11 April 2007
The Minister of Education, Mrs Naledi Pandor, has approved the appointment
of a team of high level experts to investigate the matter of learner retention
in our schools. The primary task of this Ministerial Committee will be to
provide definitive information in regard to learner retention rates from grade
1 to grade 12 and the methodologies used to determine these. They will also be
required to advise the Minister on what causes learners to "drop out" of school
and what steps can be taken to prevent or limit this.
This study is undertaken in the light of extravagant and misleading claims
made by some commentators and the media and a need for us to accurately measure
our progress towards the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) of education for
all.
The Ministerial Committee will be chaired by Ms Gugu Nyanda an independent
analyst and comprises Professors Sarah Howie, Charles Simkins, Sizwe Mabuzela,
Jairo Arrow and Servaas van den Berg. They will be expected to undertake
empirical research in a representative sample of schools, as well as to seek
submissions and inputs from all interested parties.
The committee is expected to report to the Minister as soon as their task is
completed.
Contact:
Lunga Ngqengelele
Ministerial Spokesperson
Tel: (021) 465 0726
Cell: 082 566 0446
E-mail: ngqengelele.l@doe.gov.za
Issued by: Ministry of Education
11 April 2007
