Campuses have been quiet this week, but South Africa’s new government was sworn in this week, along with new Higher Education Minister Nobuhle Nkabane. A former university tutor, she has committed to turning the tide on NSFAS. In other news, UWC is disengaging from Israeli organisations, Wits researchers tackle rhino poaching and a US plan to lessen the burden of student loan repayments faces resistance.

New higher education minister commits to ‘turning tide’ on NSFAS

Nobuhle Nkabane, sworn in as South Africa’s new minister of higher education on Wednesday, said she is committed to addressing the troubles plaguing the National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS). Speaking to Daily Maverick on Wednesday, she said: “We are committing that we are going to turn around the tides. We are going to make sure that the issue they are facing as far as the disbursement of funds and the resources that are limited, are not limited; they are not meeting the demands that they are facing as far as education is concerned.” Nkabane replaced Blade Nzimande in the ministry. Unlike her predecessor, she has experience in academia, having tutored at Unisa and worked as a research co-ordinator at Mancosa.

 

UWC announces disengagement from Israeli academic bodies

The University of the Western Cape (UWC) announced its decision to immediately disengage from Israeli academic institutions, citing solidarity with the Palestinian cause. This decision, endorsed by the UWC Council, Senate, Convocation and the Student Representative Council (SRC), aims to support justice, human rights and the rebuilding of Palestinian higher education institutions. The move aligns with the guidelines of The Palestinian Campaign for the Academic and Cultural Boycott of Israel (PACBI) and follows UWC’s call for a ceasefire in Gaza​.

The disengagement includes several key actions: UWC will fully disengage from Israeli academic institutions, enhance ties with Palestinian scholars, disclose investments in Israeli products, commit to divestment, and advocate for similar actions at a national level through Universities South Africa (USAF). Future engagements with Israeli institutions will be contingent on their support for human rights, and UWC will seek partnerships with Palestinian universities​.

 

Wits researchers ‘go nuclear’ on rhino poaching

Researchers at Wits have embarked on an innovative project to combat rhino poaching by injecting radioactive material into rhino horns. This project, led by scientists from the university’s Radiation and Health Physics Unit, aims to make rhino horns detectable by radiation sensors at international borders. The radioactive isotopes are inserted into the horns of tranquilised rhinos, making them easier to track and intercept during trafficking attempts.

The initiative, which involves 20 rhinos initially, is part of a broader strategy to leverage existing global networks of radiation detectors designed to prevent nuclear terrorism. By using these detectors, authorities hope to significantly increase the chances of catching poachers and traffickers.

 

Federal judges block US student loan repayment plan

Two federal judges have temporarily blocked significant parts of US President Joe Biden’s student loan repayment plan, known as the Saving on a Valuable Education (Save) plan, which aimed to lower monthly payments and accelerate debt forgiveness for millions of borrowers. The rulings from judges in Kansas and Missouri came in response to lawsuits filed by Republican-led states, arguing that the Biden administration overstepped its legal authority in implementing the plan. This decision affects provisions that would reduce monthly payments and offer a shorter repayment timeline for debt forgiveness.

 

Discovery data shows youth mental health cases more than doubled in 10 years

Mental health issues among South African university students are back in the spotlight. Data from Discovery Health Medical Scheme indicated a 120% increase in mental health conditions among young people from 2012 to 2022. The South African Depression and Anxiety Group reports that one in four university students has a mental health condition. Contributing factors include academic pressures, financial stress and social media. Students are advised to maintain good nutrition, exercise, sleep well, manage finances, and seek early help through available university counselling services and support groups.