer deeply questioned. When graduates lose the capacity to interrogate assumptions or evaluate consequences, they risk surrendering human judgement to automated systems.

“That is why I believe universities must move beyond preparing students merely to use technology. They must prepare students to interrogate, justify, govern and humanise technical knowledge responsibly. Technologies are never neutral. Every algorithm or automated system carries assumptions, cultural values and consequences,” said Iwuanyanwu.

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A school principal shot, committee demand answers

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Picture: A school principal shot

By STAFF REPORTER

May 2026 – The Select Committee on Education, Sciences and the Creative Industries has written tob the Eastern Cape MEC for Education, Fundile Gade to seek clarity on a shooting incident that allegedly happened at Zanokhanyo High School in Ngcobo, just outside Mthatha. The committee condemned the shocking incident and said the violence targeting educators and school principals is one of the worst forms of violence in their schools.

The Chairperson of the Committee, Makhi Feni said these criminals are so brazen that they gate-crash schools during the day. Feni said they have taken the step to write to Gade to seek a report on what has happened.

“This incident cannot be taken as normal and everyone moves on the following day. School safety should be a priority, given the extent to which criminals have organised and are seeking to target schools.

“Last year, we had incidents of extortion inside schools in the Eastern Cape province. Another alleged shooting occurred at Khanyolwethu Secondary School on Tuesday. The committee has sought clarity on whether counselling will be offered to the school’s learners and educators,” he said.

Feni further said he gave the Eastern Cape Department of Education a week to submit a report on the matter. He added that they accept that the principal survived the incident, but that does not stop the committee from asking questions and holding those responsible for school safety accountable.

“We had hoped this year would be incident-free for the governance and safety of schools in the Eastern Cape. All incidents targeting school principals are condemned with the utmost disgust,” said Feni.

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Broos announces preliminary Bafana squad for the 2026 FIFA World Cup

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By REGINALD KANYANE

22 May 2026 – Bafana Bafana coach Hugo Broos has announced a 32-member preliminary squad for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

The team will assemble in Johannesburg on Monday, 25 May 2026 and the camp will start with 24 players as the Mamelodi Sundowns players and the overseas-based contingent will still be out of the country. Sundowns will only return to South Africa on Tuesday, 26 May  as they face Morocco side AS Far in the second leg of their CAF Champions League final at the Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium on Sunday, 24 May 2026.

The final team for the FIFA World Cup will be announced at Sefako Makgatho Presidential Guest House in Pretoria on Wednesday, 27 May 2026 and Broos will be joined by South Africa President Cyril Ramaphosa and South African Football Association (SAFA) President Dr Danny Jordaan, among others, as the names of the traveling 26 players are confirmed to the nation..

As part of the South African senior men’s national team’s preparations for the global tournament, Johannesburg’s Orlando Stadium will host Bafana Bafana’s FIFA World Cup send-off match against Nicaragua next week. The match will be played on Friday 29 May 2026 and the kickoff is at 18h00.

South Africa was drawn in Group A during the FIFA World Cup draw held in Washington DC in December 2025. Bafana Bafana will compete against Mexico, South Korea, and Czech Republic. Mexico will host Bafana Bafana in the opening match of the 2026 FIFA World Cup on June 11, 2026, at the Estadio Azteca in Mexico City and this game will mark the start of the 48-team tournament.

This year’s FIFA World Cup will be hosted by the United States of America, Canada and Mexico from 11 June to 19 July 2026.

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Amajimbos coach says a lot of lessons learnt after bowing out of the AFCON

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Picture: Amajimbos players during training/Supplied

By OBAKENG MAJE

22 May 2026 – Head coach of the South African U17 Men’s National team, Vela Khumalo, says they have learnt some important lessons after they bowed out of the 2026 CAF U17 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) following a 3-1 defeat to Ghana on Wednesday night in Morocco.

South Africa finished bottom of the table in Group D on three points following one win and two defeats. Senegal took the top spot with six points, followed by Algeria with both nations qualifying for the World Cup. Ghana ended third in the group.

“We are not happy with the results, we wanted to be part of the knockout stage, we wanted to go to the World Cup but we did not make it. Sad for the talent that we have, sad for the boys that are not going through, and we’ll see again in the next COSAFA competition, it’s back to square one with a new group. But I think again lessons learnt and we move on,” said Khumalo.

Amajimbos suffered two penalty calls against them with Ghana captain Joseph Narbi converting both to give the West Africans the lead. In between the two goals, South Africa suffered a setback when an injured Omphemetse Sekgotho, who was the livewire in the team, was replaced by Inganathi Simama in the 27th minute.

Defender Kristan O’Malley hit the crossbar just before the recess. Ghana came back from the break eager to increased their lead but South African goalkeeper and captain Lwandiso Radebe pulled off a double save to deny the West Africans.

In the 66th minute Thandanani Mhlongo gave Amajimbos a glimmer of hope with a well taken goal to make 1-2. There was still time for drama in the match as South Africa’s Zazi Qotoyi was given a straight red card for pulling an opponent with eight minutes remaining.

Augustine Appiah got the third for Ghana and no matter how hard Amajimbos tried, they could not reduce the deficit, ending in a 1-3 defeat. The South Africans return home on Saturday following one win and two losses. They came from behind to defeat Senegal 2-1 but lost 0-2 against Algeria in their second match.

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Double murder accused remanded in custody

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Picture: Manual and Maria Gomez/Facebook

By STAFF REPORTER

21 May 2026 – A double murder case against five accused, Smanga Aron Saulo (37), Tebogo Vincent Kolea (31), Gofaone Ronald Sekobe (27), Gaofengwe Sekobe (21) and Clifford Sekobe (34), was postponed by the Mmabatho Magistrate’s Court until 28 May 2026, for formal bail application. The accused were arrested after being linked to a double murder of Maria Gomez (57) and her husband, Manual Gomez (59) at a Pub in Golfview on 24 April 2026.

According to the North West police spokesperson, Colonel Adele Myburgh, the police were called to a shooting incident and upon arrival, they discovered the body of Maria lying on the ground. Myburgh said she was declared dead on the scene by Emergency and Medical Rescue Services (EMRS).

“The preliminary investigations revealed that her husband, Manual Gomez (59) had also been shot and had already been transported to a local hospital. He later succumbed to his injuries the same night.

“It is reported that the couple allegedly rushed from their main residence after being alerted that their son (35) was being robbed at their business, which is situated on the same premises. Upon entering the business, the couple were confronted by six armed suspects wearing masks,” she said.

Myburgh further said the suspects allegedly entered the premises, proceeded to the lounge and forced the victims to lie on the floor. She added that the victims were threatened, assaulted and robbed of several cell phones, an undisclosed amount of cash, a laptop, and the keys to a Ford Ranger, which was later used as a getaway vehicle.

 “On Saturday morning, 25 April 2026, the stolen vehicle was recovered abandoned in Magogoe village. Some of the stolen cell phones were also found discarded in the veld. Five days after the incident, a tip-off was operationalised, leading to the arrest of four suspects in Magogoe village aged between 21 and 37.

“The police recovered four firearms with ammunition. One pistol belonged to the deceased victim, while another was identified as a fake/toy pistol,” said Myburgh.

Meanwhile, the acting North West Police Commissioner, Major General (Dr) Ryno Naidoo, said this breakthrough demonstrates the value of coordinated policing and intelligence-driven operations. Naidoo commended the police for their dedication and swift action in bringing the suspects to book.

“The police will remain committed to ensuring that those who commit violent crimes are traced, arrested and successfully prosecuted. Members of the public who may have information that could assist the police investigation are urged to contact Colonel Kgosi Dehimo of the Provincial Murder and Robbery Unit on 082 773 0630, their nearest police station, or Crime Stop on 08600 10111.

“Anonymous tip-offs can also be submitted via the MySAPS App from your smartphones. The Provincial Murder and Robbery Team urges victims in this case to please contact Colonel Kgosi Dihemo on 082 773 0630,” he said.

Naidoo said numerous items were recovered following the robbery, however, only a few victims who were robbed at the pub in Golf View have come forward. He said victims are encouraged to report the matter by contacting their nearest police station, calling Crime Stop on 08600 10111, or submitting information via the MySAPS app on their smartphone.

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Motsumi involves independent schools to boost Grade 12 performance

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Picture: North West MEC for Education, Viola Motsumi/Supplied

By REGINALD KANYANE

20 May 2026 – The North West MEC for Education, Viola Motsumi has convened all Independent Schools across the province at Laerskool Silwerrand in Rustenburg as part of ongoing interventions to assist the department to achieve a target of 95% in the 2026 academic year on 19 May 2026. The interactive engagement by Motsumi focused on the assessment of current functioning academic support programmes and strategies directed at boosting Grade 12 outcomes.

Motsumi said the session also afforded an opportunity to analyse the process of registering Independent Schools as examination centres, while assessing current hurdles and implementing non-negotiables within the schooling areas. She further said the management of Independent Schools have warmly welcomed and applauded her for creating interactive sessions as it creates a platform for information sharing, collaboration and collective accountability, mostly in improving the outcomes of learners.

“I highlighted the significance of tightening cooperation between independent schools and the provincial department. The province is more determined to attain a top position through a well-coordinated partnership and interventions.

“This interactive session indicates our collective responsibility and commitment towards improving learner performance and guaranteeing that all schools contribute purposefully towards the province’s academic goal,” she said.

Motsumi added that the platform for interaction session further afforded school managements an opportunity to engage with the management of the department directly on matters affecting their schools and all stakeholders in the meeting agreed on unity and collaboration in striving for improved Grade 12 results in the North West.

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Police launch a manhunt after Molosankwe’s brutal murder

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Picture: Thato Molosankwe/Facebook

By OBAKENG MAJE

20 May 2026 – The acting Police National Commissioner, Lieutenant General Puleng Dimpane has directed the acting North West Police Commissioner, Major General Ryno Naidoo to ensure maximum resources are deployed to hunt down the killers of vocal Mahikeng-born crime activist and traditional healer, Thato Molosankwe. According to the police, Molosankwe was shot and killed after he was attacked at his home in Lomanyaneng village, near Mahikeng in the early hours of this morning.

Dimapane said he sustained multiple gunshot wounds. She further condemned the brutal murder and assured the community that no stone will be left unturned until those responsible are found and brought to book.

“Molosankwe has been described by local police as a community-minded individual, who played an important role in assisting police efforts aimed at strengthening relations between the SAPS and communities. The Provincial Murder and Robbery Unit has taken over investigations into the matter.

“The police are appealing to anyone with information that may assist investigations to contact the Crime Stop number on 08600 10111 or provide anonymous tip-offs via the MySAPS App,” she said.

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Breaking News: Social activist, Thato Molosankwe shot dead in Mahikeng

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Picture: Social activist, Thato Molosankwe/Facebook


By OBAKENG MAJE
20 May 2026- Mahikeng-based social activist, Thato Molosankwe allegedly shot dead at his home in Lomanyaneng village, near Mahikeng. It is alleged that Molosankwe was accosted by unknown individuals in the early hours of Wednesday, who shot him.

Details surrounding Molosankwe’s murder are still sketchy as the police are still at the crime scene.

The North West police spokesperson, Captain Majang Skalkie said: “The police confirmed the incident. The crime scene is still active will issue a media statement as soon as they are done.”
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Former North West Premier, Bushy Maape to be accorded special provincial official funeral  

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Picture: Former North West Premier, Bushy Maape 

By OBAKENG MAJE

20 May 2026 – The North West Premier Lazarus Mokgosi will lead the Executive Council of the provincial government in paying homage to the family of former North West Premier, the late Kaobitsa Bushy Maape. Maape passed away on 16 May 2026, in Johannesburg after a short illness.

Mokgosi said the entourage will compromise the political troika of both Naledi and Dr Ruth Segomotsi Mompati Municipalities, Heads of Departments as well as the Executive of the North West House of Traditional and Khoi-San Leaders. He said they will visit Maape’s family on Wednesday at 12pm in Vryburg.

The South African National Civic Association (SANCO) in the North West described Maape as a torch bearer, a transformation agent, a development activist and a visionary leader who sought to impact communities.

SANCO Provincial Interim Committee Convenor, Paul Sebegoe said that Maape will be remembered as a unifier, human rights advocate and a social justice activist whose passion was to serve and make a difference. Sebegoe conveyed condolences to the Maape family, comrades, business associates, friends as well as his members of his Provincial Executive Council, the African National Congress (ANC), ANC Veterans League, MK liberation Struggle Military Veterans Association, the Mass Democratic Movement, various constituencies and broader communities he had served across the province.

“Comrade Bushy has left an indelible mark in the sand of time as a forthright, assertive but humble leader whose tenure as Premier was defined by progress as well as remarkable milestones that include improved audit outcomes and rollout of the accelerated service delivery outreach programme aimed at responding to the plights of our communities.

“He had appreciated the enormity of the inherited infrastructure backlog, hence he pursued partnership with businesses such as Noordwes Koorperasie (NWK) to unlock the province’s economic potential,” he said.

Sebegoe further said Maape was goal driven hence he presided over the implementation of post Section 100 intervention action plans like a hawk hence he managed to stabilize governance. He added that as someone with experience as a businessman, he saw opportunities where others saw hurdles, hope where others saw hopelessness.

“He was neither a pessimist nor self-serving but a prisoner of hope, a true patriot who had dedicated his entire life to the liberation struggle and worked tirelessly for the betterment of the lives of those whose life experiences knew nothing but exclusion and deprivation.

“Maape had served with integrity and demonstrated total commitment to advance the vision of the Freedom Charter to create a united, non-racial, non-sexist, democratic, prosperous and peaceful society,” said Sebegoe.

He said Maape leaves behind a proud legacy of selfless service as he strove to entrench good governance and financial accountability as the hallmark of his administration. Sebegoe said a befitting tribute would be to deepen transformation, ensure that the work that he started to rebuild trust in public institutions as part of the ANC’s renewal is sustained and that the bridges he built continue to work for the economic recovery, growth as well as development of the province.

“Maape had served as a Chief Director for Strategic Planning and Development Unit during the 1st Administration under then Premier Popo Molefe before venturing into consultancy through his Kgatelopele Institute that focused on municipal transformation and economic development.

“He had among others pioneered the establishment of the Ruth Mompati Foundation, led the Provincial Chapter of the ABSA Bantu Bonke Broad Based Black Economic Empowerment Deal that focused on rural women entrepreneurs and young people in the province working alongside struggle veteran and businessman Tokyo Sexwale,” he said.

Meanwhile, Maape will be accorded a special provincial official funeral category one.

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CONTRALESA lambasts Somalians for disrespecting SA customs and traditions

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Picture: Somalian king inaugurated in Sandton/Google

By OBAKENG MAJE

20 May 2026 – The Congress of Traditional Leaders of South Africa (CONTRALESA) calls for swift and decisive action to address the ongoing disrespect toward the traditional institutions and the people. This comes after allegations that Somalians inaugurated their own king in Sandton.

CONTRALESA secretary in Gauteng, Prince Mongezi Tom said it is an insult to the customs, sovereignty and authority of the traditional leadership of this country and this province that foreign nationals, including Somalians, are now being crowned here on South African soil. Tom said they are not in support of this practice.

“We view it as a direct affront and a disregard for the sovereignty of our traditional structures and the dignity of our people. If this situation is not arrested by the Premier and the leadership of CONTRALESA, we risk our people taking matters into their own hands.

“We cannot allow foreign nationals to come into our country and act as it pleases them, without regard for our laws, customs, and traditional order. CONTRALESA stands ready to engage with the Premier and relevant authorities at the earliest convenience to resolve this matter and restore order in line with the will of our people,” he said.

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