The 2013 school year in the Eastern Cape province kicks off with visits by a high-powered delegation from the Eastern Cape Provincial Legislature. Seven teams comprising of Portfolio Committee Members on Education and Members of the Eastern Cape Provincial Legislature embarks on school visits programme this week. The two-week long programme is set to start today, Wednesday, 16 to 25 January 2013.
Schools to be visited shall be identified by the Committee in districts around the province in the Alfred Nzo, Ukhahlamba, Amathole, OR Tambo, Chris Hani, Cacadu district and the Nelson Mandela Metropolitan. The School visits is an annual programme conducted to assess the state of readiness, plans and preparations for the year and challenges facing District Offices and schools in the province.
Meetings shall be held between the Portfolio Committee Members, Department of Education District offices and relevant stakeholders on the realities facing the schools. Key to these visits is establishing the implementation of House resolutions by the Department of Education. The Committee would facilitate findings and recommendations for tabling before the House following these visits.
In 2012, the Committee reported before the House challenges facing the schools visited, namely; shortages of educators, vacant posts of non-teaching staff, resignations and retirements. In a briefing session held yesterday prior dispatching to various districts, the Chairperson of the Portfolio Committee on Education Honourable Mzoleli Mrara, expressed his appreciation on the performance of schools.
All the schools visited in the past year recorded an improved matric pass rate, he said. The Chairperson further indicated that the dropout rate of learners is worrying in the province. Through these visits, the Committee shall check efforts by schools to bring children back to school.
Members of the media are welcome to accompany the Portfolio Committee on Education on these visits.
For interviews and enquiries kindly liaise with:
Bulelwa Ganyaza
Senior Manager - media liaison
Cell: 071 642 3490
E-mail: bganyaza@ecleg.gov.za
