Parliament of South Africa
Parliament of South Africa
07/13/2024 | Press release | Distributed by Public on 07/13/2024 05:19
Media Statement: Basic Education Portfolio Committee Supports DBE and Entities’ Plans
Parliament, Saturday, 13 July 2024 - The Portfolio Committee on Basic Education yesterday adopted its report on the 2024 annual performance plan (APP) and the budget of the Department of Basic Education (DBE) and its entities.
The committee also engaged with the DBE, the Council for Quality Assurance in General and Further Education and Training (Umalusi) and the South African Council for Educators (SACE). Committee Chairperson Ms Joy Maimela said: "The committee had extensive and fruitful discussions with the DBE and its entities that we have oversight over. We note all the progress that has been made but want to emphasise that more needs to be done. We will work further to strengthen the work of the department to ensure further engagement regarding issues of concern."
The committee recommended, among other things, that the DBE ensure a report is submitted to the committee within 60 days on the school infrastructure programme. The report should give specific details on which schools are planned or were built by the department in selected provinces, districts and circuits.
The committee further recommended that the DBE should consider a review of the current outdated subjects syllabus for N1 to N3. The DBE must also ensure monitoring, tracking and tracing of learners who have passed Matric but who were unable to access institutions of higher learning. It was recommended that the department consider programmes/initiatives to assist such learners with placement at institutions of higher learning. The DBE should engage the Department of Higher Education and Training with a view to closing the gap between Basic Education and Higher Education.
Regarding school discipline, the committee recommended that the DBE ensure adequate advocacy, engagement and communication with parents on issues pertaining to learner discipline, corporal punishment as well as learner and teacher safety and security.
In terms of learner teacher support material (LTSM), the committee said the DBE should ensure any challenges with late delivery LTSM are adequately addressed. LTSM and educator resources must be equitably distributed to ensure universal access, and balance and alignment, especially in rural areas.
It was further recommended that the DBE ensures adequate steps are in place to align early childhood development (ECD) services with the principles as set out in the Children's Act. The department should further ensure the ECD curriculum is aligned with all school phases.
Regarding SACE, the committee recommended, amongst other things, that the council should ensure any backlogs with teacher registration and certification are prioritised and addressed. SACE should also ensure that workshops/webinars with teachers focus on equipping, preparing and empowering them to understand applicable education policies and guidelines.
The committee further recommended that Umalusi should collaborate with the DBE to ensure that issues around question papers are addressed to ensure they are error-free. Umalusi should also ensure strategies/initiatives are in place to address certification backlogs. Umalusi should also consider programmes and initiative to bridge the gap and assist/support young, unemployed and skilled youth with courses and certification of acquired skills.
The committee further agreed that the DBE has until the end of this financial year to eradicate pit toilets in all schools.
Ms Maimela said the committee, having satisfied itself in its engagement with the DBE and statutory bodies on their 2024 APPs and the budget, recommends that the budget vote for DBE be adopted. The report will now be sent to the National Assembly.
ISSUED BY THE PARLIAMENTARY COMMUNICATION SERVICES ON BEHALF OF THE CHAIRPERSON OF THE PORTFOLIO COMMITTEE ON BASIC EDUCATION, JOY MAIMELA
For media enquiries or interviews with the Chairperson, please contact the committee's Media Officer:
Name: Rajaa Azzakani (Ms)
Tel: 021 403 8437
Cell: 081 703 9542
E-mail: [email protected]
The committee also engaged with the DBE, the Council for Quality Assurance in General and Further Education and Training (Umalusi) and the South African Council for Educators (SACE). Committee Chairperson Ms Joy Maimela said: "The committee had extensive and fruitful discussions with the DBE and its entities that we have oversight over. We note all the progress that has been made but want to emphasise that more needs to be done. We will work further to strengthen the work of the department to ensure further engagement regarding issues of concern."
The committee recommended, among other things, that the DBE ensure a report is submitted to the committee within 60 days on the school infrastructure programme. The report should give specific details on which schools are planned or were built by the department in selected provinces, districts and circuits.
The committee further recommended that the DBE should consider a review of the current outdated subjects syllabus for N1 to N3. The DBE must also ensure monitoring, tracking and tracing of learners who have passed Matric but who were unable to access institutions of higher learning. It was recommended that the department consider programmes/initiatives to assist such learners with placement at institutions of higher learning. The DBE should engage the Department of Higher Education and Training with a view to closing the gap between Basic Education and Higher Education.
Regarding school discipline, the committee recommended that the DBE ensure adequate advocacy, engagement and communication with parents on issues pertaining to learner discipline, corporal punishment as well as learner and teacher safety and security.
In terms of learner teacher support material (LTSM), the committee said the DBE should ensure any challenges with late delivery LTSM are adequately addressed. LTSM and educator resources must be equitably distributed to ensure universal access, and balance and alignment, especially in rural areas.
It was further recommended that the DBE ensures adequate steps are in place to align early childhood development (ECD) services with the principles as set out in the Children's Act. The department should further ensure the ECD curriculum is aligned with all school phases.
Regarding SACE, the committee recommended, amongst other things, that the council should ensure any backlogs with teacher registration and certification are prioritised and addressed. SACE should also ensure that workshops/webinars with teachers focus on equipping, preparing and empowering them to understand applicable education policies and guidelines.
The committee further recommended that Umalusi should collaborate with the DBE to ensure that issues around question papers are addressed to ensure they are error-free. Umalusi should also ensure strategies/initiatives are in place to address certification backlogs. Umalusi should also consider programmes and initiative to bridge the gap and assist/support young, unemployed and skilled youth with courses and certification of acquired skills.
The committee further agreed that the DBE has until the end of this financial year to eradicate pit toilets in all schools.
Ms Maimela said the committee, having satisfied itself in its engagement with the DBE and statutory bodies on their 2024 APPs and the budget, recommends that the budget vote for DBE be adopted. The report will now be sent to the National Assembly.
ISSUED BY THE PARLIAMENTARY COMMUNICATION SERVICES ON BEHALF OF THE CHAIRPERSON OF THE PORTFOLIO COMMITTEE ON BASIC EDUCATION, JOY MAIMELA
For media enquiries or interviews with the Chairperson, please contact the committee's Media Officer:
Name: Rajaa Azzakani (Ms)
Tel: 021 403 8437
Cell: 081 703 9542
E-mail: [email protected]