Members of the Executive Committee and all members attending this conference
Hon members of the Cosatu Leadership
Distinguished guests
I thank you for allowing me the opportunity to say some few remarks.
One of the major challenges we currently face, is to improve the reading and writing abilities of our children. As you may well know, in the Western Cape a test result has shown that our Grade 6 children operate at Grade 3 level. This is a challenge, not only for the education department, but for all of us here.
You as teachers are the bedrock of our education system. Without you there can be no education. I want to acknowledge the pressure you are under because of the changes in curriculum, and I know it must be stressful.
But having full confidence in your professionalism, I know it is a challenge that can be confronted and successfully discharged if we tackle this together.
I think all of us here must recommit ourselves to deepening the culture of learning and teaching. You have an important role to play in this respect.
I am of the view that the professionalism which the CTPA has displayed as a body with a strong social responsibility in the community, is exemplary to all of us in education. Therefor, it is important that you continue to position yourself correctly all of the time, not only to remain relevant, but also to provide leadership in the transformation of education and within our communities as a whole.
And therefor, I am sure, your leadership will understand this. And take the CTPA forward in our quest for a better life for all in education.
To this end, we have many challenges, prime of which is the lack of resources and funds.
As a way of dealing with this challenge, the Western Cape Government is in the process of compiling an audit into the possibility of selling off under or unutilised schools land and state property to raise extra money to address the growing backlog of accommodation in our province.
We were not naïve when we commissioned the audit; we knew we were going to get resistance from some quarters.
As a responsible government, we will consult with schools communities using these land before arriving at any decision. But we will have to make the ultimate decision.
I ask your association to actively support this initiative since it is important that we do everything possible to create a Home for All in the Western Cape.
I wish you well in your deliberations; and I am sure the new leadership will display the necessary wisdom and maturity to deepen the transformation project in this country.
I thank you.
Enquiries: Gert WitbooiMedia Secretary
Office of the MEC for Education Western Cape
082 577 6551
gwitbooi@pgwc.gov.za
