WEB BUZZ MAFIA

South Africa came last in an evaluation of maths and science education across the world Education in Eastern Cape is allegedly controlled by a clique that uses blackmail and intimidation to keep its members' pockets full. A two-month investigation by The Times's sister publication, The Herald , also revealed claims by female education department officials that they are pressurised at out-of-town junkets into having sex with "top dogs" in exchange for a promotion. The clique - dubbed the Education Mafia - has infiltrated a number of the provincial department's 28 directorates, with some members holding key positions. This allegedly enables them to manipulate tender procedures and financial plans, influence policy discussions and stymie internal investigations. The group has also allegedly drawn up a ''hit list'' of education officials its members want fired for standing in their way . The deputy direc...

* Position-holders raise concern over ‘end’ to inter-board paper marking LAHORE: Position-holder students have raised a grave concern over the purposed ending of inter-board marking and paper checking, terming it a conspiracy hatched by a powerful mafia. Four position-holders of Gujranwala Board of Intermediate and Secondary Education have filed a written appeal with Punjab chief minister’s office, requesting him to stop the purposed ending of inter-board marking in Punjab Board Chairman Committee’s meeting, which was started in 1998 during the PML N rule. The appeal, a copy of which is available with Daily Times, has been scribed by the female position-holders of matriculation, including Hadiqa Aijaz (first position in 2012), Nabila Younus (second position in 2011), Rabia Munir (third position in 2011) and Aqsa Muhammad Ali. The copies of the appeal have also been sent to senior officials, including Punjab education minister, Punjab chief secretary, secretary of high...