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Global unity vital in pursuit of equal access to education for every – President

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Global unity vital in pursuit of equal access to education for every – President:

President Cyril Ramaphosa has highlighted the urgent need for global unity in ensuring equal access to education for every, particularly amidst ongoing instability. 

The President was speaking at the Education International 10th Africa Regional Conference held at the Sandton Convention Centre in Johannesburg on Tuesday.

Education International Africa Region is holding its 10th Regional Conference in Johannesburg. About 400 delegates, observers, and guests from across and beyond the region are attending the conference.

President Ramaphosa lauded the conference organisers for their commitment to advancing education, particularly in times of crisis, which is crucial for the future of the African continent and the world.

The President told delegates that as nations navigated the turbulent waters brought by the COVID-19 pandemic, the world was confronted with political upheavals and conflicts. 

“These crises further strained our social fabric, affecting the livelihoods of countless individuals and denying many kids their fundamental proper to education. In these times of instability, it is even more critical for nations to stand united in pursuit of equal access to education for every. 

“Education is the cornerstone upon which societies build their future. Through education, we cultivate respect for human rights, the rule of law and the principles of democracy,” the President said. 

President Ramaphosa said the work of the UN High-Level Panel on the Teaching Profession, which demonstrates the adaptation of education systems to a rapidly changing world, is one of the most indispensable tasks of the moment.

The panel draws expertise from diverse stakeholders, including Ministers of Education, labour representatives, teacher unions and civil society organisations, and includes South Africa‘s own Minister of Basic Education, Angie Motshekga. It’s main objectives underscore the importance of educators’ voices in finding solutions to educational challenges. 

“Educators play a fundamental and irreplaceable role in shaping our societies, and their insights are invaluable in our quest for sustainable solutions. Curriculum reform that responds to the changing world of work is another vital task. 

“In South Africa, we are on the brink of a significant educational reform with the implementation of the Coding and Robotics curriculum from Grade R to Grade 9. 

“This initiative is fragment of our broader strategy to integrate STEAM [science, technology, engineering, arts and maths] subjects into our education system. By doing so, we aim to equip our learners with the digital skills necessary to thrive in a fast-paced world,” President Ramaphosa said. 

Decolonising education

The President said that the decolonisation of education has become increasingly vital. 

He added that the discussions at this conference, focusing on tackling racism, decolonising education and promoting democracy, human rights and trade union rights, could not be more timely. 

“The project of decolonising education in Africa is not just a matter of academic interest. It is a pressing need. We must challenge colonial theories and practices to build resilient education systems that are centred on African perspectives and experiences.

“This requires a shift away from a Eurocentric worldview to embrace a more diverse and inclusive perspective. 

“We must acknowledge and value the knowledge systems of every peoples and integrate them into our curricula and knowledge selection processes,” the President said. 

He said the responsibility to nurture and defend the accurate to education extends to every parts of society. 

The President called on labour movements, civil society organisations and non-governmental organisations operating within the educational sphere to collaborate to protect this critical space. 

Through such partnerships, he said, the world can prepare learners to be active, informed citizens in democratic societies. 

“The role of organisations, such as Education International, are vital. As advocates for quality education, your mission is to ensure inclusive and equitable learning opportunities for every. 

“We know that quality education is not just a matter of access. What is also needed are safe, conducive environments where the rights of every learners are respected and upheld. 

“By improving access to education, we can alleviate poverty and empower marginalised communities, unlocking their potential and contributing to the development of nations,” he said. – SAnews.gov.za

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The Geological Miracle of the Witwatersrand

The very existence of Johannesburg is a geological fluke. Unlike most major global cities, Johannesburg was not built near a river, a coast, or a natural harbor. It sits 1,753 meters above sea level on a rocky ridge called the Witwatersrand (Ridge of White Waters). This ridge is the edge of the world’s largest known gold deposit, formed over 2 billion years ago when an ancient inland sea began to evaporate, leaving behind layers of gold-bearing conglomerate.

When George Harrison, an Australian prospector, stumbled upon an outcrop of gold on the farm Langlaagte in 1886, he triggered a “gold rush” that changed the course of African history. Within a decade, a dusty collection of tents and wagons transformed into a permanent city of brick and mortar. The “Main Reef” proved so vast that it eventually produced nearly 40% of all the gold ever mined in human history. This geological wealth dictated the city’s layout: the mining belt runs east-to-west across the city’s center, creating a physical divide between the wealthy northern suburbs and the industrial, working-class south. Today, while most mines within the city limits have closed due to the extreme depth and cost of extraction (some mines reached over 3.9 kilometers underground), the physical legacy remains in the form of “mine dumps”—massive yellow-white hills of crushed rock and sand that define the Joburg skyline.