Honourable Speaker
Honourable Premier
Honourable Members of the Executive Council
Honourable Members of the Provincial Legislature
Dikgosi tsa rona tse di tlotlegang
Organised labour movement
Ladies and gentlemen
Introduction
Honourable Speaker, I would like to congratulate the African National
Congress (ANC) on its 100th anniversary as one of the oldest movements in the world and for its commitment to liberate and change the lives of the people of this country. I wish it all the best to stay strong and focused in the decades ahead of it.
Our department supports the acknowledgement of the achievements of our education system by the Honourable President Zuma during the Centenary January 8th statement celebration that “We have made progress in building a single, non-racial, non-sexist and national public education system, and have reached near universal enrolment in primary and increasingly in secondary education. We have begun investing in early childhood education, adult literacy… etc”. As an education community and members of the leadership corps, must ensure that there is continued progress anchored on these incredible achievements.
MEC for Education and TrainingHon. Louisa Lorato Mabe (MPL)
The Honourable President further indicates that to achieve a caring society and a culture of human rights, “… we must continue to expand access to … education,” amongst others. Education is included in the four pillars that government has identified for meeting the basic needs of the people of South Africa. Honourable Premier Thandi Modise, in her State of the Province Address, committed to education, saying that, “we must invest energy, time and resources in education to fight against poverty and inequality.” There is no doubt that education remains critical to the South African society.
Honourable Speaker, during the 2012 provincial budget speech, the former MEC for Finance, Honourable Louisa Mabe indicated “The largest percentage of the provincial budget goes to the social cluster as per national priorities.” I am happy to represent a government which prioritises its social responsibilities. It is correct to do so. In this regard, the Honourable Mabe allocated R10.872 billion to education, which I will outline how it will be spent in the following 8 programmes:
Programme 1: Administration (R652.366 million) Internal Audit Services
In the previous financial year, R7.2 million was allocated for internal audit services to implement the risk based audit plan, which emanated from a departmental risk assessment plan. During the year, internal audits were conducted in the following units: Human Resource Management (HRM), Financial Management Services (FMS), Learner and Teacher Support Materials (LTSM), Supply Chain Management (SCM), National School Nutrition Programme (NSNP) and all the conditional grants. In regard to the above, recommendations were made and corrective action plans were developed and implemented. Follow-up audits were also conducted.
Honourable Speaker, in her State of the Province Address, the Honourable Premier Modise emphasised that, “We must address the issue of mismanagement, irregular expenditure, fraud and corruption.” In realising this objective, the Department of Education conducted an Anti-Corruption Awareness Campaign to increase the vigilance of staff members.
Allegations reported were recorded, investigated and reports were issued for appropriate action to be taken. In the new financial year, R8 million is allocated to provide for audit services in the areas of HRM, Transfer Payments, FMS, LTSM, SCM, conditional grants and the Learner Attainment Implementation Plan(LAIP).
Legal Services
During 2011/12 the legal services budget of R5.494 million was spent on legal administration with specific reference to the preparation of contracts, the management of litigious matters and the updating of legislation. In this financial year, R6 million will be used to address the Department’s legal needs and implement its legislative plans. The Department will also implement controls in respect of contract management.
Minimum Internal Security Services (MISS)
Honourable Speaker, R1.712 million was allocated to the implementation of the Minimum Information Security Standard (MISS) in the previous financial year. This amount was spent on biometrics installations, access control and the installation of electronic systems at the head office and certain sensitive area offices. As per the mandate of MISS, and with an allocation of R2.6 million, this year, the Department will focus on:
- Document security
- Personnel security vetting
- Communication and computer security
- Physical security
- Management, security managers and security’s responsibilities and
Re-alignment of the MISS Directorate.
Departmental Communication
In the 2012/13 financial year, the Department will rebrand itself by establishing a sound corporate identity that will assist in building “Team Education”. The Department will also align all its campaigns, exhibitions and themes to the government’s 2012/13-theme of “Building a Knowledge Economy”. The establishment of a webpage will ensure better interaction, through social media, with stakeholders and learners.
The Department applies development communication at all schools through the implementation of the following 7 campaigns: Quality Learning and Teaching, Adopt a School, Letsema, Education Month, Release of the Matric Results, Formation of Alumni Forums, Focus on Curriculum Delivery in Grade 3, 6 and 9 and Timely Learner
Registration.
The budget for departmental communication services is R6.875 million.
Public Service Staffing
There are currently 105 Public Service Act posts at middle and lower management level. Most of the vacant senior management posts were filled over the past twelve months, except for the remaining two that we hope will be filled during this financial year. There are 50 interns in the department completing their internship programme. We have budgeted R8 million for the appointment of 87 general assistants and 37 administration assistants at schools.
We will progressively provide our schools with support staff over the coming financial years but this will not be at the cost of appointing teachers.
Education Labour Relations Services
Honourable Speaker, R872 600 was allocated for investigations, misconduct cases and disputes. Out of 133 registered misconduct cases, only 15 are pending (13%). There is a decline in misconduct cases as shown by the following figures: abscondment 16%, financial misconduct 6%, fraud related to exams 7% and sexual misconduct 3.6%. It is worth noting that 2 senior managers were placed on precautionary suspension during 2011 and 31 out of 79 registered disputes are pending. Forty grievances were lodged of which 37 were resolved and only 3 are outstanding. This shows a 92% success rate in our handling of lodged disputes.
With an allocation of R1 million, the Department will continue to deliver on its labour relations mandate. We will establish dispute prevention mechanisms in partnership with the Provincial Education Labour Relations Chamber (PELRC).
Information Technology
Information technology received an allocation of R10.784 million with which we supplied 31 computer laboratories to schools, 25 laptops to grade 12 best performing learners, 355 desktop computers and 65 laptops shared amongst 420 departmental officials in the 2011/12.
We further installed the South African School Administration and Management System (SA-SAMS) in schools and supplied, as part of this project, 1 066 (over 66%) schools with laptops. We have completed the installation of phase 1 of the Geographical
Information System (GIS). We also referred to the Co.Za Cares Project that would be implemented in the Dr Kenneth Kaunda District. We report with appreciation that computer laboratories, to the value of R1 million, were provided to each of the 36 schools. Subsequently, more than 250 educators were equipped with computer literacy skills. Let me announce that the Basfour Closed Corporation donated 10 computers, with software and a free maintenance package, to the Boskuil Combined School in Maquassi Hills. Indeed, this shows that together we can do more.
R11 million has been allocated for information technology, so that we can refine the usage of SA-SAMS and update the National Learner Unit Record Information Tracking System (LURITS) this financial year We will complete the roll out of laptops to the outstanding 546 schools and quality-assure our school-based data through a full audit. We will also complete the second and final phase of the Geographical Information System (GIS).
Whole School Evaluation
In 2011, our Whole-school Evaluation supervisors monitored 38 schools and generated reports with recommendations for improvement. R1.6 million was used and R1.1 million will be used in 2012/13 to evaluate 48 schools.
Education Management and Governance Development (EMGD)
With an allocation of R4.136 million in 2011/12, we trained members of school management teams (SMTs), school governing bodies (SGBs) and representative councils of learners (RCL).
The establishment of democratic SGBs is one of the local structures through which government mobilises communities for the reconstruction and development of our country. School governing body members were further capacitated on financial management, record-keeping, the recruitment processes, the 2012 elections and handing-over process. We hope that the handover process has been completed in all the schools without any hiccup. We also held a seminar to ensure that good practice and experience are adequately shared amongst learners and teacher liaison officers in June 2011.
We facilitated the 2012 SGB elections successfully in conjunction with the Independent Electoral Commission (IEC). All newly elected members are being inducted regarding their roles and responsibilities and further capacity building programmes will be implemented during the course of this year.
In this financial year, with an allocation of R2.9 million, we will further support school management teams, SGBs and RCLs. I hope that the training that is provided with bear fruit in the management of all our schools.
Human Resource Development (HRD): Public Service Employees
A budget of R18 million was allocated to train 2 018 public service employees in leadership and management, communication, diversity management, asset and registry, vehicle and transportation management, human resource management, financial management, information and communications technology (ICT) and customer care. This group included SMS members. Four hundred and seventy two (472) newly appointed employees were inducted.
Honourable Speaker, as indicated in my previous budget speech, the Department developed a Human Resource Development (HRD) Strategy that will guide our HR practices. In 2012/13 we will continue to train employees to effectively implement the departmental strategic plan and the goals of the developmental state. Bao ba rupellwang ba gopole gore mokodue go tsoswa yo o itekang, gore ba kotule sengwe mo thupellong eo ba e newang.
Programme 2: Public Ordinary Schools (R9.028 466 billion) Further Education and Training (FET) Curriculum
For Further Education and Training Curriculum we were allocated R3.789 million and we implement the Curriculum and Assessment Policy Statement (CAPS) in grade 10, monitored and supported schools in all the subjects, particularly those where performance is generally poor, that is Accounting, Geography, Life Sciences and Agricultural Sciences. We also set common examinations for grades 10 and 11 and assisted agricultural schools, by injecting a further R2.4 million as part of the Focus Schools Project.
CAPS will be implemented in grade 11 and we will continue to monitor, guide and support subject teachers at schools with an allocation of R2.6 million.
General Education and Training (GET) Curriculum
The GET focused activities were allocated R3.15 million. The funds were used to conduct workshops, hold Professional Support Forum meetings and orientating 252 subject specialists. We trained all Foundation Phase subject specialists and teachers on CAPS.
In the new financial year, we will orientate newly appointed subject advisors with an allocation of R2.1 million. Extra support will be provided to teachers and subject advisors in the new subjects: Natural Science-Technology, Life Skills and English First Additional Language. We will also implement the National Literacy and Numeracy Strategy.
Learner Attainment Improvement Plan (LAIP)
Honourable Speaker, the President during the State of the Nation Address indicated that “our intensive focus on education is paying off and we are pleased that the matric percentage pass is on an upward trend.” I strongly believe that implementation of LAIP will pay off more in the future. We were allocated R42.7 million for Learner Attainment Improvement Program (LAIP). We are by nature compelled to critically analyse the results of all grades to improve and increase performance in township and schools in rural areas.
Our provincial results for the matric examinations increased steadily every year since 2005, starting with 64.8% and are currently at 77.8% in 2011. In her State of the Province Address, the Honourable Premier acknowledges this achievement when she proudly declares that, “we have retained our position of the 3rd best performing province and improved our matric pass rate to 77.8%.” As a province we would like to “… congratulate our teachers, learners, parents and the communities for their efforts” in the past years.
I do not have any doubt that for this year we can improve our results by at least 5% provided that all of us can make sure that we do not disrupt classes and give our children this lifetime opportunity. Furthermore I would like to plead with communities, parents and learners that they must not disrupt classes, use children and destroy government property during service delivery protests. Kana re tshwanetse go tlwaetsa bana ba rona gore ditlamelwana tsa pula di baakangwa e sale gale.
Ga gona gore ba ka kgona tiro ya ngwaga otlhe ka beke tse pedi. Honourable Speaker, during 2011/12, we trained teachers on subject content and strengthened our school management teams. The content gaps were identified from the subject analysis of the 2010 Grade 12 performance in the subjects in which learners performed poorly. Teachers were trained in Accounting, Life sciences, Agricultural Sciences and Geography and we hope that this training will improve the quality of teaching and learning. In addition, we also provided learner focussed interventions.
The department, further, paid special attention to the development of the school management teams of last year’s six first-time-matric-schools. Five of them performed remarkably well between 80% and 100% with the 6th at 64%. During the June school holidays, vacation schools were conducted for 13 453 learners and in September for 13 003. After the Annual National Assessments (ANA) results exposed severe weaknesses in our primary schools; we intensified our intervention at the GET levels.
We will jealously protect our achievement of the past seven years with a budget allocation of R43 million in 2012/13. We will continue to intensify the implementation of our LAIP in various schools. This implies, amongst others that, the training of teachers, the close monitoring of curriculum delivery, the supply of resources and extra classes before and after school, over weekends and during school holidays. I will pay impromptu visits at different centres where extra classes are given to satisfy myself that this is not fruitless expenditure. Primary schools will receive increased attention for this year.
We firmly believe that if we can get it right at the lower levels, we will certainly get it right in the high schools. Ke a itse gore bangwe ba barutabana le bagokgo ba dikolo the di potlana gaba bolo go tlhaba kgobe ka mmutlwa ba tlwaetse gore matlho otlhe a leba ba marema-tlou fela.
Mathematics, Science and Technology Services (MSTS)
Mmusa-kgotla, the department was allocated R21.25 million for special interventions in the teaching and learning of Mathematics and Science: R4 million was used for stipends for teachers, offering extra classes in Mathematics, Science and Accounting and R6.8 million to supply 235 primary and 52 high schools with Science kits. The conditional grant of R7.42 million supplied 51 Dinaledi schools with laptops and interactive white boards as well as financed relevant training.
Dikolo tsa Dinaledi tsona ga dina mabaka a gore go reng basa bone dipholo tsa magareng ga 90% le 100% ka gore ba tlhokomelwa go feta botlhe. I would like to make a special call to everyone at Dinaledi schools that do not perform well that time has arrived to pull up their socks.
I would like to place on record that, over the past three years, our Physical Science achievement improved from 38.3% in 2009, to 51.9% in 2010 and 58.5% in 2011. At the national awards of the South African Agency for Science and Technology Advancement (SAASTA), held in the EDUCON in Gauteng, a learner, Anu Ongunrombi, from Potchefstroom Girls High School, made it to the top five in Natural Science in the country. In the new budget, R6.745 million will be spent on Mathematics and Science kits and R10.568 million on television sets for Dinaledi schools, study guides, Mathematics and Science kits and related software. This will enable them to receive centralised education broadcasts.
The specialised training of teachers will continue this year. R4 million will be spent to pay stipends to teachers offering extra Mathematics and Science lessons. I would like to thank Anglo American for donating 21 513 study guides to our 71 Dinaledi schools. We also welcome the new projects from PROTEC-SANLAM and the AfriSam/Mathematics Centre for teacher and learner support programmes.
South Africa was one of 17 countries invited by the National Taiwan Science Education Centre (NTSEC) to participate in the Taiwan International Science Fair (TISF) in Taipei. They invited 2 of our learners and 2 of our teachers to attend, with 16 other countries. Humphrey Kamuzunzi from Lebone College and Palesa Masuku from J.M. Ntsime High obtained positions 2 and 3 respectively in the category: Medicine and Health. Many congratulations to all of them.
Systemic Evaluation and Quality Improvement DevelopmentSupport and Upliftment Programme (QIDS-UP)
The department conducted QIDS Up baseline and impact studies at 270 primary schools for systemic evaluation. Resources aimed at improving teaching and learning were provided to 140 quintile 1 primary schools with an allocation of R12.727 million. For 2012/13, we have targeted 200 schools and R12.457 million is set aside for this project.
Farm and rural schools
Honourable Speaker, for improved resourcing, during 2011, we merged 45 small and non-viable schools into 18. Also, out of 126, the Department signed 76 revised lease agreements with individuals on whose property some of our public schools are situated. We further commissioned the Cape Peninsula University of Technology to train 99 of our teachers on multi-grade teaching, which was successfully done. A further 200 educators, including subject specialists, are currently undergoing training on multi-grade teaching.
School Enrichment
R17 million was allocated for school enrichment, subsequently one thousand three hundred (1 300) schools participated in the popular codes of football, netball, inter-mega farm learners’ sport, cricket, athletics, chess and eisteddfod.
Allow me, to mention 2 outstanding achievements:
- Itlotleng Junior Secondary from Ga-Khunyana Village (deep rural) was crowned the 2011 Inter-Provincial Pilot School League champions for the category: Girls Under-18
- Reabona Secondary School from Maquasi Hills in the Dr Kenneth
Kaunda District was crowned the 2011 SASCE Champions.
The new budget for school enrichment, R14.305 million, will be spent on school league activities in our 9 sporting codes, the Mega Farm Learners’ Sport Festival, Music Eisteddfod, Indigenous Music and Dance, Farm School Music Development and capacity building in athletics.
School Funding
Nationally over eight million learners attend no-fee schools. To this number, our province contributed 578 541 learners at a cost of R596.658 million of which 50% go to LTSM. The expansion of the no-fee school concept remains relevant and critical for government. During the 2012/13 financial year, our schools receive a total of R593.011 million, of which 84.15% goes to schools in the poorer quintiles.
Our learner numbers at no-fee schools will increase to 584 176, constitutes 76.97% of our total learner population, if we consider a drop in learner numbers.
Learner and Teacher Support Materials (LTSM)
Honourable Speaker, the budget allocation for learner and teacher support materials (LTSM) was R320 million for the 2011/12 financial year. These funds were used mainly for textbooks for the foundation phase, grade 10 and top-ups for all grades. The spending includes stationery, technology kits, victual subsidies and accruals. Consistent with the preferential policy, 15% of the LTSM was spent on small, medium and micro enterprises (SMMEs). The department continues to implement the Norms and Standards for School Funding in its pro-poor LTSM allocation.
This resulted in 35% of the LTSM budget being spent in quintile 1 schools, and only 5% in quintile 5 schools. In the 2012/13 financial year, the budget allocation for LTSM is R336 million. Grades 4, 5, 6 and 11 will be prioritised to provide implementation of CAPS for the first time.
School Library and Multimedia Services
Last year’s allocation of R5.6 million was used to purchase Setswana fiction books for 120 primary schools, celebrate Literacy Week, buy stationery for library administration and obtain BROCADE, a software package for the processing of books. R6.522 million is allocated to school library and multimedia services in the new financial year. We will furthermore purchase books and stationery, introduce mobile library services and conduct literacy campaigns.
Educator Staffing
During 2011, we filled 535 school-based promotional posts and advertised a further 306 in January 2012 for which we budgeted R108 million. In addition, we appointed 238 office based employees at a cost of R44 million. For the reduction of class size, we created 533 posts using R127 million. In terms of Resolution 1 of 2010, we appointed 101 temporary teachers permanently at a cost of R13.338 million and also 204 Funza Lushaka bursary holders at R27 million. In 2012/13, for the reduction of class size, we are creating a further 100 posts with a budget of R14 million. We will also fill the remaining 66 office based-educator vacancies at a cost of R17.237 million. With a budget of R8 million, the backlog of converting 61 temporary teachers into permanent appointees will be dealt with before the end of July.
Teacher Development
Mr. Speaker, I am very pleased to point out that pockets of excellence prevail within our teaching corps. At the Annual National Teachers Awards (NTA) held on 23 February 2012, teachers from our province scooped up no less than 6 out of 8 award categories. Today, those teachers are our guests in the gallery and I would like them to stand as I mention their names:
- Shehnaz Essop Saloojee from Zinniaville Secondary School (Gold in Excellence in Primary School Teaching)
- Belinda Harmse from Woel en Werskaf Pre-Primary School (Gold in Excellence in Grade R Teaching)
- Gladys Mothobi from Kgalagatsane Primary School (Bronze in Excellence in Primary School Leadership)
- Kuttappan Somasekharan Nair from Holy Family High Schoolm (Bronze in Excellence in Secondary School Leadership) Louise-Marie van Niekerk from Berts Bricks School (Bronze in Excellence in Special Needs Teaching)
- Zibi Raymond Belani from Ponelopele ABET Centre (Bronze for Excellence in Adult Basic Education and Training)
This was the highest number of awards given to any province; this is an honour that we need to cherish as a province. Congratulations to all of you and know that we feel very proud of you and trust that you will still make massive contributions towards teaching and learning in our province. You may be seated.
We used R45 million to train 3 425 teachers on subject and teaching methodology in Agriculture, Geography, Life Sciences, Economic Management Sciences, multi-grade teaching, Setswana, Mathematics, Physical Science, English First Additional Language and school leadership and management. In addition, we awarded 800 bursaries worth R5.9 million, of which 644 beneficiaries were teachers. Office based educators were also trained on subject content and management to ensure effective monitoring of and support to schools.
R43 million has been allocated for further teacher training on subject content and methodology; also in the priority areas of Mathematics, Science, English and African languages. The selected content and methodology will be informed by priorities identified by the Integrated Strategic Planning Framework for Teacher Education and Development, ANA Reports and CAPS.
It also gives me great pleasure to share with you the Partnership of Hope Initiative forged between our Dr Kenneth Kaunda District and the North West University. In terms of this agreement, interventions such as inservice teacher development, professional support for pre-service teacher-students, training for office-based staff, leadership training and biannual conferences will be held. The first 100 Foundation Phase teachers were already trained on Literacy during a 2-day workshop. I trust that this partnership will play a significant role in the development of our teachers in the district.
It is my pleasure to indicate that, in the Dr Kenneth Kaunda District, the Matlosana Local Municipality has magnanimously created a bursary fund for the top 20 Grade 12 learners from Matlosana. I would like to thank the municipality for this generous gesture.
Infrastructure (R605 million)
Honourable Speaker, we spent R576.07 million during 2011/12 on infrastructure: R70 million on 46 grade R classrooms and R10 million on boreholes at 100 schools. We replaced 9 mud schools, renovated 14 schools, and completed 6 new schools with R20 million, completed laboratories, libraries and computer rooms at 10 schools. We provided fencing to 32 schools at R11 million and, sanitation facilities to 34 schools at R22 million. We initiated more than 40 Itireleng projects and completed 21 of that number.
The department is allocated R605 million for infrastructure for the 2012/13 financial year. This allocation will be spent as follows:
- R152 million for the completion of 11 projects, scoping of 8 new schools continuation of 5 projects R62 million for new hostels at 3 special schools
- R118 million for additional classrooms and special rooms at 32 schools
- R20 million to convert 20 schools into full service schools
- R30 million for fencing at 34 schools
- R24 million for sanitation facilities at 31 schools
- R7 million for boreholes at 41 schools
- R36 million for 16 grade R classrooms at 15 schools
- R53 million for 20 renovation projects
- R18 million for the recapitalisation of 9 technical high schools
- R60 million for day to day repairs and maintenance of schools and offices
- R25 million for 31 Itireleng projects.
Mr Speaker, our infrastructure budget still remains inadequate. Partnerships are therefore very important in this regard. I would therefore like to thank La Farge Cement Works for the school they built in Bodibe. It is worth noting that the Department secured a healthy partnership with Anglo Gold Ashanti regarding the renovation of schools in the Dr Kenneth Kaunda District. I would like to thank Anglo Gold Ashanti and hope that this partnership will bear good fruit.
We signed a joint venture with Impala Platinum to build one primary and one secondary school in Boitekong in Rustenburg. We also thank them for their good intentions. I would like these companies to know that the Department of Education appreciates their commitment to education; kgetse ya tsie ea tshwaraganelwa.
National School Nutrition Programme (NSNP) R329.301 million
Honourable Speaker, in his State of the Nation Address, the Honourable President reported to that “more than eight million (learners) benefitted from government’s school feeding scheme” countrywide. To that figure, the North West contributed almost a half a million learners.
With an allocation of R305.935 million, we fed 430 832 learners at 1022 primary and 187 339 learners at high schools. Of this budget, R2.626 million was used to top up utensils, while 4 018 food handlers received monthly stipends. Our new allocation for the NSNP is R329.301 million with which we will feed 624 869 learners for 195 school days. In addition, R34.785 million will be used to pay 4 026 food handlers.
Programme 3: Independent Schools (20.121 million)
The budget allocation for the 2011/12 financial year was R19.877 million and was increased to R20.077 million to augment the shortfall due to the increase in the 2010 Provincial Allocation Expenditure per Learner (PAEPL). The Department subsidised an average of 7 533 learners at 26 independent schools. These schools were monitored quarterly and it gives me pleasure to report that the Grade 12 results for all subsidised independent schools, except for two that were above the provincial average. However, even the two schools maintained a pass rate higher than 70%.
During this year, 8 500 learners in independent schools will be subsidised and the budget allocated for 2012/13 is R20.121 million.
Programme 4: Inclusive Education and Special School Services(R333.052 million)
An allocation of R243.39 million was made to special schools and inclusive education. This allocation was utilised for salaries, administration, management and maintenance, as well as for the strengthening of special schools, the establishment of full services schools and the conversion of special schools into resource centres. We further appointed professional support staff such as Therapists and Psychologists. The budget was also utilised for assistive devices, equipment, scholar transport, infrastructure and vehicles.
During the 2012/13 financial year, the department is allocated of R333.052 million for the strengthening of special schools, the establishment of additional full service schools and the conversion of special schools into resource centres. Routine management, administration and maintenance of special schools is also provided for. Infrastructure will be improved through the building of ramps, wheel chair accessible toilets, counselling rooms, dining facilities and walkways for the disabled. In addition, the Department will continue to fill therapist and psychologist posts at full service, special and ordinary schools with learners with special needs.
Mmusa-kgotla, let me now indicate that there were many challenges at the Christiana School for the Blind. It is worth noting that the Department intensified its monitoring and support at this school, in the form of motivation msessions, career guidance and study skills exercises. The North West University conducted a team building exercises involving the staff, School Governing Body (SGB) members, parents and learners. The Portfolio Committee for Education visited the school during July 2011. Their report was very positive. I would like to thank the committee for their interest and support in this matter.
It gives me pleasure to report that, despite the fact that the school presented grade 12 the first time in 2011, it registered a 100% matric pass rate. Two of the candidates met the requirements for admission into Higher Education Institutions and qualified for full bursaries from the National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS). They are currently studying Information Technology (IT) and Human Resource (HR) respectively at the Central University of Technology.
It is also with pride that I announce that 2 of the learners registered for the 2012 National Senior Certificate Examinations are blind and will write their examinations in Braille.
Programme 5: Further Education and Training (FET) Services(R257.233 million)
Honorable Speaker, according to the Minister Pravin Gordhan in his 2012 Budget Speech, “improvements in further education and skills development” is one of the six levers “we need to effectively direct and manage… to succeed in putting our economy on a more rapid and inclusive growth path to 2030…” We are doing our best with the FET college programme for the Growth Path. We allocated R242.613 million to this sector in the previous financial year.
R62.472 million was spent on compensation of PERSAL employees and R180.141 million was transferred to the colleges for their various activities, which included salaries for council employees. For the 2012/13 financial year, the conditional grant will be R257.233 million, including R73.953 million for compensation of PERSAL employees and R183.28 million for goods and services.
Honourable Dr Blade Nzimande, Minister of Higher Education and Training, stated that, “Over the past two years, enrolments in FET colleges have been rising dramatically. In 2011 we had projected a headcount enrolment of 359 000 in all programmes, but the actual headcount enrolment reached 437 060, exceeding our projections by 24%. This year we are expecting a further increase to 550 000 enrolments.” The FET College sector is also growing very fast in our province. The issued number of the FET certificates grew substantially over the past year. The current enrolment for the National Certificate: Vocational (NCV) exceeds a thousand.
Last year, Orbit College achieved an average subject pass rate of 79% across all levels and programmes, and 2 065 of its NC (V) students obtained 728 distinctions. These results make it one of the best performing colleges in the country. All three FET Colleges in our province have a myriad of partnerships with many stakeholders, including 13 Sector Education and Training Authorities (SETAs), Department of Public Works, the Department of Rural Development and Land Reform, the Development Bank of South Africa (DBSA) as well as the Department of Local Government for Artisan Development.
Programme 6: Adult Education and Training Services (AETS)(R169.6 million)
The Department increased the AET centers from 270 to 290 during 2011. We assisted other government departments to establish AET programmes in collaboration with the provincial youth structures and the Sector Education and Training Authorities (SETAs), more than 1000 youths from poverty-stricken rural areas completed learnerships. They received a monthly stipend of R2 400. This year, a further 100 youths will complete learnerships, upon which they will be employed at AET centres as qualified tutors. At a cost of R2.449 million, the Department supplied textbooks to all AET centres. We utilised R26.426 million to train 1 900 jobless members of the community on the following skills: construction (bricklaying, carpentry, plastering, painting and glazing), basic electricity, welding, crop production, tourism and hospitality. All of these skills programmes are fully accredited by various SETAs. Through the MINTEK’s Mining Beneficiation Programme, 80 women graduated in the utilisation of used bottles for the manufacturing of glass beads. As we speak, 150 more women are being trained in ceramics and pottery-making.
R169.6 million has been allocated to adult learning for this year, of which R134.436 million will be used for maintenance and expansion of AET centres. R2 million will be used to recruit additional youths for a learnership programme. As part of a national pilot, 4 centres will manage their own finances in terms of the National Norms and Standards for Funding Public Adult Learning Centres. This is becoming the norm across the country and we hope to expand on this pilot over the MTEF.
The Department will pay tutors, purchase stationery and textbooks, conduct training sessions, facilitate advocacy, and recruit learners and monitor programme implementation at these centres. We will continue to train youths in accredited skills programmes with a budget of R35.164 million and will enrol 2 000 learners.
Programme 7: Early Childhood Development (ECD)(R325.289 million)
Honourable Speaker, the ECD received R310.668 million for the incorporation of grade R into public ordinary schools, which includes R8.389 million as part of the Expanded Public Works Programme (EPWP) Incentive Grant of R13.893 million for job creation. 502 job opportunities were created in primary schools with this grant.” The North West contributed liberally towards this growing national figure of grade R.
Not only did we double the enrolment during this period, but grew from almost zero in 2003 to a formidable 43 217 grade R learners in 1 235 classrooms in 883 schools. In addition, we supplied 230 schools with educational toys, built 100 grade R classrooms with ablution facilities, supplied 115 schools with outdoor equipment and, also, in terms of the EPWP, trained 1 068 practitioners who each received a stipend of R1200 per month. Our department, together with the Department of Social Development, Women, Children and Persons living with Disabilities, conducted the ECD Dialogue and Advocacy Campaign in our four districts.
We agree with the President, further, “We appear poised to meet our target of 100% coverage for Grade R by 2014.” This remains our target in the province and we are well on our way of meeting it. Thanks to Minister Gordhan that he allocated the required resources when he announced that, “Additional allocations of R18.8 billion over the medium term are accommodated, including … expanded access to grade R.”
We will continue with the incorporation of grade R into primary schools to take the total number of grade R schools to 918 this year, with an allocation of R325.289 million and for the implementation of the ECD support programmes. We will also train 1 121 practitioners at NQF levels 4 and 5.
Programme 8: Auxiliary and Associated Services (R86.085 million)HIV and AIDS
Last year, with a budget of R14.7 million, the Department trained 497 teachers on first aid, 349 on counselling, 483 on care and support for teaching and learning (CSTL) and 696 on sexual reproductive health.
The Department also trained 626 learners on peer education to prevent social problems such as substance abuse, teen pregnancy and suicide. We distributed 31 450 books and 39 000 posters to support HIV/AIDS related curriculum delivery. All schools received first aid kits and 1 623 vulnerable learners were provided with essential supplies such as school shoes, hygiene items, uniforms and food parcels. In collaboration with other Departments, we provided 436 child support grants, 1 281 IDs and 436 birth certificates.
Honourable Speaker, I am proud to announce that, during the National SASCE, Reabona High School from Maquassi Hills obtained the highest score for the day, and was crowned the National Champion in the FET HIV/AIDS Section. For the 2012/13 financial year, R15.616 million goes towards our battle against the HIV/AIDS pandemic. This amount will be disbursed for advocacy, training, LTSM, peer education, care and support for orphans and vulnerable children, school health, monitoring, support and administration.
Examinations, Assessment, Certification and Accreditation
The extension of the examinations in our province is already at an advanced stage. During 2011/12, with an allocation of R100 million, we administered the grade 12 examinations, managed the integrated examination computer system, administered 3 external examinations (for matriculants, adult learners and previously unsuccessful NATED 550 candidates) facilitated the Annual Provincial Assessments (APA) for grades 3, 6 and 9, distributed previous grade 12 question papers and memoranda and conducted supplementary examinations.
In 2012/13, R105.84 million is allocated to examinations, which will be used to run all external, national and provincial examinations, including those for adult learners. We will further facilitate the Annual National Assessment (ANA), conduct workshops on examinations, invigilation and promotion requirements, manage the Integrated Examination Computer System, distribute external question papers and memoranda, and administer preparatory and common examinations. Candidates who were unsuccessful in the old Report 550 examinations can still repeat until 2014.
Conclusion
Honourable Speaker, just before I conclude, I would like to bring to your attention the very critical partnership we concluded on 3rd February 2012 N with His Majesty, Kgosi Leruo Molotlegi of Royal Bafokeng Nation (RBN). The agreement is underpinned by Section 14 of the South African Schools Act and ensures cooperation between the Department and the RBN in the areas of education provision, infrastructure maintenance and development, school safety and security, resource provisioning and school governance.
Departmental officials and teachers are already jointly involved with the planning and teaching of Mathematics and sports in Rustenburg schools. Because we are a financially challenged province, the resources that will be supplied through this partnership are much needed and highly welcome. We are confident that this agreement will take education as a whole forward in the province. I would like to thank the RBN and I trust this partnership will grow from strength to strength. I would also like to thank Lonmin, the platinum group metals mining company that is intensely involved in a few schools in Bojanala.
They, for example, held a glittering “Oscars” ceremony, during February, to celebrate exceptional achievements in education in the North West. The top learners in all subjects were awarded laptops and cash prizes and, in some instances, sponsorships for further studies. Deserving educators were awarded bursaries. The Madibeng Area Office received 10 laptops and a network system. In the 2011 matric examinations, at the 7 schools where Lonmin’s Education Programme is being implemented, learners achieved 24 distinctions. At Michael Modisakeng High School, 32% of the learners passed with university endorsements and at Marikana High School the pass rate was 95%.
In partnership with the Ukuqonda Institute, Lonmin has implemented a one-year university preparedness programme where post-grade 12 learners upgrade their Mathematics, Science and language skills. In addition, Lonmin also exposes students to Engineering Drawing and Design and language proficiency in engineering subjects. I thank the company once again.
Also worth mentioning is our cooperation with Anglo Platinum. The company has contributed towards the computerisation of Tlhabane West Primary and Retlakgona Primary. Each school was supplied with 41 computers, a server and an interactive Smart Board. Further, all teachers at the two schools were trained on the usage of the Smart Board. My sincere thanks also go to Anglo Platinum
Honourable Speaker, the President reminded us that, “Our call to teachers to be in school, in class, on time, teaching for at least seven hours a day remains pivotal to our success.” In the same vain I would like to remind our teaching corps that this is still the standard we set for ourselves. Our province remains intensely dedicated in our efforts to protect teaching time as best we can. Let us not disrupt schooling because we will have young people who are not well cooked for life. And this can only become a reality if everyone of us involved in teaching applies this standard in the most sincere form.
I would like to thank the Premier for her leadership and guidance, my colleagues at EXCO for their collective wisdom and support, the Speaker and the Legislature, officials from the Department of Education, organised labour, the business community, parents and indeed all stakeholders.
We are inspired by your involvement. Special thanks go to my family. My appreciation goes to the African National Congress (ANC) for giving me this rare opportunity to serve people of this province with humility.
Thank You, Re a Leboga, Baie Dankie
May God bless the North West Province and South Africa!!
