Tselapedi, MPL, at the North West Provincial Legislature
22 May 2007
Madam Speaker
Honourable Deputy Speaker
Honourable Premier
Members of the Provincial Legislature
Guests
All protocol observed
Introduction
Madam Speaker, let me begin by sharing with you the following words written
on the tomb of an Anglican Bishop (1100 AD) in the crypt of West Minster Abbey.
"When I was young and free and my imagination had no limits, I dreamed of
changing the world. As I grew older and wiser I discovered the world would not
change so I shortened my sights somewhat and decided to change only my country.
But it too seemed immovable. As I grew into my twilight years in one desperate
attempt I settled for changing only my family, those closest to me, but alas,
they would have none of it. And now as I lie on my deathbed I suddenly realise
if I had only changed myself first then by example I would have changed my
family and from their inspiration and encouragement I would have been able to
better my country and who knows I may have even changed the world."
Madam Speaker, it might be important for us to take a cue from the above
lines so that as we endeavour to right the socio-economic disparities which
resulted from our colonial past, we shall change ourselves first and then by
example pursue our transformatory dreams.
Madam Speaker, it is my deepest conviction that until this realisation dawns
on us those tasked with the change management the reclamation of the humane and
egalitarian society that we strive for shall remain an illusive dream. When we
share the above ideals then we can unequivocally with free conscience defend
and implement the budget that we present to this House today.
Madam Speaker, we shall be like Captain Cook, the famous English explorer
who faced monumental obstacles but kept sailing and said, "I had an ambition
not only to go farther than any man had ever been before but as far as it was
possible for a man to go."
Madam Speaker, we have had set backs in our endeavours to transform the
educational landscape but these setbacks will not prevent us from soldering on.
We have set our hands on the plough and there will be no looking back. It is
with this spirit that I present this 2007 budget.
Programme 1: Administration R471,162 million (that is 3% decrease)
Financial Management
Madam Speaker, in her State of the Province Address (SOPA), our Premier, the
honourable Edna Molewa highlighted that the season of hope was upon us. Having
listened to the budget speech of the Minister of Finance, the honourable Trevor
Manuel I was more than convinced that the age of hope is indeed upon us. I
would therefore like to emphasise the observation made by Premier Edna Molewa,
'this is still the age of hope'.
Madam Speaker, the Department of Education has been allocated R5,323 945
billion for the 2007/08 financial year. In her budget speech our MEC for
Finance, the honourable Maureen Modiselle, indicated that the main areas for
which additional funds were allocated were no fee schools, the expansion of
adult education, the recapitalisation of Further Education and Training (FET)
colleges and the review of teachers' salaries.
Human resource management
Employee performance management
Madam Speaker, apart from the fact that performance management is a
regulatory obligation it has been adopted as a departmental priority to improve
service delivery.
During 2006, we eliminated all performance management backlogs. During 2006,
the North West Department of Education funded 29 600 educator posts. On 17
March 2006, the Provincial Education Labour Relations Chamber adopted
resolution one of 2006 which made 1 238 temporary teachers permanent.
Human resource development
In his State of the Nation Address (SONA) the honourable President Thabo
Mbeki referred to high levels of skills improvement in the country. The North
West Department of Education is proud to declare that it is contributing
towards the improvement of skill levels through the FET colleges and the Adult
Basic Education and Training (ABET) centres. Six hundred and sixty two
administrative assistants were trained in office administration and computer
studies. Three hundred and sixty subject advisors and 2 400 principals were
trained on mentoring and coaching and the qualifications of 1 132 teachers
upgraded through the National Professional Diploma in Education (NPDE). Fifteen
million was spent on this project.
Departmental communication
Madam Speaker, I continue to share the view that communication is a
strategic tool of service delivery in the open society that we are building. It
was within this context that we established a communications directorate. Our
efforts in this regard finally paid dividends. The Department of Education is
now one of the most accessible and responsive organs in line with the
principles of Batho Pele.
Madam Speaker, in comparison with previous attempts, this year the
implementation of the Letsema Project showed greater improvement. Two hundred
and fifty volunteers from 13 different countries participated in the cleaning,
repairing and painting of our schools.
Internal security
The Department maintained the directorate, Minimum Internal Security
Services (MISS) with a budget of R6,601 million for the 2006/07. This budget
enabled the Department to obtain critical security equipment that enables us to
record sensitive proceedings and bar cellular phone connections and bugging
devices from our senior management meetings. Access control is being
implemented in phases in the offices of the executing authority, senior
management and regions. In this financial year the Bio Matrix Access Control
System will be installed and the department will digitise all its
documents.
Internal audit services
During the 2006/07 financial year, R6,254 million was allocated to internal
audit services. This allocation enabled the establishment of the internal audit
services directorate which is now fully functional under the supervision of the
audit committee. During this financial year R4,408 million is allocated to
ensure sound internal auditing, risk management and to eliminate fraud and
corruption.
Madam Speaker, The strategic planning lekgotla of the Department held in
February this year revised the vision and mission of the Department. It is with
pride that I introduce our new vision which reads, "The North West
Education
Department, A Portrait of Excellence". This is a vision that I would like to be
associated with and that we believe is worthy to strive for. The recent
Markinor's rating that places the Department number one nationally in terms of
the provision of educational needs gives credence to this vision. For the
functioning of this new chief directorate, R10 million is allocated.
Programme 2: Public ordinary schools education R4 274,277 million (that is
equal to 26% decrease)
Madam Speaker, the honourable Premier, in her SOPA outlined the key
interventions of the Accelerated and Shared Growth Initiative for South Africa
(AsgiSA). The North West Education Department, in particular, rolls out the
intervention on "the building of human capital from very basic primary school
to tertiary education level". This places curriculum delivery in our public
ordinary schools at the centre of contributing to AsgiSA.
Curriculum delivery
Madam Speaker, the year 2006 marked the last orientation training on the
National Curriculum Statements (NCS). In this regard a core training team of
256 persons comprising officials, social partners and stakeholders trained 20
385 teachers in the eight learning areas in grades 8 and 9 and in the 29
subjects in grades 11 and 12. The Department spent more than R4,5 million on
the training. Further subject specific training on content and methodology on
the NCS will be undertaken during this financial year. A total of R24 million
is allocated for curriculum implementation in the current financial year.
Learner attainment implementation plan
Madam Speaker, in his SONA, the honourable President Thabo Mbeki said that
the fluctuating matric results indicates that much still needs to be done to
stabilise the system and ensure a steady improvement. Madam Speaker, regarding
the results in the North West I am a bit delighted to point out that the
Department of Education has finally managed to turn around the downward cycle
that prevailed since 2004. In 2006 our results improved by 4% from 63% to 67%.
For this achievement I would like to thank all my colleagues in the Department,
because this was a very well coordinated team effort. We, therefore, would like
to indicate to this honourable house that we are one of the provinces that made
a start towards stabilising our systems to make the steady improvement of our
results a future reality.
The turnaround strategy with the learner attainment implementation plan
remains the highest priority of the North West Education Department. During
2007/08, teacher development will focus on all under performing subjects
particularly at underperforming schools. First time matric schools will be
supported in the same way as under-performing schools. An amount of R13,1
million is allocated for the implementation of the learner attainment strategy
at both the head office and in the regions.
Institutional development
Twenty new public ordinary schools were registered during 2006/07. This
brings the total of public ordinary schools under the Department's
administration to 2 085.
One mega farm school, Boons Secondary, was established through the merger of
76 smaller schools. There are, therefore, three mega schools currently in the
province. In addition, 28 smaller schools were merged to form bigger, more
effective, schools.
We also approved five learners for home education during the past financial
year.
We have transferred 226 learning institutions to Gauteng and 210 to the
Northern Cape. These included public ordinary schools, ABET centres, special
schools, Early Childhood Development (ECD) centres and FET campuses. Along with
these institutions we transferred 3 756 employees to Gauteng and 2 083 to the
Northern Cape.
Today I report that the transfer process has been completed successfully. I
would like the people of Merafong including Khutsong to feel at home as they
were welcomed by the honourable Premier, for we will ensure delivery of quality
education to their communities.
School enrichment (sport, arts and culture)
With the allocated R12,8 million of 2006/07, we promoted mass participation
and intensified the collaboration with other government departments as well as
stakeholders in various sporting and cultural events. The Department delivered
on girls sport (9 030 girl participants), farm schools sport, athletics, cross
country, football, choral music, cultural performances, indigenous games,
netball, girls cricket and the transformation of school sport.
Madam Speaker, I am proud to announce that eight girls who participated in
the National Under-19 Netball Tournament in Port Elizabeth were awarded full
bursaries to study degrees of their choice. The bursaries range from R76 000 to
R140 000 per year depending on the field of study. Currently eight netball
players from our province are studying at various universities utilising the
same scholarship.
At the national primary and secondary schools' athletics events which took
place in Pretoria and Port Elizabeth, 10 of our athletes were awarded gold.
Madam Speaker, I extend my compliments to these achievers. Because school sport
is a national priority, R13,85 million has been allocated to this
programme.
Library services
In 2006/07, R2,1 million was allocated for school library services which was
spent on salaries, resources and training. In 2007, R5 million is allocated
towards school library services which will be spent on the establishment of
school libraries, processing centres, promotion of a culture of reading in
schools and the capacitating of teachers and media advisors. At Kanana, the
southern region organised retired teachers who secured a donation of books and
computers for the Kanana schools from American donors. The donors visited the
Kanana area from 13 to 21 April 2007. I would like to thank the donors for this
generous donation.
The special intervention for mathematics, science and technology educations'
priority list. In 2006 both national and provincial departments of education
provided resources to schools in our province.
Seven thousand five hundred scientific calculators were distributed to all
high schools. Supplementary study guides, "study and master", wall charts and
posters were topped up. All schools received a basic teacher support pack.
Last year, honourable members, I gave a directive that the enrolment of girl
learners in higher grade mathematics and science be increased. That directive
resulted in the establishment of Girl Learner Intervention Programme (GLIP). In
terms of this programme, 1 500 girl learners enrolled for mathematics and
science at the levels of grade 6, 9 and 12. The programme was a resounding
success. At grade 12, girls gave us a pass rate of 80% in mathematics and 87%
in physical science.
This statistic serves as proof that with proper support, our girl learners
can become the intended engineers and medical doctors. To increase the number
of participating girl learners, we have taken a deliberate decision to expand
this programme during 2007.
In 2007 at all dinaledi schools we will train six mentor teachers in
mathematics and science as part of the Master/Mentor Teacher Incentive Scheme.
This is a nationwide pilot that will involve the training of 120 master
teachers who in turn will train the mentor teachers. Eight master teachers
selected from dinaledi schools in our province attended the first master
training programme in September 2006. During 2006, 11 dinaledi schools received
computer laboratories. In this regard the rest of the dinaledi schools will be
prioritised in 2007.
Madam Speaker, Maskew Miller donated mathematics and science textbooks to
Alfred Maubane and Regolotswe high schools. I would like to acknowledge and
thank them for this kind gesture. The same company promised a further donation
in 2007. I wish to urge other publishing companies to follow this noble
example. We are also grateful to the Shuttleworth Foundation for a donation of
state of the art computer laboratories for Barolong, Boitseanape and JM Ntsime
High schools.
In partnership with the Sowetan and the Telkom Foundation, the Department
participated in the Aggrey Klaaste mathematics, science and technology educator
of the year awards. In terms of these awards outstanding educators won cash
prizes, computers and science kits for their schools. I would like to thank the
Sowetan and the Telkom Foundation for sponsoring these awards.
In 2007, we allocate R6 million towards the provisioning of mathematics and
science resources to schools. Primary schools will also benefit from this
provisioning.
Madam Speaker, as is probably general knowledge by now, many grade 11
learners that failed last year are currently compelled to do mathematical
literacy in terms of the new curriculum which they may not have done last year
or in grade 10.
The Department is fully aware of the precarious situation in which they find
themselves. We are providing such learners with the opportunity to catch up
through the Saturday school supplementary tuition programme.
Madam Speaker, for 2007 we allocate R18 million to learner support as part
of the intervention for mathematics and science education in the province. The
total budget for mathematics and science services is R42 million.
Learner and teacher support materials in ordinary schools
The allocation for the 2006/07 financial year was R340 million. A large part
of this budget was used to supply textbooks for the new curriculum in grades 8,
9 and 11.
During the previous financial year we decentralised the management and
procurement of learner and teacher support materials (LTSM). The Department
delivered 100% of all stationery in September 2006. For the financial year,
2007/08, in keeping with the national norms and standards for school funding,
the Department will implement a pro-poor funding model in its supply of LTSM.
Thirty percent of the LTSM budget will be used in quintile one and only 11% in
quintile five. Three hundred and ninety million is allocated to the supply of
LTSM during 2006/07.
Systemic evaluation
Systemic evaluation received R10,32 million to implement the recommendations
of the grade 6 evaluation. The systemic evaluation intermediate phase report
which I launched in February 2006, showed connections between learner
performance and the conditions of learning that learners face both at home and
at school. For the 2007/08 financial year, R6 million is allocated to expand
systemic evaluation beyond the nationally sampled schools. The Quality
Improvement, Development, Support and Upliftment Programme (QIDS-UP) will be
implemented at a cost of R10 million to supply 208 quintile one, primary
schools with basic resources.
Whole School Evaluation (WSE)
During 2006, 27 schools were sampled for evaluation and support. The
evaluations included oral feedback that resulted in written reports that
identified strengths and areas of improvement. A budget of R17 million will be
used to evaluate and support schools in 2007/08.
Research services
The education departmental research services conducted a survey to identify
children of school going age not attending school. In partnership with the
Media Initiative Education Trust (MIET) and Uganda Women's Effort to Save
Orphans (UWESO), research consultants, research was done on information
management and a distribution model for learning and teaching support materials
to Environmental Data Standards Councils (EDSCs). In collaboration with North
West Research Coordinating Council (NWRCC), the education departmental research
services encouraged increased research activity in government.
Education Management Governance and Development (EMGD)
The elections of the School Governing Bodies (SGBs) in May and June 2006
were successful. To enable them to fulfil their duties, the department trained
the newly elected SGB members. To train schools and SGB members, the Department
trained EMGD officials on financial management. To improve discipline at
schools, 500 officials were trained in alternatives to corporal punishment.
National School Nutrition Programme (NSNP)
The entire allocation of R101,398 million was spent on the NSNP which
benefited 484 940 out of 551 804 primary school learners.
The scheme afforded job opportunities to 4 849 local and previously
disadvantaged women while it improved school learner attendance. Through this
programme, women participating in the scheme have acquired skills such as
catering, financial management and flower arrangement.
Madam Speaker, consistent with the wishes of the honourable Premier in 2007
the Department of Education will collaborate with the Department of Social
Development to hone in on the supply of nutrition to the farm child. The
learning of these learners has been hampered by malnutrition for too long. We
allocate 87,916 million to the NSNP during this financial year. We hope to
secure additional funds in future to extend feeding to many needy and deserving
learners.
Infrastructure
During the past year, the Department allocated R416,355 million towards
infrastructure. R108,937 million was utilised for maintenance. Forty two
schools were fenced at the cost of R5,438 million. Using R5 million, 50 schools
received clean water through boreholes, stands, tanks and pumps. The
departments of education and public works jointly built 29 new schools. The
Department of Education provided new sanitation facilities to 85 schools
spending R41 million in the process. A total of 36 schools have been renovated
at R30 million.
As reflected in the Premier's SOPA, during the 2007/08 financial year, 90
schools will be provided with new toilets, 17 new schools will be built and 28
schools will be renovated. R154,13 million is allocated for infrastructure.
Information Technology (IT)
The 2006 snap survey at special schools, further education and training
(FET) colleges and early childhood development (ECD) centres were completed and
submitted to the national Department of Education. The Department completed the
provincial education Geographical Information System (GIS) which contains data
and photographs of 1 500 schools. During 2006, 126 schools were computerized,
and during 2007, all public schools will receive a computer containing the
South African Mathematics Society (SAMS) to assist in managing timetables,
reports and finances.
Programme 3: Independent school and home education R7 million (that is equal
to 8% increase)
During 2006/07, the Department spent the entire allocated amount of R6,5
million on subsidies to 18 independent schools. During this financial year, the
base line allocation for independent schools is R7 million.
Programme 4: Public special schools education R135,776 million (that is
equal to 10% increase)
Special schools and inclusive education received an allocation of R120,077
million in 2006. Of the R23,838 million that was allocated for the
strengthening of special schools in 2006/07, R17 million was spent on
accessibility, children in conflict with the law, the establishment of the
Christiana School of the Blind, the physical upgrading of buildings and the
provisioning of 13 mini-buses to eight special schools. In 2007/08, R136,985
million is allocated for maintenance, salaries, subsidies, bursaries, scholar
transport (mini-buses to nine special schools), assistive devices physical,
resources and the transformation of assessment. This amount includes R23,341
million for the strengthening of special schools.
Programme 5: FET colleges R116,975 million (that is equal to 10%
increase)
Madam Speaker, we have just completed the first year of the recapitalisation
of the FET colleges. The R28 million allocated to this project was spent on
human resource, systems, infrastructure and equipment. The National
Certificate: Vocational (NCV) that is being introduced this year forms the
future basis for learning at FET colleges.
Madam Speaker, in his State of the Nation Address, President Thabo Mbeki
indicated that the recapitalisation of FET colleges is progressing well. This
is also true for our province. Of the R116,975 million allocated to FET
colleges in this financial year, R28 million is reserved for the
recapitalisation process.
Programme 6: ABET R102,071 million (that is equal to 18% increase)
Madam Speaker, honourable members, our literacy levels in the province did
improve over the past few years. Referring to the state of literacy in the
country by 2004, in his SONA, President Thabo Mbeki mentioned that literacy
levels improved although at a slow pace. It is this slow pace that concerns the
honourable President the most. In the same address, he raises concerns
regarding the slow progress in the delivery of adult learning programmes. Madam
Speaker, I also hold that concern. In her SOPA, our Premier, the honourable
Edna Molewa promised, "Our onslaught on illiteracy will continue on all fronts
including our programmes on ABET."
The total amount allocated for our adult education programme in 2007/08 is
R102,071 million, which includes R23 million for the ABET expansion.
Programme 7: Early Childhood Development (ECD) R159,127 (that is equal to
increase of 6%)
Madam Speaker, during the previous financial year, ECD received R152,51
million. Approximately 1 600 teachers who are teaching at 452 registered ECD
centres were paid a salary on Persal that amounted to R131 million. As the
honourable Premier, Edna Molewa, mentioned in her SOPA, subsidies of R1 000 per
month per teacher were allocated to 340 practitioners at community-based
centres who were teaching grade R.
Because of the many activities earmarked for this programme in 2007/08, R159
million has been allocated to ECD. A breakdown is available in the budget
speech. The incorporation of grade R into primary schools has commenced in
2007. It is envisaged that, by 2010, 80% of all grade R will be accommodated in
primary schools. For 2007 we have started the process with an allocation of R7
million.
Programme 8: Auxiliary and associated services R57,557 million (that is
equal to 19% decrease)
HIV and AIDS (R11,493 million that is equal to 1% increase)
In the 8 January statement, the honourable Thabo Mbeki stressed partnerships
to combat the spread of HIV and AIDS and the need to redouble our efforts to
break the stigma attached to the disease. It is against this backdrop that we
continue our HIV and AIDS programme in the following two broad areas within the
Department, teaching and learning and employee care.
Madam Speaker, this year I avail R3 million to conduct on-site, voluntary
testing and counselling for employees. This money will also cover the training
of peer teachers as wellness buddies.
Examinations, assessment, certification and accreditation
Madam Speaker, during the past year with an allocation of R52 million, the
Department administered the provincial examinations successfully. It conducted
amongst others the first ABET level 4 June examinations for 76% of the
registered candidates and also administered 11 nationally examined subjects.
The campaign to increase higher grade registrations bore fruit as the
endorsement rate improved remarkably in 2006.
The directorate, examinations, assessment and accreditation won gold in the
Premier's Excellence Awards. In 2006, Umalusi and the national Department of
Education declared the conduct of examinations in the North West the best in
the country. The North West also conducted the supplementary examinations in
2007 on an agency basis for both Gauteng and the Northern Cape. To maintain the
high standard of delivery in this financial year I allocate R57,557 million to
the administration of examinations in the province.
Conclusion
Madam Speaker, we are in a collective and arduous struggle to bring quality
of life to our people hence it is not for any one person to arrogate to herself
or himself the gains that have been made. I therefore wish to thank honourable
Premier Edna Molewa and my colleagues in the Executive Council, the Speaker and
members of the Provincial Legislature, the mayors and councillors, the unions,
the business community, Mr Mweli with his senior managers and staff of the
Department of Education and all stakeholders who have in their collectivity
remained our pillar of strength.
Madame Speaker, my message, however, to my colleagues in the Department of
Education is that I will continue to apply pressure, I will continue to demand
my "pound of work". For it is my belief that the potential or the best in a man
or a thing comes out only in the face of challenge or pressure.
Madame Speaker, I conclude by alluding to these lines of Robert F Kennedy,
"Few will have the greatness to bend history itself but each of us can work to
change a small portion of events and in the total of all those acts will be
written the history of this generation."
I thank you, ke a leboga, baie dankie!
Issued by: Department of Education, North West Provincial Government
22 May 2007
Source: North West Provincial Government (http://www.nwpg.gov.za/education/)
