Latest news with #TPN
IOL News
16 hours ago
- Business
- IOL News
School fees, legal duties, and debt - a guide for parents and principals
Girls school shoes South African schools - both fee-paying public and independent - are grappling with a sobering challenge- unpaid tuition fees Image: Adrian de Kock South African schools - both fee-paying public and independent - are grappling with a sobering challenge- unpaid tuition fees. For many institutions, outstanding debt threatens not only their financial sustainability but also their ability to deliver quality education. At the same time, many parents face real financial hardship Ashleigh Laurent, Legal Counsel at TPN from MRI Software, said the current situation calls not only for empathy but also for legal clarity, transparent communication, and proactive engagement between schools and parents. "From my vantage point as a legal advisor working with educational institutions, the complexities of this situation emerge starkly. "The legal framework governing these interactions provides mechanisms for the prevention and enforcement of fee-related issues, yet the effectiveness of these measures hinges on how both schools and parents choose to fulfil their respective responsibilities," she explained. For many institutions, outstanding debt threatens not only their financial sustainability but also their ability to deliver quality education Image: File Video Player is loading. Play Video Play Unmute Current Time 0:00 / Duration -:- Loaded : 0% Stream Type LIVE Seek to live, currently behind live LIVE Remaining Time - 0:00 This is a modal window. Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window. Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Window Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Dropshadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps Reset restore all settings to the default values Done Close Modal Dialog End of dialog window. Advertisement Next Stay Close ✕ Ad loading Schools: Establishing clarity and compliance For schools, the commencement of addressing unpaid fees lies in the development of clear, enforceable fee agreements. Laurent said the absence of clarity in documents often leads to disputes that could have been resolved preemptively. "A well-drafted agreement must stipulate essential elements such as tuition amounts, due dates, payment methods, and repercussions for defaulting on payments. This not only safeguards both parties but also sets clear expectations from the outset," she added. Moreover, schools have a legal duty, as outlined by the South African Schools Act and Exemption Regulations, to notify parents in writing and promptly about annual school fees and the procedures for applying for fee exemptions. Laurent said this responsibility primarily rests with the governing body and principal of the school, who are tasked with guiding parents through the exemption and appeals process whenever necessary. In instances of fee defaults, early intervention plays a vital role. Schools should reach out to parents who fall behind on payments to engage in meaningful discussions about possible solutions. If exemptions do not apply and no payment agreement can be reached, schools are legally permitted to take further action, including issuing letters of demand, listing parents with credit bureaus, or even pursuing legal judgment through the courts. However, these actions must conform to legislative guidelines, including the National Credit Act, and should follow fair and lawful procedures. Parents: Understanding rights and responsibilities On the flip side, parents also have a crucial role in navigating the tuition fee landscape. It is imperative that they actively seek to understand their financial commitments when enrolling their children in fee-paying schools. Prompt inquiries and careful reading of fine print can prevent many misunderstandings. In the face of financial difficulties, parents need to act swiftly and communicate openly before fees escalate. "Particularly for parents of children in fee-paying public schools, it is important to note that exemptions are not automatically granted. "The law is clear; individuals must apply annually for fee exemptions, and schools have no obligation to consider financial hardship without a formal application. Consequently, failure to act can leave parents liable for fees that could have potentially been mitigated," Laurent said. Should financial strain prove insurmountable, parents may need to contemplate transitioning to more affordable educational options. While this decision can be emotionally taxing, it might present a practical way to ensure that children's education continues without accumulating unsustainable debt. As with all agreements, adherence to the required notice period is essential to avoid incurring additional penalties.
The Citizen
04-06-2025
- Politics
- The Citizen
Nearly 3% of school staff flagged for criminal activity
Despite being slightly lower than the previous year, the statistics still indicate that 1 in every 34 school employees had a criminal record. Almost 3% of South African school staff screened for employment between March 2024 and February 2025 were flagged for criminal activity. This is according to new data released by TPN, a leading provider of background screening services. The figures raise serious questions about the rigour of vetting procedures in schools and come as the Department of Justice pushes for phased public access to the National Register for Sex Offenders (NRSO). 'Between March 2024 and February 2025, 2.95% of school staff screened through TPN's systems were flagged for possible illicit activity,' said Ashleigh Laurent, Legal Counsel at TPN. 'This includes not just educators, but also grounds staff, temporary hires, coaches, and others in contact with minors. While slightly lower than the 3.08% recorded the previous year, the statistic still means that 1 in every 34 individuals working at schools had a criminal record. Convictions include assault, theft, and murder Of those flagged, 1.22% had criminal records related to abuse or sexual offences, a decrease from 2.63% in 2022, but still alarming. 'Theft emerged as the most prevalent crime, accounting for 18.29% of all convictions,' Laurent said. 43.9% of those with criminal records were convicted of serious offences such as: Assault (23.17%) Drug trafficking (12.2%) Housebreaking (3.66%) and Murder (2.44%) 'While there were no recorded convictions or pending trials for rape or child neglect between 2023 and 2025, over 1.06% of school employees screened are currently awaiting trial, a reminder that pre-employment checks must extend beyond convictions,' she said. ALSO READ: Gauteng education announces 2026 school admission dates: Here is what you need Assault and theft top the list According to Laurent, the TPN tracked the Case Awaiting Trial (CAT) indicators, revealing that 1.06% of school staff screened in the 2024–2025 period are facing legal proceedings. The most common charges pending court proceedings include: Road traffic violations (30.56%) Assault (19.44%) Theft (15%) Reckless driving (5.56%) Malicious damage to property (2.78%) 'While these individuals have not yet been found guilty, the nature of the allegations still raises cause for concern,' Laurent added. ALSO READ: Department scrambles to fix curriculum chaos at Gauteng school after delayed start Schools face legal duties in vetting staff Despite delays in fully opening the NRSO due to confidentiality laws under the Sexual Offences and Related Matters Amendment Act (SORMAA), schools remain legally obligated to screen all staff using the NRSO and Part B of the National Child Protection Register. 'Failure to comply could result in criminal or civil liability and long-term reputational damage,' Laurent warned. According to Laurent, teachers registering with the South African Council for Educators (SACE) must submit a police clearance certificate that is no older than six months. The SACE Code of Professional Ethics enforces conduct standards and disciplinary processes. SORMAA also places responsibility on individuals to disclose past sexual offence convictions. 'An employee in the employ of an employer, who is or was convicted of a sexual offence against vulnerable persons, irrespective of whether or not such offence was committed or allegedly committed during the course of his or her employment, must without delay disclose such conviction or finding to his or her employer,' SORMAA ALSO READ: No party favourites: Minister defends appointment of Mantashe's son to Seta board Early intervention critical According to TPN, the decline in sexual offence-related convictions suggests that improved screening is beginning to take effect. However, even small percentages represent significant risks when children are involved. 'The protection of children cannot be compromised,' Laurent said. NOW READ: 'Looting using matric papers': Why did NW printing job price jump by around R100m?
Yahoo
02-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
French Open 2025: Coco Gauff, Madison Keys advance, Jessica Pegula falls in tough match vs. Lois Boisson
Coco Gauff is moving on to the quarterfinals at the 2025 French Open. (AP Foto/Christophe Ena) Prior to Monday, it looked like American women could dominate at the 2025 French Open. Coco Gauff took care of her business early, advancing to the quarterfinals. Jessica Pegula, however, could not get the job done, ensuring just two American women will make the final eight. Gauff, who came into the event as the No. 2 ranked woman, took down No. 20 Ekaterina Alexandrova in straight sets Monday. Gauff kept Alexandrova off the board entirely in the first set, blanking the Russian 6-0. Alexandrova threatened to take the second set, but Gauff was able to fend her off, winning the set 7-5. While Gauff has faced challenges at the French Open, she has yet to play a third set in her four matches. She's dispatched opponents in straight sets each time out, though that could change as the field whittles down. Advertisement The win pushes Gauff to the French Open quarterfinals for the fifth time in her career. Of the four Grand Slams, Gauff has been most consistent at the French Open. She finished as a quarterfinalist in both 2021 and 2023, made the semifinals in 2024 and finished as a finalist in 2022. Despite that success, Gauff has never won the event. If Gauff is going to accomplish that feat in 2025, she'll need to take down fellow American Madison Keys in the quarterfinals. Keys defeated American Hailey Baptiste in the fourth round Monday, setting up a quarterfinals match vs. Gauff. Madison Keys defeats Hailey Baptiste in fourth round In the battle of the Americans, the higher-seeded player pulled through. Madison Keys defeated Hailey Baptiste in straight sets Monday, pushing Keys into a quarterfinals matchup with Gauff. Advertisement Keys pulled off a 6-3 win in the first set before running into some trouble in the second. Baptiste pushed Keys to the limit, but Keys managed to win the second set 7-5, taking the match. It marks the first time since 2019 Keys has reached the quarterfinals at the French Open. Keys has advanced past that round just once at the event, when she was a semifinalist in 2018. Reaching that stage in 2025 could prove tough. While Keys is the No. 7 ranked women's player, she'll take on Gauff, who entered the 2025 French Open as the No. 2 ranked player on the women's side. It promises to be one of the most exciting matches in the quarterfinals. Jessica Pegula couldn't move past Lois Boisson at the 2025 French Open. (Photo by Frey/TPN/Getty Images) (Frey/TPN via Getty Images) Jessica Pegula falls at 2025 French Open Jessica Pegula looked strong early, but couldn't capitalize against France's own Lois Boisson in the fourth round of the French Open on Monday. Advertisement Things started well for Pegula, who took down Boisson 6-3 in the first set. Pegula stumbled in the second set, however. After trading off games with Boisson early, Pegula struggled late in the set, falling 6-4 to set up a third set. Boisson looked strong early, taking the first two games. Pegula fought back to take the third game. Pegula eventually pulled ahead before both women started to trade off games. Boisson was able to push her lead to 5-4. With the match on the line, Pegula refused to go out easily. With the game tied 40-40, Boisson and Pegula traded off points. One player would get the advantage only to give it up immediately. After a lengthy back-and-forth, Boisson came out on top, taking the final set 6-4 and winning the match. With the loss, the third-seeded Pegula becomes the highest-seeded woman to fall so far. For Boisson — who came into the event ranked No. 361 — it marks the biggest victory of her career. The French Open hasn't been Pegula's best tournament. She's reached the quarterfinals just once, when she fell to Iga Swiatek in the round in 2022. Swiatek is among the non-American women left at the event. She's joined by women's No. 1 Aryna Sabalenka, Mirra Andreeva, Qinwen Zheng, Elina Svitolina and Boisson. Those six, along with Gauff and Keys will make up the quarterfinals at the 2025 French Open.
Yahoo
02-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
French Open 2025: Coco Gauff advances to quarterfinals, Jessica Pegula falls in tough match vs. Lois Boisson
Prior to Monday, it looked like American women could dominate at the 2025 French Open. Coco Gauff took care of her business early, advancing to the quarterfinals. Jessica Pegula, however, could not get the job done, ensuring just two American women will make the final eight. Gauff, who came into the event as the No. 2 ranked woman, took down No. 20 Ekaterina Alexandrova in straight sets Monday. Gauff kept Ekaterina off the board entirely in the first set, blanking the Russian 6-0. Ekaterina threatened to take the second set, but Gauff was able to fend her off, winning the set 7-5. While Gauff has faced challenges at the French Open, she has yet to play a third set in her four matches. She's dispatched opponents in straight sets each time out, though that could change as the field whittles down. Advertisement The win pushes Gauff to the French Open quarterfinals for the fifth time in her career. Of the four Grand Slams, Gauff has been most successful at the French Open. She finished as a quarterfinalist in both 2021 and 2023, made the semifinals in 2024 and finished as a finalist in 2022. Despite that success, Gauff has never won the event. If Gauff is going to accomplish that feat in 2025, she'll need to take down a fellow American in the quarterfinals. Gauff will play the winner of Madison Keys and Hailey Baptiste in the next round. The two Americans face off Monday, with the winner moving on to play Gauff. Jessica Pegula couldn't move past Lois Boisson at the 2025 French Open. (Photo by Frey/TPN/Getty Images) (Frey/TPN via Getty Images) Jessica Pegula falls at 2025 French Open Jessica Pegula looked strong early, but couldn't capitalize against France's own Lois Boisson in the fourth round of the French Open on Monday. Advertisement Things started well for Pegula, who took down Boisson 6-3 in the first set. Pegula stumbled in the second set, however. After trading off games with Boisson early, Pegula struggled late in the set, falling 6-4 to set up a third set. Boisson looked strong early, taking the first two games. Pegula fought back to take the third game. Pegula eventually pulled ahead before both women started to trade off games. Boisson was able to push her lead to 5-4. With the match on the line, Pegula refused to go out easily. With the game tied 40-40, Boisson and Pegula traded off points. One player would get the advantage only to give it up immediately. After a lengthy back-and-forth, Boisson came out on top, taking the final set 6-4 and winning the match. With the loss, Pegula becomes the highest-seeded woman to fall so far. For Boisson — who came into the event ranked No. 361 — it marks the biggest victory of her career. The French Open hasn't been Pegula's best tournament. She's reached the quarterfinals just once, when she fell to Iga Swiatek in the round in 2022. Swiatek is among the non-American women left at the event. She's joined by women's No. 1 Aryna Sabalenka, Mirra Andreeva, Qinwen Zheng, Elina Svitolina and Boisson. Those six, along with Gauff and the winner of Keys and Baptiste will make up the quarterfinals at the 2025 French Open.
Time of India
29-05-2025
- Health
- Time of India
What is short bowel syndrome? How serious is it?
When 4-year-old S.G.V. appeared at a recent press conference in Los Angeles, she seemed like any other preschooler—quietly coloring and playing cards. But the backpack strapped to her shoulders told a different story. Inside it was the equipment delivering life-sustaining nutrition directly into her bloodstream, a treatment known as Total Parenteral Nutrition (TPN). S.G.V. lives with short bowel syndrome (SBS), a rare but serious condition that makes her unable to absorb nutrients from food. Without the nightly intravenous nutrition she receives in the U.S., doctors say she would not survive more than a few days. Her case recently drew national attention because of a change to her family's immigration status, which threatens to interrupt the care that keeps her alive. But beyond the legal battle is a far more urgent medical issue: What exactly is short bowel syndrome, and why is it so dangerous? What is Short Bowel Syndrome? According to the Mayo Clinic, short bowel syndrome is a condition in which the body cannot absorb enough nutrients from the food you eat because part of the small intestine is missing or damaged. The small intestine is where most nutrients are absorbed during digestion. When a large portion of it is removed or doesn't function properly, the body can't get enough protein, fat, carbohydrates, vitamins, or minerals to survive. SBS can happen in two ways: A person is born with part of the intestine missing or damaged. A person has to have large sections of the small intestine surgically removed due to conditions like Crohn's disease, cancer, trauma, or blood clots in the intestinal arteries. How does it affect the body? The Cleveland Clinic explains that while the body has some ability to adapt to small intestinal changes, losing too much—especially the jejunum or ileum—makes it very difficult to absorb nutrients. In many cases, the ileum (the final portion of the small intestine) can take over some of the roles of the missing segments. But when too much of the intestine is gone, even that adaptation isn't enough. In infants like S.G.V., this can lead to severe malnutrition, dehydration, and growth failure. Symptoms in children Signs of short bowel syndrome in children include: Chronic diarrhea or loose, watery stool Bloating and excessive gas Fatigue Foul-smelling stool Poor weight gain or failure to grow These symptoms come from the body's inability to digest and absorb essential nutrients, fluids, and electrolytes. How is Short Bowel Syndrome treated? Dietary Changes Children with milder forms of SBS may benefit from frequent small meals, high-calorie foods, and supplements of vitamins and minerals. They may need to avoid certain foods that are hard to digest, such as those high in fat, sugar, or fiber. However, in more severe cases—like S.G.V.'s—diet alone is not enough. Total Parenteral Nutrition (TPN) TPN is a method of delivering nutrients directly into the bloodstream through a special IV catheter, bypassing the digestive system entirely. The fluid contains carbohydrates, protein, fats, electrolytes, and vitamins. This is the primary treatment for children with severe SBS. It is often given overnight for 12–16 hours to allow children to be mobile during the day. As in S.G.V.'s case, some children use portable TPN backpacks, which allow them to attend school or go outside while still receiving nutrition. 'If her treatment is interrupted, she will die within days,' said Gina Amato, the family's attorney, to NBC News. However, long-term use of total parenteral nutrition (TPN) can lead to several serious complications. These include bacterial infections, issues with the intravenous catheter, and blood clots. Over time, TPN may also reduce the body's ability to absorb calcium into the bones, increasing the risk of bone weakening. It can contribute to gallbladder disease, kidney damage, and liver problems. In severe cases, these complications may progress to kidney or liver failure. Enteral feeding (Tube Feeding) Some children also need a feeding tube inserted into the stomach or intestines to get liquid nutrition. This may be used in combination with TPN to encourage the intestines to function as much as possible. Complications of Short Bowel Syndrome Because the body can't absorb nutrients the usual way, SBS comes with serious health risks: Malnutrition and vitamin deficiencies Electrolyte imbalance (sodium, potassium, magnesium) Dehydration Gallstones Kidney stones Liver disease from long-term TPN Infections related to central IV lines In infants, complications like cholestasis (bile backup in the liver) and intestinal failure-associated liver disease are particularly dangerous. One step to a healthier you—join Times Health+ Yoga and feel the change
