With schools having opened today many children are being put into a dysfunctional system. If we flash forward 12 years, how well prepared will these Grade 1 learners be prepared for all aspects of life in South Africa, particularly for the labour market?

The recent matric results speak to a complete lack of long term planning, overall vision and most importantly management by the government when it comes to the basic education system in South Africa. Schools are reeling from a lack of funding, teachers are still expected to do their job in the face of unmanageable numbers of learners and a two tier education system has been entrenched, despite promises to level the playing fields. Many teachers are simply not equipped to be teaching as they have not been given the support and re-training required.

Government simply has no answers. We are selling the future leaders, entrepreneurs and workers of our country short. Year on year the education budget has been increased, but the implementation of systems and the overall vision has been sorely lacking. Mpumalanga, for example, has consistently been a basket case.

Perhaps the ruling party knows that to keep the masses of South Africa in ignorance is the key to them clinging on to power. That way all they need to do is hand out food parcels, dispense grants and empty promises to win elections.

By now it is clear that OBE must be radically overhauled. We urge government to host a conference inclusive of all opposition parties, civil society and education professionals to plan the way forward.

As we watch the news tonight and smile at the little ones who are in tears at having to leave their parents for the first time, we must reflect on the fact that they are entering a system which handicaps them instead of empowering them. We urge parents and guardians to come to the party and support these learners and the governing bodies of schools in any way possible.

To the class of 2010 and to all students, COPE wishes you all the best. It is a new year and a fresh start. If you work diligently from day one, you will be rewarded with the results despite the fact that the system is seemingly designed to work against you. We know that this will be in spite of everything that government does, so the accolades must go solely to you.