COVID-19 infection numbers are on the rise again, which means that more stringent lockdown regulations could follow. This might include the school closures, and the return of more regular remote learning again.

It’s been over seven years since the Protection of Personal Information (POPI) Act (or POPIA) was first signed into law, but on 1 July 2021 it will come into full effect at last. Business owners who have consistently viewed POPIA as a threat, and who hoped this day would never come, are likely stunned and underprepared.

Over the last 12 months, South African schools have had to dramatically change their approach to teaching, with e-learning becoming an integral part of their daily lives. At our universities, the same trends have applied – albeit in different ways, across different institutions. Some universities have adapted better than others. But if one takes a step back, this could be a moment that moves our tertiary education space forward, resulting in improved student performance and greater access.

All parents during this period have had to undertake some form of homeschooling at certain times. But it’s been moms, in particular, who have been among the greatest education heroes during this time — often also juggling work, home and parenting.

Siphindile Bhengu, from Amanzimtoti in KwaZulu-Natal, was one of thousands of matric learners in 2020 who had to endure one of the toughest academic years in a century. The COVID pandemic played havoc with Siphindile’s final school year, as she had limited internet access at home, and she had to rely on education radio and TV broadcasts from the SABC to get through. A class WhatsApp group from her school also assisted.

Reflecting on the last 365 days of lockdown in South Africa, it's clear that education has undergone immense changes that will forever alter the way that our children learn. As the country's largest homeschooling provider, we at Impaq have noticed how more families are increasingly viewing homeschooling as an appealing alternative.

Reflecting on the last 365 days of lockdown in South Africa, it’s clear that education has undergone immense changes that will forever alter the way that our children learn. As the country’s largest homeschooling provider, we at Impaq have noticed how more families are increasingly viewing homeschooling as an appealing alternative.

The COVID-19 pandemic has disrupted all aspects of human life. It has made people across the globe think differently about how we work, how we play, and most importantly, how we learn. The virus prompted one of the most significant shifts in education since the 1st Industrial Revolution, and many parents are now making the switch to homeschooling as a viable alternative to mainstream schooling.

Nothing is more inspiring than witnessing the success of young people with a hunger for learning. For the hundreds of learners at the Liberty funded Kutlwanong Centers for Maths, Science and Technology, the 100% pass rate in 2020 was a testament to their determination, work ethic and embracing new technology whenever possible.

If ever a single event was to highlight why schools should incorporate e-learning into their learning methodologies, it was Covid-19. Never before have so many contact-teaching schools been forced to introduce digital learning solutions so quickly and so comprehensively. A year later, with the pandemic still very much a part of our lives, it's clear that schools will continue to rely on e-learning - in full or in part - for some time to come.

There's nothing like a new year - especially after the challenges of last year - to make some new and exciting changes. You might be considering adding a new skill to your CV or looking for an opportunity to earn more money. If so, look no further than the online assessor and moderator training programmes by Media Works, part of Optimi Workplace, South Africa's leading adult education and training provider.

In 2020, the education landscape changed permanently. Covid-19 pushed schools, teachers, learners and parents into unfamiliar territory, and many had to adapt to teaching and learning methods they might not have considered otherwise, says Louise Schoonwinkel, managing director of Optimi Home.

In 2020, schools across South Africa have faced their most challenging academic year yet, with lockdown closures disrupting learning in significant ways. While hard-working teachers and principals have tried their best to adapt and innovate, the COVID-19 crisis has served as a wake-up call for many schools to improve their e-learning capabilities.

Previously known as FutureLearn, the Optimi Group provides offerings for the home, workplace, classroom and college, and serve over 200,000 learners each year. Optimi Classroom focuses on accessible classroom solutions for schools and tertiary institutions. Offerings include teacher and learner solutions provider ITSI, classroom practice software Cami, and Arrow Academy, an innovative model school in Centurion where Optimi classroom offerings are used and refined..

FutureLearn, a subsidiary of the PSG Group, has announced its corporate brand change to 'Optimi', signalling an evolution in its multi-faceted education offering. The company has used the name 'FutureLearn' for many years and has built up recognition as South Africa's leading accessible education solutions provider. It has also become one of the fastest-growing education companies in the country by completing several mergers and acquisitions during this time.