Zandile Bangani

@agirliesgirl

Zandile Bangani was born and raised in Cape Town. She writes about matters pertaining to education and is committed to improving the level of education available to working-class and impoverished families.

Stories by: Zandile Bangani

• Video
WATCH | 1976 and 2015: Vital turns towards true freedom
The uprisings of 1976 and the Fees Must Fall protests of 2015, almost 40 years later, were important turns in the continuing fight for the true emancipation of a majority of South Africans.
Journalist: Cebelihle Mbuyisa, Zandile Bangani
Producer: Dara Kell
Videographer: ANDYMKOSI
16 Jun 2022

• News
Inclusive education unrealised after 21 years
Published in 2001, the white paper for inclusive education is yet to be passed into law, leaving disabled learners without access to schools and with little legal recourse.
By: Zandile Bangani
17 May 2022

• News
Worker compensation yet to be put into practice
Two workplace incidents show that although domestic workers are legally covered by the compensation act, a lack of follow-through makes it almost impossible to claim.
By: Zandile Bangani
5 May 2022

• News
Financial aid schemes hinder graduates’ job search
Impoverished students suffer the consequences when the National Student Financial Aid Scheme fails to pay universities, which then withhold academic records.
By: Zandile Bangani
12 Apr 2022

• News
Schoolchildren call for safer school transport
Learners from the schools affected by a taxi accident in which nine children died used the funeral service to plead with the education department and parents to keep them safe.
By: Zandile Bangani
14 Mar 2022

• News
University of Pretoria workers want equality
The institute discriminates between long-time workers and those insourced in 2016, say workers. If this does not change within the promised six months, they will strike again.
By: Zandile Bangani
10 Mar 2022

COVID-19
• News
Covid-hit crèches still await promised funding
Many nursery schools have been unable to reopen after forced lockdown closures and staff retrenchments. And, they say, the Department of Social Development just ignores their plight.
By: Zandile Bangani
14 Feb 2022

• Features
Tseko Monyamane turns his art into a business
The artist’s unique creations made from wool and discarded glass bottles gained a following this year. Now he has his sights set on filling homes with his eco-friendly decor.
By: Zandile Bangani
23 Dec 2021

COVID-19
• News
Universities’ mandatory vaccination conundrum
Some institutes of higher education have made being inoculated against Covid-19 a requirement for admission next year while others are still debating their vaccination policy.
By: Zandile Bangani
14 Dec 2021

COVID-19
• News
Women bear Covid-19’s silent burden
The pandemic has disproportionately affected women, who have suffered more job losses and greater emotional distress. Yet few can access the mental health help they need.
By: Zandile Bangani
12 Nov 2021

• News
Funding policy leaves students out in the cold
One of the financial aid scheme’s policies is denying tens of thousands of students funding in their final year of study, forcing them to drop out and putting their futures in jeopardy.
By: Zandile Bangani
21 Oct 2021

• Features
IMthethwamatics yenza izibalo zithokozeleke futhi zifundeke kalula
Ukufundiswa kwezibalo kusesimweni esishayisa ngovalo, kodwa sekunenhlangano engenzi nzuzo ehlose ukuphucula ukutholakala kolwazi lwalesi sifundo kothisha nabafundi. Ifuna nokuphucula ukufundwa kwezibalo ezweni lonke laseNingizimu Afrika.
By: Zandile Bangani
28 Sep 2021

• Features
Making maths fashionable, the Mthethwamatics way
Mathematics education is in a dismal state, but one non-profit aims to improve access to the subject for teachers and learners – and by extension South Africa’s performance in the subject.
By: Zandile Bangani
28 Sep 2021

• News
Eradicating pit toilets is but a first step
These dangerous and insanitary latrines at schools should be replaced by clean and safe bathrooms that also cater to the needs of girls who’ve reached puberty.
By: Zandile Bangani
22 Sep 2021

• News
Struggling special-needs school dealt a double blow
The Golden Steps school in KwaZulu-Natal lost not only its computer room and kitchen, but also some of its children’s means to communicate and learn a skill that grants them independence.
By: Zandile Bangani
9 Sep 2021

• News
Long arm of the riots still affecting health sector
The tumult in KwaZulu-Natal and Gauteng has forced people to go without chronic medication and check-ups, caused shortages at the blood bank and disruptions in the vaccine roll out.
By: Zandile Bangani
4 Aug 2021

• Features
The heartbreak behind children leaving school
A young boy’s education is stopped when it has barely started, all because he’s from an impoverished family who hardly survived even before Covid-19 brought added burdens.
By: Zandile Bangani
23 Jul 2021

COVID-19
• News
Preschool teachers decry not getting Covid-19 jabs
While those who fall under the basic education department get priority vaccinations, early childhood development practitioners are treated as if they – and their young charges – do not matter.
By: Zandile Bangani
6 Jul 2021

• Sport
Government drops the ball with sport in rural areas
The lack of adequate sporting facilities and financial support to participate in tournaments does not only limit children’s athletic potential, it also affects their relationship with sport.
By: Zandile Bangani
24 Jun 2021

• News
Eviction blame-game not helping Makhanda students
Landlords turfed out 45 students for not paying rent. The evictees accuse their college of rendering them ineligible for the National Student Financial Aid Scheme but the college disagrees.
By: Zandile Bangani
14 Jun 2021

• Features
Government neglects children with additional needs
The Nofezile Special Care Centre creates jobs and cares for children with physical and mental health impairments, but it does so in a hand-to-mouth way, limiting its potential.
By: Zandile Bangani
17 May 2021