There are many ways in which you can work on self-improvement, but one of the top choices will always be education, as it has such a far-reaching impact on one’s life. Education is the foundation of our society, and investing in life-long learning is not only encouraged, but often rewarded in different ways.

The matric pass rate says a lot about the health of South Africa’s education system. As an indication of the learners who successfully pass Grade 12, it offers insight into whether primary and secondary institutions are serving the needs of their learners, and provides an indication of the number of new graduates who may apply for tertiary studies or enter the job market. This figure doesn’t tell the full story, however.

With the month of November marking Global Disability Month and 3 December being International Day of Persons with Disabilities, it’s a good time of year to reflect on how we can empower people with disabilities, while also helping them to play a bigger role in our economy.

The workplace is not what it once was. The pandemic accelerated shifts that were already gaining traction and, today, working environments are defined by increasingly hybrid arrangements, greater mobility and non-linear career shifts. Of course, these changes are also being accompanied by accelerated digital transformation and the rise of automation.

From Covid-19 to climate change, the world in recent years has faced a plethora of challenges that have fundamentally altered the way we live. 

Eloise Nolte — the MD of distance learning provider Optimi College — outlines four practical educational paths that can be helpful for women, of any educational level. These range from completing a matric to pursuing a career in the high-tech fields of engineering, IT and finance.

Unemployment, poverty and inequality have become the biggest challenges facing South Africa in a generation. Stefan Botha, CEO of education company Optimi (which is owned by PSG), gives insight into how private sector education companies are ready and willing to play a big role in boosting access to education in SA and addressing these massive challenges.