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SADTU in the Northern Cape welcomes with great enthusiasm the beginning of the 2019 academic year. Once more, we would like to pay special acknowledgement to the teachers, the hard work has just began. Furthermore, we congratulate the class of 2018 who have successfully completed Matric. We believe that they will pursue their studies at our tertiary institutions with the same dynamism and vigour they have shown at secondary level.

To teachers who taught and assisted those learners throughout the year even during the holidays, “Siyabulela; Re a leboga; baie dankie.” Equally, we note the support by the Northern Cape Education Department to these learners.

Though we have experienced a percentage drop in 2018 results juxtaposed to 2017 in the Provincial results, Bachelors passes have increased from 25% to 26%, which highlights qualitative growth. This is a positive and we appreciate it.

As SADTU, though disappointed with the results, are not totally surprised as we consistently raised issues affecting the delivery of quality learning and teaching. These included, among others, the non-implementation of Agreed Condition of Service on Standard of living of Teachers (salary related benefits); the moratorium on filling of vacant critical posts, which includes Subject Advisers. This had a negative effect on curriculum support.

Lack of Intervention in the lower grades, whereby the intervention programmes, and resources mainly focused into Grade 12.

The low performance of progressed learners is of real concern to us as most of these learners are enrolled but only 20% wrote the senior certificate which became a factor, among others.

However, despite these challenges, teachers and our members in particular, continued to give their best.

SADTU has commenced the 2019 academic year on a positive note because the employer has consulted with us regarding intervention plans to improve the academic status quo. We therefore appreciate the displayed commitment.

Central to our Organisation is SADTU’s Strategic Goal 2, which is to ensure we create a Learning Nation. Anchored to this objective, we continue our commitment and obligation as the main Stakeholder in the Northern Cape Education Department to ensure we continue to support and assist the Northern Cape Education Department in Teacher Development in order confirm that the right and competent teachers are in the Learning Areas they teach.

Quality Learning and Teaching Campaigns must take precedence and learners remain motivated.

Teachers in general especially members of SADTU continue to be punctual and to teach at all times.

School readiness assessment programmes went well.

Our message to all stakeholders in the Northern Cape Education Department is, “We can turn it around”.

Issued by the Provincial Secretariat