Exploring Student Perspectives on Education Quality and Relevance

Kagiso Trust in partnership with the University of Johannesburg, Faculty of Education held an Education Conversations dialogue on the topic of The Learner’s Lens: Are We Preparing You for the Future? The webinar was a platform for students who have gone through the South African education system to share their lived experiences to provide deep insights into how they perceived their education and whether it has given them a competitive advantage in today’s ever-evolving world.

If you have missed the webinar, you can view it below. The presentations are available next to the bios of the speakers.

Facilitator & Speaker Bio’s

 

Prof. Kathija Yassim 

Prof. Kathija Yassim is the facilitator of the Education Conversations as she is invested in the education space, and her work is focused on related areas.

Prof. Yassim teaches postgraduate education leadership programmes and coordinates the online Masters in Education Leadership and Management Programme. Her research interests include leading Education for 21st-century skills development and cultivating future fit and innovative leadership in South African schools. She leads the school culture stream projects for the Sandbox in partnership with the NECT.

 

 

Mr Andile Mncwango

Presentation Topic: Developing Industry and Classroom Connections: How I Prepare my Learners for the Future 

Download the presentation here.

Learner Name: Ms Naledi Shaoa in Grade 12.

Mr Mncwango serves as the acting HoD in Business and Economics at Parklands High School. He has developed learner enterprise and entrepreneurship by integrating industry partners in the classroom. While success with learning is often measured by marks achieved, Mncwango tries to offer his students insights into business and economics by including the informal sector and the numerous “hustling” opportunities from which his learners benefit. Mr Mncwango is also pursuing business opportunities like “Andy the Impact” on his Instagram Business Page where he offers motivational content. Mr Mcwango is also a researcher in the field of education leadership and management with expertise in leading learning for sustainable futures.

 

Dr Semona Pillay

Presentation Topic: Empowering the youth, Empowering a Nation 

Download the presentation here.

Dr Semona Pillay is a Lecturer in Marketing Management at UJ and W&R SETA Leadership Chair. Her expertise includes Marketing communications, Digital Marketing, and Consumer Behaviour. During her tenure, she transformed the Diploma in Retail Business Management, enhancing student perceptions and employability. Committed to bridging industry and academia, she prepares graduates as industry-ready professionals. The W&R Seta Leadership Chair, Dr Pillay aims to foster student potential, create knowledge, and promote empowerment and excellence in education.

 

 

Ms Olebogeng Maropefela

Presentation Topic: From School to Work: A Graduate’s Reflection on Preparedness 

Download the presentation here.

Olebogeng Maropefela is an intern in the Education department at Kagiso Trust, focusing on research. She holds a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology and English Literature and an Honours Degree in Social Science and Psychology, from Eduvos Institute, Pretoria and the South African College of Applied Psychology. Olebogeng has further enhanced her skills by completing a Fundamentals of Digital Marketing course, certified by Google Skills Africa, and is 120-hours TEFL certified.