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The South African
7 hours ago
- Health
- The South African
Iconic SA landmarks host International Yoga Day: How to join
International Yoga Day takes place tomorrow, 21 June. To mark the day, various South African cities will host public yoga events. Celebrations in 2024 saw 8000 yoga practitioners converge at Wanderers Stadium in Johannesburg. This year, there are events in multiple of the country's main cities. Originating in ancient India, yoga is now a popular practice around the world. It's no different in South Africa, with hundreds expected to join the celebrations this upcoming weekend. The United Nations recognised International Yoga Day in 2014. Then, in 2016, the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (UNESCO) recognised yoga as part of the world's intangible cultural heritage. The 2025 International Yoga Day takes place under the theme 'Yoga for One Earth, One Health'. Consul General of India in Cape Town, Ruby Jaspreet, told IOL that 'yoga' is the Sanskrit word for 'union': 'It's a timeless practice that brings harmony between body and mind, and between humans and nature.' Celebrations for International Yoga Day will take place across South Africa over the weekend of 21-22 June. Most of them are hosted by the local Indian consulates with involvement from different organisations. Some of the country's top landmarks will play host to events: Kirstenbosch Botanical Gardens, Cape Town: 21 June Cradle of Humankind, Maropeng: 21 June North Beach Amphitheatre, Durban: 21 June Union Buildings, Tshwane: 22 June Furthermore, KwaZulu-Natal Premier Thami Ntuli will open the Durban event, which is organised by the Sivananda World Peace Foundation. He told The Deccan Herald: 'As we celebrate this special day, we acknowledge the profound impact that yoga has on our physical, mental, and emotional well-being. Yoga unites us, fosters peace and harmony, and inspires us to live in balance with ourselves and nature.' Those wanting to join in the events will find details on the social media accounts of their local Indian consulates. Let us know by leaving a comment below or send a WhatsApp to 060 011 0211. Subscribe to The South African website's newsletters and follow us on WhatsApp, Facebook, X, and Bluesky for the latest news.
New Straits Times
a day ago
- Politics
- New Straits Times
Asean education urges focus on gaps affecting out-of school children
LANGKAWI: In the pursuit of a resilient and sustainable Asean, it is crucial for member countries to remain attentive to deficits in foundational learning, skills gaps and youth unemployment, which continue to exacerbate the Out-of-School Children and Youth (OOSCY) challenge. Education Minister Fadhlina Sidek, in her welcoming remarks at the Asean Ministers of Education and Higher Education Roundtables here, said that with continued support and shared wisdom, Asean is collectively able to achieve greater heights in the quest for quality education and prosperity for both individual nations and the bloc as a whole. "Today's roundtable serves to reaffirm our shared resolve that every child and young person, especially those currently out of school, must be afforded equitable access to quality education and the opportunity to play a meaningful role in society. "This convening offers an invaluable platform to share experiences, reflect on our collective progress and explore innovative approaches to bridging long-standing educational disparities. "As Malaysia assumes the Asean Chairmanship in 2025, we are profoundly aware of the responsibility that this role entails. "Guided by the vision of a People-Oriented and People-Centred Asean, we remain steadfast in our commitment to inclusive development and ensuring that no one is left behind, particularly our children and youths who remain outside the formal education system," she said. Fadhlina said the Asean Higher Education Ministers Roundtable on "Envisioning the Next Decade and Beyond", which aims to outline a collaborative roadmap towards a future-ready education ecosystem, is equally significant in today's session. She said in light of the intense technological and industrial transformations shaping the region, it is essential for higher education institutions to evolve and become more inclusive, agile and responsive to real-world demands. "By enhancing cooperation between governments, academia and industry, we not only strive to equip our youth for the jobs of the future, but also build more inclusive pathways for OOSCY to re-enter education and contribute actively to Asean's shared prosperity. Bridging this gap is fundamental to nurturing an Asean that is innovative, cohesive and truly leaves no one behind," she said. Fadhlina also extended her condolences to all those affected by the devastating earthquake in Myanmar and Thailand in March. Also present were Higher Education Minister Datuk Seri Dr Zambry Abd Kadir, as well as ministers and senior officials responsible for education and higher education from Asean member states and Timor-Leste, representatives from United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (Unesco) and Islamic World Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (ICESCO). The education ministers are expected to adopt the Langkawi Joint Statement on Asean OOSCY, proposed as a guiding framework to advance collective action in ensuring inclusive access to education and learning opportunities across the region. Yesterday, Fadhlina held discussions with ICESCO director-general Dr Salim M. AlMalik on educational matters, among others, on strategic collaboration in Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM). — Bernama
New Straits Times
2 days ago
- Politics
- New Straits Times
MOE to table amendments to Education Act next month, make schooling compulsory until 17
LANGKAWI: The Education Ministry will table amendments to the Education Act 1996 in Parliament next month to make it compulsory for children to receive education until the age of 17 to overcome the problem of student dropout. Education Minister Fadhlina Sidek said that the enforcement of the law is one of the measures taken to ensure that every child has the right to quality education up to the completion of secondary school. "After finalising the compulsory secondary education policy, we will look into the benefits of compulsory preschool education," she told a press conference after the Asean Education Ministers and Higher Education Ministers Roundtable Conference (#EduRoundtables2025) here, today. The next Parliament session is scheduled to start from July 21 to August 28. Under the Compulsory Primary Education Policy, every parent of a citizen residing in Malaysia must ensure that their child receives six years of compulsory primary education. Fadhlina said that the ongoing education reform initiatives include the expansion of preschools, though several challenges remain, particularly in developing the necessary infrastructure, addressing logistics issues, and building the capacity of qualified teachers. She said that competent and trained teachers are important to providing young children with early exposure and a strong educational foundation at the preschool stage, before they begin formal mainstream schooling, a key step in reducing school dropout rates caused by barriers to early access. "So, before we implement the policy to make preschool compulsory, we must first prepare the ecosystem, infrastructure and teachers," she said. Earlier, Fadhlina delivered a welcoming address at the roundtable conference, which aims to strengthen regional cooperation in education, followed by a closed meeting of Asean education ministers. The conference began yesterday with a forum themed "Accelerating Innovative Strategies: Mitigating Out-of-School Children and Youth Challenges", aimed at strengthening collective efforts through information sharing on groups that do not have access to education and are at risk of dropping out, as well as other issues related to dropout. In addition to the participation of Asean member states, and Timor Leste as an observers, the Asean Education Forum was also joined by representatives from international organisations such as the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (Unesco), the United Nations Children's Fund (Unicef), the Southeast Asian Ministers of Education Organisation (SEAMEO) and the Islamic World Organisation for Research, Science and Culture (ICESCO). This year, 2025, marks the fifth time Malaysia is holding the Asean Chairmanship, following previous terms in 1977, 1997, 2005, and 2015.
The Star
2 days ago
- Politics
- The Star
Education Ministry to table amendments on compulsory secondary education next month
LANGKAWI: The Education Ministry will table amendments to the Education Act 1996 in Parliament next month to make it compulsory for children to receive education until the age of 17 to overcome the problem of student dropout, says Fadhlina Sidek. Education Minister Fadhlina Sidek said that the enforcement of the law is one of the measures taken to ensure that every child has the right to quality education up to the completion of secondary school. "After finalising the compulsory secondary education policy, we will look into the benefits of compulsory preschool education," she told a press conference after the Asean Education Ministers and Higher Education Ministers Roundtable Conference (#EduRoundtables2025) here, Thursday (June 19). The next Parliament session is scheduled to start from July 21 to Aug 28. Under the Compulsory Primary Education Policy, every parent of a citizen residing in Malaysia must ensure that their child receives six years of compulsory primary education. Fadhlina said that the ongoing education reform initiatives include the expansion of preschools, though several challenges remain, particularly in developing the necessary infrastructure, addressing logistics issues, and building the capacity of qualified teachers. She said that competent and trained teachers are important to providing young children with early exposure and a strong educational foundation at the preschool stage, before they begin formal mainstream schooling, a key step in reducing school dropout rates caused by barriers to early access. "So, before we implement the policy to make preschool compulsory, we must first prepare the ecosystem, infrastructure and teachers," she said. Earlier, Fadhlina delivered a welcoming address at the roundtable conference, which aims to strengthen regional cooperation in education, followed by a closed meeting of Asean education ministers. The conference began on Wednesday (June 18) with a forum themed "Accelerating Innovative Strategies: Mitigating Out-of-School Children and Youth (OOSCY) Challenges", aimed at strengthening collective efforts through information sharing on groups that do not have access to education and are at risk of dropping out, as well as other issues related to dropout. In addition to the participation of Asean member states, and Timor Leste as an observer, the Asean Education Forum was also joined by representatives from international organisations such as the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (Unesco), the United Nations Children's Fund (Unicef), the Southeast Asian Ministers of Education Organisation (Seameo) and the Islamic World Organisation for Research, Science and Culture (Icesco). This year, 2025, marks the fifth time Malaysia is holding the Asean chairmanship, following previous terms in 1977, 1997, 2005, and 2015. - Bernama
New Straits Times
11-06-2025
- Business
- New Straits Times
Melaka should uphold heritage preservation standards, says Penang exco
GEORGE TOWN: Penang urges Melaka to follow heritage conservation guidelines in order to protect their joint listing as Unesco World Heritage sites. Penang Tourism Committee chairman Wong Hon Wai said the state was committed to heritage conservation since it launched the George Town World Heritage Incorporated in 2008, which ensured that historic areas in George Town were protected under a strong legal framework. He said Penang had enacted comprehensive heritage laws, established conservation offices and implemented council guidelines to protect not only historic buildings but also intangible cultural heritage. "We have done quite a bit in terms of heritage protection, including this building and many others. "We are not only moving along with heritage conservation but also expanding into intangible cultural heritage. "Since George Town and Melaka share a joint Unesco World Heritage (listing), Melaka is equally responsible for complying with building and conservation guidelines to ensure the integrity of the shared heritage status. "I read quite a bit about some of the building issues in Melaka. "So if there are issues in Melaka, they must follow the building guidelines as well," he said when announcing the George Town Celebrations 2025 here today. Wong did not specify the building issues in Melaka. He said the joint listing legally protected both sites and their heritage status remained secure. Wong's comments come amid renewed public discussion around the preservation of historic sites and the need for balanced development. George Town and Melaka were jointly inscribed as United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation World Heritage Sites in 2008. They were recognised as "Historic Cities of the Strait of Malacca" for their shared rich trading heritage and cultural exchange between East and West over 500 years. This year's George Town Celebrations — the 17th year of the annual heritage festival — is themed "Doors and Doorways".
