Date: 06/08/2004
Source: Eastern Cape Provincial Government
Title: T Mhlahlo: Launch of Maths and Science project


SAFETY, LIAISON AND TRANSPORT MEC, THOBILE MHLAHLO'S SPEECH AT LAUNCH OF THE MATHS AND SCIENCE PROJECT AT P.E. TECHNIKON, 6 AUGUST 2004

"The Doors of Learning and Culture Shall be Opened!"

Today we come here to recommit ourselves as government, learners, teachers, parents and the business community to change lives of all our people for the better.

It is through these initiatives that we can be able to implement government's programmes of:
* Black Economic Empowerment
* Skills Transfer
* Empowerment of Previously Disadvantaged Individuals
* Youth and women empowerment
* Promotion and improvement of the transport sector through Science and Technology.

We have noted with dismay that:
* There are few black people, especially women, in the transport industry,
* There are few youths, especially black, in the field of Science and Technology,
* Poor results in Maths and Science have prohibited our historically disadvantaged youths from seizing the democratic opportunities in the field of transport.

To respond to this dilemma, the department of Transport has:
* Engaged 100 Grade 12 learners within the Nelson Mandela Metro in a Maths and Science Project in partnership with P.E. Technikon and the Education Department;
* Awarded bursaries worth R440 000 to students interested in the field of transport;
* Engaged 120 unemployed youths in studying National Certificate and National Diploma in a learnership programme;
* Engaged 10 graduates for the Traffic Diploma.

We plan to give bursaries to 10 learners interested in the transport industry to study at any institution of higher learning in South Africa next year.

It is through these programmes that our government can discover and nurture various talents of our youth for the enhancement of our cultural life and access to education for all children.

This will lay a solid foundation for local youths to become innovative citizens, who will contribute to the upliftment of our people's living standards.

The first decade of our freedom has seen a remarkable paradigm shift in our education system:

* With all the cultural treasures of mankind being open to all;
* By free exchange of books and ideas;
* Contact with other countries;
* Decrease in illiteracy;
* More African children got armed with the most modern educational skills and knowledge, including access to computers;
* Building of schools that create a conducive environment for teaching and learning.

We have learnt that education:
* Is not just a passport to social and professional standing, but a "Master Key" to collective empowerment;
* Is a key that would open the doors of African civilization and complete freedom;
* Can advance the level of cultural development of our people;
* Contributes to universal human emancipation.

Conclusion

Our role as parents and teachers is to continue striving to deliver the best education possible to our children to equip them to become citizens that will contribute positively to society.

I would like to make a clarion call to the business fraternity and other institutions of higher learning to support these initiatives.

Issued by: Department of Safety, Liaison and Transport, Eastern Cape Provincial Government
6 August 2004
Source: Eastern Cape Provincial Government