The Eastern Cape Department of Education launched Service Standards aimed at improving teaching and learning at a ceremony held at the Education Leadership Institute in East London on the 15 October 2009.
The launch was attended by senior management of the head office and district directors. Chief Director for Strategic Management, Monitoring and Evaluation Greg Mac Master stressed to his fellow colleagues how important it is that each individual plays their roll in the education system in order for it to run successfully.
He also highlighted the importance of each person in the education system. “If there is injury to one there is injury to all”. He left hope in the hearts of his listeners, that success is not just a word but a reachable target.
Introduced as “Dynamite comes in small packages”, motivational speaker Dr John Tibane grasped his audience attention by wowing them with the simplicity of his words. Dr Tibane motivated the guests by using everyday work examples in his presentation. He posed a question to the guests, “how do we keep the promises we have made to our customers?” To get them thinking of the part they play in service delivery. He answered with the four A’s.
Attention: the ability to know what your customer wants
Agility: the ability to respond quickly and resourcefully
Anticipation: the ability to see the next bounce of the ball
Adaptability: the ability to modify your behaviour in order to meet the varying changing circumstances.
He encouraged by motivating the guests to perform better and to continuously challenge themselves to do better as “the problems of today are a result of yesterdays short sightedness”.
MEC Mahlubandile Qwase is determined to make a difference, but knows he cannot do it alone. Speaking at the launch Qwase said the Eastern Cape Department of Education has initiated many intelligent idea’s and does not lack skills in this area, however implementing what has been initiated needs to improve. “Service delivery and quality is possible”. He left with convincing words of hope, “if we address the small things we can change the image of the department, we all have the potential”.
The ceremony ended with the signing of the pledge by MEC Qwase and Education Union representatives. The Service Standards will be made widely available to head office managers and district directors.
Issued by: Department of Education, Eastern Cape Provincial Government
16 October 2009
Source: Department of Education, Eastern Cape Provincial Government (http://www.ecdoe.gov.za/)
