The University of Zululand (UNIZULU) successfully hosted over one hundred and forty-five teachers during its recent Mathematics, Accounting and Physical Science (MAPS) Educators Seminar in partnership with the Department of Basic Education (DBE) in the King Cetshwayo District and other key stakeholders.
Held at the UNIZULU Science Centre in Richards Bay, the seminar aimed to enhance the pedagogical tools and strategies of MAPS educators in line with the evolving demands of the education landscape.
While opening the event, Professor Pragasen Mudali, Deputy Dean of the Faculty of Science, Agriculture and Engineering, extended a heartfelt message of support. He commended the Communications and Marketing Division (CMD) for spearheading the initiative and emphasised the relevance of the seminar in preparing educators to guide students towards career and skills-building opportunities available in the region’s thriving industries.
“There is a pipeline of investments in Richards Bay and that investment is of industrial nature, that requires strong mathematical, science, accounting, and engineering skills. And so, that is the future that we should be trying to educate our learners and students for, because there are opportunities for their professional development and skills,” Prof Mudali explained.
Sphelele Khomo, Head of the Department of Accounting and Auditing at UNIZULU, echoed the importance of educator development. She highlighted that teachers play an indispensable role in shaping learners’ futures. Their efforts are visible, valued, and essential. She noted that today’s education environment is vastly different from that of when she was a student, highlighting the importance of adapting teaching practices to suit current realities.
“Our government has done an excellent job in working on developing the curriculum. The curriculum is excellence,” Khomo added.
DBE Chief Education Specialist, Tony Moodley, applauded CMD for its active involvement in bridging connections between academia and basic education. He also paid tribute to the UNIZULU Science Centre, led by Dr Derek Fish for over four decades, for its longstanding commitment to hosting the seminar and providing ongoing support to both learners and educators during school visits.
“I would like to share and appreciate the fact that mathematics in our district has seen a definite turnaround to the point that we did, last year, perform at 67% in the grade 12 evaluation. So, that is certainly a serious turnaround,” Moodley said.
The seminar concluded with engaging breakaway sessions, where subject-specific moderators facilitated both theoretical discussions and practical exercises by UNIZULU lecturers from the department of Mathematical Sciences, Physics as well as Accounting and Auditing. “These collaborative learning opportunities reinforced the seminar’s core purpose of equipping MAPS educators with the advanced skills necessary to succeed in today’s dynamic educational landscape, and increase the pass rates in these three subjects,” said Nompilo Dlamini, CMD’s Public Relations Officer.
– Sbahle Dumakude
Featured Image: James Thwala
