Millennials at work Reshaping the workplace

 

Why millennials matter

The millennial generation, born between 1980 and 2000 now entering employment in vast numbers, will shape the world of work for years to come. Attracting the best of these millennial workers is critical to the future of your business. Their career aspirations,attitudes about work, and  knowledge of new technologies will define the culture of the 21st century workplace

https://www.pwc.com/gx/en/managing-tomorrows-people/future-of-work/assets/reshaping-the-workplace.pdf

Nedbank donates R2 mln to Wits’ Access campaign

‘Access’ is designed to provide tertiary funding for students who are referred to as the ‘missing middle’.

Wits SRC President has urged all stakeholders, from the public sector to the private sector, to donate money to the Access campaign. Picture: Masa Kekana/EWN.

Fees Must Fall: Reloaded

Last year students promised the fight to improve access to tertiary education would continue and on Monday multiple universities saw protests. GREG NICOLSON was at the University of the Witwatersrand.

Wits, the University of Johannesburg, and the University of South Africa saw protests on Monday, disrupting 2016 registrations and leaving some new students and their families confused as protesters seek to build on last year's momentum and reduce the financial, racial and class barriers to accessing university education.
At Wits, students shut down face-to-face registrations and the university closed administration offices leaving youth, hopeful of studying at Wits, and their families waiting and confused as a small group of students occupied Solomon Mahlangu House, the centre of the Fees Must Fall campaign at the university that closed its Braamfontein campus in October and November.
Both the Wits Student Representative Council (SRC), led by the Progressive Youth Alliance (PYA), and the Fees Must Fall group at Wits issued lists of demands. SRC Secretary General Fasiah Hassan said the key demands relate to fighting student exclusion, clearing debt, which prevents students from graduating and registering, and ensuring no one who qualifies academically to study at Wits is turned away. The university is allowing students to sign up for a payment plan, which allows them to pay their registration by the end of March, but the SRC wants an assurance that even students who cannot pay by then are not excluded from their studies. The SRC also wants the university to create a road map towards achieving free education, and for agreements last year relating to workers and students to be honoured.
Sarah Mokwebo, speaking for the Fees Must Fall collective, said the key demand is the scrapping of historical debt that prevents students from registering. The group's memorandum includes demands such as free education (now, it emphasises), the scrapping of the registration fee, fresh SRC by-elections, as the group says the last elections, where the Economic Freedom Fighters were barred from contending, were unconstitutional, and for no police to be present on campus. (On Monday a number of police vehicles were at Wits.)
Responding to the disruptions, Wits said face-to-face registrations would be delayed until Wednesday. It encouraged applicable students to register online and has set up a telephonic registration process for certain courses. Student leaders on Monday said they were yet to hold discussions with the university. A statement from Wits on Monday said: “We respect the right to protest and we support the call for free education for poor students. However, we cannot allow the financial sustainability of the university to be compromised. We urge all students to allow the registration process to continue undisrupted.”
It noted the presidency's announcement that the financial debt of students on the National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS) in 2015 will be settled by the state, but said other students must still pay their debts before registering. “We would have liked to make a concession in this regard, but the historical debt of these students amounts to over R100 million and if we were to make such a concession, the university would be thrown into a financial crisis that would compromise the education of all students,” said the university.
As the Fees Must Fall protests spread to most universities across the country last year, President Jacob Zuma announced fees would not increase at tertiary institutions in 2016 and engagements were held between students and the state. During the ANC's January 8 statement this weekend, Zuma highlighted the state's efforts on improving access to university studies and noted the influence of students.
On Sunday, Universities SA, representing the country's universities, called for increased state funding of the sector. On Monday, Higher Education and Training Minister Blade Nzimande said over 500,000 post-school education opportunities were available this year for learners across universities and technical and vocational education and training colleges. “We need to ensure, over the medium to long term, that sufficient financial aid is made available to support all academically deserving but financially needy university students though income contingent loans and bursaries, and at the same time to strive to keep university fees affordable,” said the Minister, who was criticised for his response to last year's protests.
Government has committed an additional R6.9 billion to fund the university system, said Nzimande, above the R10 billion already marked for the NSFAS. Of that increase, R2.3 billion is to cover the zero percent fee increase. The Minister emphasised NSFAS students do not need to pay upfront registration fees, but suggested a planned inquiry on the accessibility of tertiary education will look into the issue of students who don't qualify for NSFAS but who still can't afford their fees. After protests last year led to increased state efforts in improving access to tertiary institutions and agreements at campuses across the country attempting to address issues such as financial exclusion, the outsourcing of workers, and a lack of African content in the curriculum, at Wits students are keen to keep the momentum up. Both Mokwebo and Hassan said the plan is to continue protesting until their key demands are met.
S'bonakaliso Nene, a Wits student active in last year's protests, said, “The greater goal that we're pushing for is free education in South Africa now – not later, not soon, not in the future, not in our lifetime; Now! We need to start pushing for that. We need to see tangible, comprehensive steps taken by government, by all those in power, to show us the ways and means in which they are trying to attain this. We don't feel like a zero percent increase is good enough. That's merely just a start, because if you look at it those people who couldn’t afford fees, they still can't afford fees now.”
“Genuinely I feel like last year was a spark to the movement and how things are going with our generation,” he continued. “I think this year's going to be a whole lot more robust. I think there is going to be a lot more interaction in regards to issues that have been swept beneath the carpet, like race.” Nene predicted that as long as black people continue to be oppressed in South Africa and at institutions like Wits, future classes of students will continue the fight.
Some people who came to register on Monday, however, felt frustrated by the disruption. Busi Shongwe, who left Nelspruit in the early hours of the morning to register her 18-year-old daughter Charmane Mashabane to study occupation therapy, said she was sympathetic to the protesters. But the family felt confused as students were giving them different takes on what would happen and Shongwe had not heard anything from management. She said they cannot afford to stay in Johannesburg to wait until they can register.
“I'm afraid or sceptical that my child might not be registered. What will she do for the entire year because of the strike?” she asked, suggesting students were shutting the gate on new learners. Her daughter, Mashabane, said was excited to register when she arrived at Wits, but added, “I feel really sad now that I'm going back home and I can't do anything about it now, but I'm hoping they'll get back to me and respond because I'm hoping to study this year and not just sit at home.”
Asked about those who were disappointed on Monday, the SRC's Hassan said, “A revolution is going to be inconvenient. We know that it's not going to be smooth sailing for everyone, but I ask that those people bear with us because we're trying to change a system and we're trying to change the face of this country as the youth of South Africa post-1994 and it's going to be inconvenient and there are going to be times where everyone is frustrated with us but remember that we're doing it for the betterment of society, and the betterment of not just us but for future generations. Because if there's one thing we can give them it is free education to change their lives.”
Mokwebo, from Fees Must Fall, said she understands the inconvenience, but noted how she and other protesters are also inconvenienced, by the system and by making sacrifices for their aims. “I'd like to say we are all frustrated. I'm also frustrated as I speak to you right now.” She called on prospective students to find out about the movement and join in.
While the first day of protests at universities this year has already affected three institutions, it's unclear whether students will be able to achieve the mass momentum they built in 2015. At Wits, one challenge is the division among students. Solomon Mahlangu House, where the Fees Must Fall group were established, included the banners “SRC sux” and “Fuck ANC”.
Among that group were a number of EFF members. The SRC's Hassan, whose PYA is aligned to the ANC, suggested political opportunism was at play. “I think we must just be cognisant of the fact that a local government election is upcoming in the next few months and there are very opportunistic situations and parties and groups seeking to hijack things,” she said outside the building.
Mokwebo, speaking inside the building, said the SRC viewed the Fees Must Fall group as enemies when it continued protesting after Zuma's announcement following the march to the Union Buildings last year and the relationship is still strained. Both groups said they hope to find common ground going forward.
Speaking inside Solomon Mahlangu House, Wits sociology Professor David Dickinson said it's no surprise the protests are continuing after the key aim last year shifted towards free education. “I think we have got to recognise that the students understand their own power now. That's something that they had not understood for years,” said Dickinson, noting many staff members are behind the students. “We're here to educate the nation. We're not here to educate only those that can afford it.” DM
Photo: A protester at Wits lies on a mattress in Solomon Mahlangu House on Monday, the centre of the student protests at the university last year. (Greg Nicolson)

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ABSA has sponsored between 50 and 80 candidates each year for the last five years in a wide range of financial fields and will keep doing so with their bursary program.  Have a look at the fields available if you would love to pursue such a career into the financial sector.

ABSA Bursaries

ABSA bursaries include the following which will be paid yearly depending on the need of each candidate.

• Full Tuition fees

Respectively candidate will be re-evaluated each year and the bursary support will continue for students who perform satisfactorily.  With this bursary program ABSA is able to employ talented skilled workers and assist candidates who want to study further to reach their dreams.

ABSA Bursaries Available

The following fields of study are available with the ABSA bursary program:
The following is for Bachelor and Postgraduate Degree qualifications:

• Informatics
• Risk / Investment Management
• Statistics
• Industrial / Finance / Process Engineering
• Accounting – CA (SA) / CIMA / ACCA
• Mathematical Science
• Actuarial Science

The following if for Majoring in the Agricultural Science field:

• Plant Production (Agricultural Economics)
• Agronomy (Agricultural Economics)
• Animal Science (Agricultural Economics)
• Viticulture (Agricultural Economics)
• Soil Science (Agricultural Economics)
• Horticultural (Agricultural Economics)

ABSA Bursaries: Requirements

To be able to qualify for a Post or Undergraduate bursary University students must comply with the following criteria:

• Candidates must currently be studying at an accredited university in South Africa towards one of the above mentioned fields of study.
• A minimum of 70% must be achieved for the first semester of study in this field within the year of applying.
• Candidates whom have criminal records will not be considered for a bursary.

To be able to qualify for a new bursary for matriculates completing their matric year they must comply with the following criteria:

• A minimum of 80% must be reached for their June exam results in their matric year.
• Candidates must be willing to study full time the year after completing matric at an accredited South African University to achieve their choice of study degree.
• Candidates with a criminal record will not be taken into consideration for a bursary.

Candidates also need to comply with the following:

• If you have received any other assistance or bursary you will not be eligible to apply.
• You have to be a Pan African citizen
• Have a valid ID Book
• If you are already recognized at one of the tertiary institutes in South Africa with documentation
• Are dedicated to studying in a field of education that will benefit the Banking Industry in South Africa.

Application

Bursaries online application can be found here or you can contact ABSA bank for more information and assistance.
ABSA also has the following conditions that candidates must adhere to if selected for a bursary:

• New bursary candidates will only be awarded after final year results are received and comply with the minimum requirements as stated above.
• Candidates that receive bursaries must be willing to sign a formal contract with ABSA as well as be willing to go through the re-evaluation after each full academic year of study.
• Candidates who receive bursaries must start work with ABSA directly after their graduation and the period will be dependable upon the years of bursary studies.
• ABSA has the right to use your specific skill set where it is needed most throughout the company.
• Completion of study will be required to be done within the agreement terms as stipulated.
• Candidates could be required to par take in additional skills and project training.
• Candidates are only allowed one field of study at a time that will be funded by ABSA.
• The companies Employment Equity policy will be taken into consideration when deciding on candidates for bursaries.
• Successful candidates will be required to submit their final academic results by no later than the middle of January for the following years study.

ABSA Bursaries Closing Date

Bursaries usually close in August but it is recommended that candidates wanting to apply send in their applications with relevant documentation as soon as possible.  Please remember to attach certified copies of all required documentation when applying for a bursary with ABSA bank.

Tuks Scholarship Fund on a mission to change lives in 2016

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The #FeesMustFall campaign that took place towards the end of 2015 once again highlighted the fact that many students are constrained by their inability to afford higher education and, as a result, the country as a whole is deprived of the contribution they might make if they were provided with the opportunity to access and complete their studies.
The University of Pretoria (UP) is committed to supporting its students both academically and otherwise, and in so doing, help them to make the most of the opportunities afforded by the experience of a higher education. With this in mind, the Tuks Scholarship Fund (TSF), established by the Vice-Chancellor and Principal, Prof Cheryl De la Rey, is on a mission to raise funds for deserving students in 2016.

The Tuks Scholarship Fund has been changing the lives of UP students since 2013 and, through various campaigns and events organised by the TSF team, the fund’s donor base has steadily increased over the years. At the University itself, the fund has been well received, with UP staff and more than 95% of the Executive and Leadership making regular contributions to the fund. Individual donors really can make a positive difference and if we all give what we can, we can make it count.
To date, 33 deserving students have benefited from the fund and with the continued support of donors, it will ultimately be in a position to provide more students with full bursaries.

Consider making a difference to the lives of deserving students by donating to the Tuks Scholarship Fund today. Whatever the level of your giving – whether it is a hundred or a hundred thousand rand – your support is valued by the University of Pretoria and the deserving beneficiaries of your generosity.

Should you require any additional information concerning the Tuks Scholarship Fund, please contact Mrs Cheryl Benadie, Senior Development Officer: Advancement, in the UP Department of University Relations by sending an email to cheryl.benadie@up.ac.za. Alternatively, click here to access a pdf brochure containing information on the fund, as well as some wonderful success stories from a few of our past Tuks Scholarship Fund beneficiaries, or visit the Tuks Scholarship Fund web page.

Study in South Africa

If you want to experience life in one of the most diverse and complex countries in the world, you may choose to study in South Africa. Since the 1990s, following legislation to overturn decades of enforced racial segregation, South Africa has made significant progress in developing a more democratic society, in which diversity is celebrated as a central part of national identity. There are, for example, 11 official languages (only Bolivia and India have more), and the country is nicknamed the “rainbow nation” in recognition of its unique multicultural character.
There are still many problems to be addressed in South Africa, including high rates of violent crime, poverty and HIV/AIDS. But the country excels in many areas, offering some of the world’s most striking natural scenery and wildlife, diverse and dynamic cities and towns – and a strong selection of leading universities with an international outlook.

Bring disabilities to the fore of student politics

Mental health and disability must play a much larger role in the drive towards making UCT inclusive and accessible, members of the campus community heard at the UCT for Disability Justice gathering on 26 January.

Safety, justice and healing: Student Kanyisa Ntombini, chair of UCT for Disability Justice, hands a list of demands to Vice-Chancellor Dr Max Price at a gathering outside Bremner Building on 26 January.

Student activist Kanyisa Ntombini chaired the meeting, held outside the Bremner Building, and a list of demands from students was handed to Vice-Chancellor Dr Max Price.
Among these demands were calls for reviews of the university’s disability policy, the Disability Unit and its resources and services, as well as the Student Wellness Services where students say more psychologists are needed to meet demand, especially black psychologists.
The list also highlighted inadequacies in facilities such as lecture theatres, bathrooms, residences and ramps and rails. It identified problems in the university’s current extra time and leave of absence policies, which present barriers to students coping with mental health challenges such as anxiety disorder and depression and post traumatic stress syndrome.
The memorandum called for a greater sensitisation of UCT staff and students, particularly first-year students.
Several students shared their experiences of prejudice, discouragement and isolation as a result of disability or their mental health status. Others wrote to tell their stories.
One student spoke of the “profound lack of understanding” about mental illness at UCT and the lack of a policy to substantially address the issues.
Student activist Busi Mkhumbuzi said: “Accessibility must be at the front and centre of student politics. When we say we need to make our universities more accessible to students we’re including race, social status, disability and a host of things that comprise our identity.
“Last year we saw the Rhodes Must Fall, Fees Must Fall and Patriarchy Must Fall movements, challenging things like racism, classism and sexism. But I don’t think we’ve seen a radical or a strong conversation about ableism or about disability at UCT. That means we have not addressed the issue in totality.”

List of universities in South Africa

This is a list of universities in South Africa. For the purposes of this list, colleges and universities are defined as accredited, degree-granting, post-secondary institutions. In 2004 South Africa started reforming its higher education system,^[1] merging and incorporating small universities into larger institutions, and renaming all higher education institutions "university" (previously there had been several types of higher education institution). The country's universities and "technikons" which were incorporated with others and thus no longer exist are listed at the end of the article.