18 July 2007
The KwaZulu-Natal Cabinet has welcomed the co-operation between the
Education Department and trade unions in the province in implementing the
schools recovery plan following the recent public service strike.
Education MEC Ina Cronje has described the implementation of the recovery
plan as a 'roaring success'. The plan, which includes winter school, a spring
school and lessons on all Saturdays until the end of the year, was being
implemented throughout the province's schools and is voluntary.
"This plan will enable us to catch up with all days lost as a result of the
strike," Cronje told Cabinet, which at the meeting also called for volunteers
to assist the plan, especially in scarce subjects such as mathematics and
science.
"Let's build relationships to help the plan, even if it means engaging
retired teachers," Premier Sibusiso Ndebele said.
At the same meeting the Cabinet however deplored the conduct of some nurses
who bared their buttocks in public, describing the act as unprofessional and
demeaning. Further meetings with trade unions in the public sector would be
held to discuss bringing back respect and dignity to the professions of
teaching and nursing in the province.
The Cabinet also heard that the KwaZulu-Natal Finance Bill would be tabled
soon in the provincial Legislature. The Bill will enable the Provincial
Legislature, by virtue of resolutions passed by the Provincial Standing
Committee on Public Accounts, to authorise expenditures totalling R2,9 billion
that were previously regarded as unauthorised expenditure between the 1994/05
and 2005/06 financial years.
On the postponement of the Luthuli Commemorative launch which was scheduled
for last week, the Cabinet said a new date would be announced by the national
Department of Arts and Culture. It dismissed reports that the event was
postponed because of political reasons.
On economic transformation, the Cabinet felt more effort was needed to
accelerate Black Economic Empowerment in the province as it seemed the province
lagged behind.
"Why should our people realise their economic dreams once they leave this
province? We need to do more," said Ndebele. Finance and Economic MEC Zweli
Mkhize told the Cabinet a new BEE Strategy will be presented to Cabinet
soon.
The Cabinet also deliberated on the ongoing debate on some traditional
leaders claiming Kingship in the province. The Cabinet said the existing pieces
of legislation passed in the province relating to traditional leadership should
put the matter to rest as these gave full recognition to the existing Zulu
monarch. However it also recognised every citizen's right to democratic
expression.
The Cabinet has been on recess since 20 June 2007.
Issued by: Department of Local Government, KwaZulu-Natal Provincial
Government
18 July 2007
