17 August 2007
The Gauteng MEC for Education, Angie Motshekga, has condemned the rampage
and disorder caused by Congress of South African Students (Cosas) members in
the Johannesburg city centre earlier this week.
The events took place when members of Cosas handed over a memorandum to the
Gauteng Department of Education and the Office of the Premier on Tuesday, 14
August 2007.
"It is everyone's right to participate in peaceful demonstrations as
provided in our constitution and I do not support anyone engaged in violent
acts. I note with concern reports of intimidation and disruptions in several
schools in the province," said Motshekga.
"I would like to remind everyone of the department's intervention programmes
through the recovery plan and the ongoing Senior Secondary Intervention
Program, targeting poor performing schools."
The recovery plan is anchored on three pillars:
* Pillar 1: Countdown to examinations which encourage the support of
learners and teachers in collaboration with School Governing Bodies and
concerned citizens.
* Pillar 2: Advocacy and advice in relation to intensification of
learning/academic efforts whereby electronic and print media will be used to
urge learners, parents and the community to get involved in intensifying and
supporting learning efforts.
* Pillar 3: Provision of additional learning materials.
The department will also procure additional learning materials such as study
guides and booklets from publishers. Print media will be used to provide a
variety of learning and assessment materials to all grades including fact
sheets, work sheets, common tasks for assessment, exemplar exams, exercises and
past examinations papers
"Central to this is our commitment to ensuring that quality curriculum
outcomes are attained by the end of the academic year," said Motshekga.
Senior departmental officials last week met with Cosas members after several
attempts. However, another meeting has been scheduled by Paul Sehlabelo from
MEC Motshekga's office for Tuesday, 21 August 2007 to discuss demands raised in
the memorandum.
The intensification of teaching and learning is in the interest of the
learners in the count down to the year end examinations.
"We appeal to parents to support learners in their studies and ensure that
they perform all assessments as directed in their specific learning areas. We
also urge learners to use the time at their disposal profitably, as it will
benefit them in the long run. The department has made available study materials
to all schools in Gauteng, to supplement their learning," said Motshekga.
Motshekga said she is encouraged by educators who have demonstrated their
commitment by going an extra mile to complete the curriculum and thoroughly
prepare learners for the year-end examination.
For more information contact:
Kate Bapela
Tel: 011 355 0524
Cell: 083 447 6505
Issued by: Department of Education, Gauteng Provincial Government
17 August 2007
Source: SAPA
