Data or bread?

Jonathan Jansen, distinguished professor in the Faculty of Education at Stellenbosch University, delves into the inequality in South African education and society, exposed by COVID-19. “The Coronavirus did not create this inequality in South African education and society. It merely exposed it. What we knew from the statistics on inequality was now so visible and in our faces that we could no longer look away,” explains Professor Jansen.

To open or not to open, that is the question

Nick Spaull, senior researcher at Stellenbosch University’s Department of Economics, and Jonathan Jansen, distinguished professor of education at the same university, each argue their case for and against the complete reopening of schools. Should schools reopen fully? Yes, says Nic Spaull. No, says Professor Jonathan Jansen.

Where will our children go?

Theodora Lutuli, an early childhood education manager in Nyanga, reveals the hidden cracks in the country’s early childhood development sector. “The impact of the pandemic on what is now my early childhood development (ECD) centre and staff, has been terrible! My centre is not government-funded and is solely dependent on fees as a source of income. You can imagine if parents are unemployed and do not have an income; they cannot afford to pay fees for their children, which range between R200 and R300,” says Theodora.

Etaine’s fighting chance

Eighteen-year-old Etaine Wilson’s lockdown journey has been laced with tragedy, yet the Grade 12 learner at the Western Cape’s Kasselsvlei Comprehensive High School perseveres, no matter what. “The initial lockdown was a challenge because I love to learn in a formal learning environment. It was really difficult to adapt to learning from home, because I do not have my own room to study in peace and quiet.

“My mother and I share a room so at night I have to study in the kitchen where there’s a table, because I do not want to disturb my mom’s sleep. Or I go and study at my mom’s friend’s house during the day so that I can get my work done and meet some of my deadlines,” writes Etaine.