With the Gauteng Department of Education (GDE) confirming that online admissions for Grade 1 and Grade 8 placements for 2026 have opened, support is available for parents who might be intimidated by the online process. Tieho Mokoena, principal at SPARK Turffontein, offers some suggestions and tips to guide parents and guardians through the process. “You […]
5 tips to help you navigate the school application process Read More »
In playgrounds, WhatsApp groups and school corridors across South Africa, bullying is leaving devastating emotional scars on children. Bullying, long dismissed as a “rite of passage,” is now an entrenched crisis, one that schools, families and government can no longer afford to ignore. An estimated 40% of school-going children in South Africa experience some form of bullying,
Bullying rampant in South African schools Read More »
South Africans are known for their resilience. Our ability to adapt, endure and keep moving forward, even when faced with load-shedding or water disruptions, makes us unique. But true financial resilience goes beyond grit. According to JJ van Wyk, financial adviser at Momentum Financial Planning, it starts with a well-considered backup plan. With the cost
How an emergency fund helps you handle life’s curveballs Read More »
That money in itself is not always number one, which is an odd thing for a money man to say, but Stanley Gabriel, CEO of Momentum Savings, insists that there’s something not enough people think about when they want to start saving. Because I work for a business that focuses on long-term savings, I often
Give yourself a reason to start saving Read More »
As South African Matrics wrap up their mid-term exams, the results they receive will serve as a critical checkpoint on their journey toward the final Matric exams later this year. These mid-term results are more than just grades; they’re a valuable tool to assess progress, identify areas for improvement, and build a solid strategy for
Matric mid-term results: Your guide to charting finals success Read More »
In an increasingly connected world, multilingualism is emerging as one of the most valuable skills a child can develop. Language learning is not only a tool for communication but a vital pathway to cognitive, social and cultural development – beginning in the early years of life. “Children have a natural ability to absorb language from
Benefits of learning multiple languages: A parent’s role in language development Read More »
Starting ‘big school’ is a major milestone – and not just for your child. It’s also the start of a long-term financial commitment for parents. With the Gauteng Department of Education (GDE) announcing that online admissions for Grades 1 and 8 will open from 24 July to 29 August, and some private schools already accepting
5 smart ways to prepare financially for your child’s first year of school Read More »
South African schools – both fee-paying public and independent – are grappling with a sobering challenge: unpaid tuition fees. For many institutions, outstanding debt threatens not only their financial sustainability but also their ability to deliver quality education. At the same time, many parents face real financial hardship. This tension between educational access and economic
School fees, legal duties and debt: A guide for parents Read More »
We often ask: Why are our schools failing? But perhaps it’s time to ask a better question: What do our schools need to succeed? In the global pursuit of educational reform, we tend to focus on curriculum, infrastructure, or testing outcomes. Rarely do we pause to consider something far more basic – whether a child has eaten that
Hungry Minds: Why education begins with a full stomach Read More »
June is Youth Month in South Africa – a time to celebrate young people and reflect on how to build a brighter, more inclusive future. Understanding the concept of financial risk is a key skill that helps young people avoid money pitfalls and thrive later in life. Just as we teach children to cross the
Youth Month: Teach money lessons early Read More »