Defending the wicket in beach cricket
and books.”
Bawa said university budgets should not be impacted and that universities would continue to enrol students according to admissions’ policies.
“The announcement of the increase in spend on higher education from 0.68% of GDP to 1% of GDP, which is meant to be rolled out over the next five years, should have a positive impact on the university system.”
Bawa said they were concerned about the sustainability of the new model, with one of the concerns being that it will not apply to second and third-year students.
The Independent SA Civic Organisation said a wealth tax would ensure that free higher education was affordable and sustainable.
“Free basic education for the poor should have been the starting point with expansion of no-fee schools across most quintiles to ensure that education is accessible to learners from poor households,” said its spokesperson, Jabu Mahlangu.
Mahlangu said they welcome the proposed increase of subsidies to universities from 0.68% to 1% of GDP to cover tuition, accommodation, food and transport. He said they were hoping that the finance minister’s Budget speech would reveal more details.
“The solution to student funding must address current and historical challenges, and increase funding to historically disadvantaged universities to transform higher education.”
Cosatu called the announcement drastic, but welcomed it, saying it was long overdue. “It provides the first step towards the envisaged free education for the poor as articulated by the Freedom Charter.” OVER 500 youngsters from the Cape Flats, identified by the Gary Kirsten Cricket Academy, were hosted by the Rotary Club of Claremont and their partners in the 27th annual Calypso Cricket Festival, at Muizenberg beach.
“The festival was a key event for identifying new cricketing talent in Cape Town. Cricket coaches from the NGO Sporting Chance, helped the enthusiastic youngsters to hone their skills and a team, from the Gary Kirsten Cricket Academy, identified youngsters with promise who could benefit from cricket coaching and opportunities throughout the year,” said chairperson of the Rotary Club of Claremont’s Outreach Programme, Monique Stuart-Fox.
The programme has managed to produce players such as Protea cricketer Temba Bavuma, who attended the festival in the late 1990s, Malusi Siboto, who now plays for the Titans, and Nono Pongolo, who plays for the Lions, as well as former Protea wicketkeeper Thami Tsolekile.
Funding support from the Rotary Club of Claremont covered the cost of transporting the children to the beach for the day and ensured they were well nourished with snacks, refreshments and lunch. Participants received a T-shirt and a goodie bag of treats.
“This cricketing event inspires a passion in the sport and offers an alternative activity for children from underprivileged communities, who are at high risk of being exposed to drugs, alcohol and gangsterism. Bavuma, Tsolekile, Siboto and Pongolo are proof enough that the Calypso Cricket Festival is a fantastic event that offers a bright future to those with sporting potential,” said Stuart-Fox. – Staff Reporter
THE FESTIVAL WAS A KEY EVENT FOR IDENTIFYING NEW CRICKETING TALENT IN CAPE TOWN