Government gives hope to officials through Adult Basic Education and Training Programme (ABET)

Old age did not stand on the way of low level officials of the department of Human Settlements Public Safety and Liaison to acquire knowledge and skills through the Adult Basic Education and Training Programme (ABET). The officials, who are mostly cleaners, messenger drivers and grounds men, took the department by surprise when they obtained a 90% pass rate during their final examination in the last financial year.

Mpho Molelowatladi and Maria Matlhoafela are now able to read and write, thanks to the department for providing a lifetime opportunity to its low level employees by implementing the ABET programme. Both Molelowatladi and Matlhoafela said that they dropped out from school at Standard six during the Bantu Education, which they said, has disadvantaged them.

The 60 year old Molelowatladi, who is a father of four children, said he left school due to challenges he was faced with at the time. He has loyally worked for public services for the past seventeen years. He spoke fluent English as he thanked government for availing the opportunity.

Meanwhile the 58 year old Matlhoafela who is senior admin clerk, expressed her gratitude to the department for a great gesture that turned her life for the better. The mother of five has an unbreakable service of 22 years in government and still willing to go further.

In his address during the certificate ceremony that was held a Mmabatho Palms this morning, the overwhelmed MEC for the North West Human Settlements, Public Safety and Liaison, Nono Maloyi said, the department needs people with different skills and competencies to reach its goals. “We need to provide necessary support and encourage all our low level employees to enrol with ABET because through their acquired skills and knowledge we would be able to achieve goals we have set for ourselves as the department” he said.

He further encouraged the learners to enrol for the current financial year and appealed for a 100% pass rate. “You have exceeded the pass rate expectations but I will request you to keep up the good work and thrive for the 100% pass rate,” said Maloyi.

MEC said his department will engage with higher learning institutions in the province to provide advice on how to improve the ABET programme within the department.

Since the introduction of ABET programme, the department has seeing a significant improvement on lower level officials as they are now able to deal with basic administrative duties.

The enrolment of departmental employees on the ABET programme is consistent with the provision of the South African Constitution which affirms the rights of all citizens to basic education, including Adult Basic Education and Training.

ABET is available to all adults who want to complete their basic education or want to acquire knowledge in basic reading and writing. It further aims to provide basic learning tools, knowledge and skills.

Enquiries:
Simon Lesolang Mmope
Tel: 018 391 0423
Cell: 082 574 7621
Fax: 018 391 0328
E-mail: smmope@nwpg.gov.za