Minister commends education NGOs for innovation and excellence
The National Education Collaboration Trust (NECT) convened a national Education NGO Leadership Summit for NGOs on 11 March 2016, where delegates took stock of their roles in implementing the National Development Plan (NDP), as well as their operational circumstances and sustainability. Specific reference was made to the NDP goal of eliminating poverty and inequality by 2030. According to the plan, South Africa can realise these goals by promoting leadership and partnerships throughout society.
Minister Angie Motshekga addressed over 100 delegates representing Government, unions, NGOs and the private sector. The Minister echoed President Jacob Zuma’s address during the 14th Annual National Teaching Awards when he said: “Education is a societal issue and requires all sectors and communities to work together,” to resolve the challenges of the sector. Minister Motshekga confirmed that R326 million has been allocated to the NECT for various programmes which seek to unlock the potential of the basic education sector. The NECT was launched on 16 July 2013, to strengthen partnerships among business, civil society, Government and labour to achieve the education goals set out in the NDP, as well as increasing retention, progression, and completion rates in the basic education sector.
Godwin Khosa, CEO of the NECT, urged all present to acknowledge leadership and management as central to achieving improvements in education. During robust discussions, Teboho Mahuma, a Corporate Social Investment advisor, reported that the sustainability of NGOs rested on the sector’s ability to impact on the sustainability of education improvement investments. During the course of the summit, NGOs agreed that there is a need for continuous regeneration and adaptability to a changing environment and new technologies. “The issue of standard operational procedures for the sector were raised very strongly in the discussion. We need a framework that will enable us to work together even though at times we are competitors. It is important to have a co-ordinated voice as NGOs and to develop a culture of sharing and collaboration,” said Mahuma.
Khosa added, “I must emphasize the importance of conversations among the NGOs, the private sector, funders and Government. There is clear and unequivocal support for the role that the NGO sector plays in the implementation of the NDP.” He proposed the formulation of a practical plan for the way forward driven by a technical team knowledgeable of pertinent issues that emerged at the summit.
In closing Minister Motshekga acknowledged the sterling support she has received from the NGO sector during her career in public office, saying that “Government benefits a lot from the excellent work that the NGO sector does; when we need distinction in our work we look to the NGOs to provide the cutting edge. With our reading campaign, NGOs came forward with ideas. For example work carried out in 18 districts was carried through to 81 districts. I wish to thank the leadership of the NGOs in particular; we are very grateful for your support. We commit to following up on this summit so that our children are indeed the beneficiaries of all the work that has been done and the brains that exist in this country.”
