BREAKING GROUND
Breaking Ground is a talk show that focuses on the rights of University Students and their educational wellbeing
IN CONVERSATION WITH NOMZAMO ZONDI, SPOKESPERSON FOR THE INFORMATION REGULATOR SA
The North Gauteng High Court in Pretoria has reserved judgment in a case that could have a lasting impact on how matric results are shared with the public. We know historically that newspapers were the place where matric results were published. The case pits the Information Regulator against the Department…
IN CONVERSATION WITH ALANA BAILEY, DEPUTY CEO OF AFRIFORUM
Today, the North Gauteng High Court in Pretoria reserved judgment in a matter that has stirred debate over transparency, privacy and education. The case, heard on 27 and 28 October, involves AfriForum, a party backing public publication of matric results and the Information Regulator’s challenge to the Department of Basic…
IN CONVERSATION WITH MIKE BOLHUIS INVESTIGATOR FOR SERIOUS VIOLENT, ECONOMIC & CYBER CRIMES.
The University of the Witwatersrand (Wits) has confirmed its involvement in a widespread cyberattack targeting the Oracle E-Business Suite system, a critical tool used by organisations worldwide. In a statement released on Thursday, the university assured the community that operations remain unaffected, but an investigation is underway to determine if…
IN CONVERSATION WITH WALTER TEBOGO LETSIE, CHAIRPERSON OF PCHE.
Over the past three weeks, tensions have escalated at both the University of the Free State and the University of Fort Hare, where students have taken to the streets demanding urgent attention to issues ranging from financial exclusion and inadequate accommodation to concerns over campus safety and governance. What began…
N CONVERSATION WITH LINDELWA MARTIN NYAKA, SRC OF POLICY & TRANFORMATION AT THE UNIVERSITY OF FREE STATE.
Academic activities have been halted at the main campus of the University of the Free State in Bloemfontein. This takes place during the ongoing protests by students over the cancellation of provisional registration. Students mobilised from Sunday night to completely shut down the campus. They’ve vowed to continue with what…
IN CONVERSATION WITH SIVIWE NGABA ANC YOUTH LEAGUE PROVINCIAL SPOKESPERSON IN THE WESTERN CAPE
Another student died in September near the Alice campus main gate, where the SRC argued the absence of patrol vehicles and security staff left students vulnerable, highlighting failures by the university to protect students. In response to these safety concerns, the university’s management has suspended activities, including tests, seminars, proposal…
IN CONVERSATION WITH THATO MASEKOA, CONVENTOR OF WITS HUNGER STRIKE SOLIDARITY COMMITTEE
The University of Fort Hare (UFH) in the Eastern Cape suspended academic activities for 48 hours on Tuesday until Thursday. This follows the Student Representative Council (SRC) sending a letter to the South African Union of Students (SAUS) reporting a fire incident at the student village. The Student Representative Council,…
IN CONVERSATION WITH DAWIE ROODT ECONOCMIST AT THE EFFICIENT GROUP & CHAIRMAN THE EFFICIENT PRIVATE CLIENTS
South Africa’s failing education system is having serious effects on the economy. Millions of young people finish school without the skills needed for work, contributing to high unemployment and underutilised talent. Poor literacy and numeracy among early learners limits the development of a capable workforce, while overcrowded classrooms and teacher…
IN CONVERSATION WITH NOMUSA CEMBI THE MEDIA OFFICER OF SADTU
South Africa’s education system is once again in the spotlight as shocking statistics reveal a deep structural crisis. Nearly 39% of young people with secondary education remain unemployed, while 81% of Grade 4 learners cannot read for meaning. Reports also show that 96% of public schools are overcrowded, teacher absenteeism…
IN CONVERSATION WITH ANTONETT LUYANDA KHOZA BACHELOR OF EDUCATION HONOURS STUDENT SPECIALIST IN LEADERSHIP MANAGEMENT &
The Economic Freedom Fighters Student Command (EFFSC) has issued a statement condemning the actions of the warden at wits junction student accomodation. The organisation has called for the immediate removal of the warden and for full disciplinary action against Protection Services, accusing them of treating students like criminals. The EFFSC…
IN CONVERSATION WITH NTYANTYAMBO VOLSAKA FORMER WITS SASACO MAIN CHAIRPERSON
A warden at the Wits Junction residence has faced criticism for their handling of student affairs and alleged violation of privacy. Just days before the incident, a student was reportedly evicted from the residence after being found with alcohol in their room and accused of selling it to fellow students…
IN CONVERSATION WITH SABELO CHALUFU AN ACTIVIST AND FORMER PUBLIC REPRESENTATIVE
Launched on 5 September 2025 by Sabelo Chalufu, the petition urges Minister Mpho Parks Tau of the Department of Trade, Industry and Competition (DTIC) to reject proposed amendments to the National Credit Regulations specifically the inclusion of Regulation 18, Sub-regulation (7)(e), which would allow educational institutions to report student debts…
IN CONVERSATION WITH SIVIWE MAFUNA CONVENOR OF WITS HUNGER STRIKE SOLIDARITY COMMITTEE
The Wits Hunger Strike Solidarity Committee, joined by civic and workers’ organisations, accuses the university of enforcing “apartheid-style” exclusionary policies that deny poor Black students the right to education. The students argue that financial exclusion is a violation of human rights and are demanding urgent intervention from the state and…
In Conversation with Monique Strydom
A child is raped in South Africa every 3 minutes. Most of them are young girls between 3 and 12 years. In 90% of thr cases the perpetrator is known to them. We spoke to Monique Strydom Matla a Bana CEO.
In Conversation with Hendrick Makaneta
Parents of Bronkhostspruit Primary school learners are demanding answers about the safety of school. This comes after the alleged rape of a Grade 4 learner in the school's toilets. We spoke to Hendrick Makaneta Education Activist.
IN CONVERSATION WITH PROF. JABULANI NYONI, AN EDUCATION SPECIALIST
The department aims to implement a sustainable student funding model, expand South Africa's presence on the continent and globally. We spoke to Professor Jabulani Nyoni Educational Expert from Unisa, about the policy changes needed to position our education to align to the needs of the economy.
IN CONVERSATION WITH DAWIE ROODT, ECONOMIST & CO-FOUNDER OF THE EFFICIENT GROUP
South Africa’s post-school education and training system remains “fragmented and uneven,” with too many young people locked out of opportunity, Minister of Higher Education and Training Buti Manamela said. We spoke to Dawie Roodt an economist about the implications of a fragmented and uneven education.
IN CONVERSATOION WITH TEBOGO LETSIE, HIGHER EDUCATION PORTFOLIO CHAIRPERSON
A Durban University of Technology (DUT) student dies after falling from a building at the Steve Biko campus on Tuesday. We spoke to Tebogo Letsie, Higher Education Portfolio Committee Chairperson.
IN CONVERSATION WITH SIMLINDILE LOYISO NGCIBI ATTORNY OF THE HIGH COURT BASED IN DURBAN
Does South Africa belong to all who live in it? Is our constitution misinterpreted to suit a certain narrative? We spoke to Simlindile Loyiso Ngcibi an attorney of the high court based in Durban and is a director at Advocatus Legal Consultancy.
IN CONVERSATION WITH ZANDILE DABULA PRESIDENT OF OPERATION DUDULA
Operation Dudula announced that it will launch a campaign aimed at preventing foreign children, particularly those without legal documentation, from enrolling in public schools. We spoke to Zandile Dabula, Founder and Leader of Operation Dudula.