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A task team has begun investigating the alleged selling of teacher posts, the basic education department said on Sunday. The team has started to do its work and several interviews have been held with union's department spokesperson.

The Department of Basic Education has finalised the terms of reference for the task team that will investigate allegations of selling of posts within the sector. The names of the task team members will be announced once the proposed list has been gazetted. Basic Education Minister established the task team after recent media reports alleging that some posts in the education sector were sold for cash.

Sexual harassment is rarely discussed in South African universities, but an investigation into a sex scandal that has rocked the University of the Witwatersrand has brought the subject under the spotlight. Wits University is investigating some academics after its student Newspaper accused an unnamed lecturer in the political studies department of sexual misconduct.

A summer school entitled "From Principles to Practice: Higher education policy and research project management" was organized in Cape Town for masters and PhD students in the field of higher education studies. Practical examples and tips were given on how to navigate the field of competitive funding applications, the so-called "dirty" world of research.

The Department of Higher Education has warned students to be wary of "registered" private colleges which offer certificates, diplomas and degrees but do not have its stamp of approval. A department spokesman expressed concern about the current trend whereby institutions secured registration for one or two programmes, and then used this status as a cover to offer other unregistered courses.