meeting
20 May 2006
The North West Executive Council (Provincial Cabinet) met on Wednesday in
Mafikeng as part of its regular sittings. ExCo reflected on a number of policy
and strategic issues. Amongst other things, ExCo reflected on the following
issues:
Grade 12 results 2005
A report on the analysis of the 2005 grade 12 examination results was tabled
before the ExCo. Having reflected on the achievements, trends and challenges,
ExCo emerged with the following resolutions:
* Government as a whole should support the Department of Education in its
efforts to monitor discipline and improve the functionality of schools,
especially "trapped schools" and to support and motivate teachers and learners
at these schools.
* The Department of Education to develop a policy document on strategies
aimed at promoting studies in critical fields such as mathematics and science
within the context of the requirements of the Provincial Growth and Development
Strategy (PGDS) and Accelerated and Shared Growth Initiative for South Africa
(AsgiSA). These strategies should also be informed by inputs from the Further
Education and Training (FET) institutions in the province.
* The Department of Education, in collaboration with the Department of
Sport, Arts and Culture, should address the issue regarding mother tongue
instruction and to consider implementing a language support system in the North
West province.
* To urgently address the provision of adequate facilities at schools in
order to ensure that such institutions support and provide an environment that
was conducive to a culture of learning and teaching. In this regard, the
shortage of libraries and recreational activities for learners will be
addressed. Government will also urgently address the roll-out of
electrification of all schools to assist grade 12 learners to prepare properly
for the 2006 matric examinations.
* The Department to facilitate the adoption of schools by institutions of
higher learning such as FET colleges, technikons and universities to render
motivational support and assist with access to resources that may assist
learners to cope and do better with their school work.
ExCo noted that the North West Department of Education had again been hailed
by UMALUSI and the National Department of Education as one of the best
departments with regard to their conduct and administration of the matric
examinations.
Social grants fraud
ExCo discussed progress made with regard to the prosecution of public
servants who have been implicated in defrauding the state of social grant
funds.
From June 2005 to February 2006, 133 public servants have been charged. 121
pleaded guilty and were subsequently convicted. Over 392 public servants signed
acknowledgement of debts which amount to an estimated value of R1,5 million.
Note was also taken of the process undertaken to adjudicate applications of
people who applied for indemnity.
ExCo reiterated its view that the primary target of the campaign was to root
out corruption and fraud within the social grant system and no stone must be
left unturned in this regard.
Aerobatics show
ExCo pledged its support for the forthcoming aerobatics show to be held in
Hartebeespoort Dam in October 2006. This will be the first show to be held in
the African continent or a developing country. ExCo noted the positive economic
spin-offs as well as the exposure that an event like this would bring to the
province. The event will not only bring tourists from other countries, but will
also help position North West as a world class tourist destination in South
Africa.
ExCo agreed that events such as these provide enormous economic and
marketing opportunities for the province. Accordingly, the ExCo resolved in
principle that funding for marketing strategies should be reviewed in the next
financial year with the view of increasing the budget to adequately support
marketing and exposure of the province, both locally and internationally.
Enquiries: Cornelius Tanana Monama
Tel: (018) 387 3456
Cell: 082 578 4063
Issued by: Department of Education, North West Provincial Government
20 May 2006
