Budget Vote speech of North West Education MEC, Johannes Tselapedi, MPL, at the North West Provincial Legislature

Madam Speaker
Honourable Deputy Speaker
Honourable Premier
Members of the Provincial Legislature
Guests
All protocol observed

Introduction

Madam Speaker, let me begin by sharing with you the following words written on the tomb of an Anglican Bishop (1100 AD) in the crypt of West Minster Abbey. "When I was young and free and my imagination had no limits, I dreamed of changing the world. As I grew older and wiser I discovered the world would not change so I shortened my sights somewhat and decided to change only my country. But it too seemed immovable. As I grew into my twilight years in one desperate attempt I settled for changing only my family, those closest to me, but alas, they would have none of it. And now as I lie on my deathbed I suddenly realise if I had only changed myself first then by example I would have changed my family and from their inspiration and encouragement I would have been able to better my country and who knows I may have even changed the world."

Madam Speaker, it might be important for us to take a cue from the above lines so that as we endeavour to right the socio-economic disparities which resulted from our colonial past, we shall change ourselves first and then by example pursue our transformatory dreams.

Madam Speaker, it is my deepest conviction that until this realisation dawns on us those tasked with the change management the reclamation of the humane and egalitarian society that we strive for shall remain an illusive dream. When we share the above ideals then we can unequivocally with free conscience defend and implement the budget that we present to this House today.

Madam Speaker, we shall be like Captain Cook, the famous English explorer who faced monumental obstacles but kept sailing and said, "I had an ambition not only to go farther than any man had ever been before but as far as it was possible for a man to go."

Madam Speaker, we have had set backs in our endeavours to transform the educational landscape but these setbacks will not prevent us from soldering on. We have set our hands on the plough and there will be no looking back. It is with this spirit that I present this 2007 budget.

Programme 1: Administration R471,162 million (that is 3% decrease)
Financial Management

Madam Speaker, in her State of the Province Address (SOPA), our Premier, the honourable Edna Molewa highlighted that the season of hope was upon us. Having listened to the budget speech of the Minister of Finance, the honourable Trevor Manuel I was more than convinced that the age of hope is indeed upon us. I would therefore like to emphasise the observation made by Premier Edna Molewa, 'this is still the age of hope'.

Madam Speaker, the Department of Education has been allocated R5,323 945 billion for the 2007/08 financial year. In her budget speech our MEC for Finance, the honourable Maureen Modiselle, indicated that the main areas for which additional funds were allocated were no fee schools, the expansion of adult education, the recapitalisation of Further Education and Training (FET) colleges and the review of teachers' salaries.

Human resource management
Employee performance management

Madam Speaker, apart from the fact that performance management is a regulatory obligation it has been adopted as a departmental priority to improve service delivery.

During 2006, we eliminated all performance management backlogs. During 2006, the North West Department of Education funded 29 600 educator posts. On 17 March 2006, the Provincial Education Labour Relations Chamber adopted resolution one of 2006 which made 1 238 temporary teachers permanent.

Human resource development

In his State of the Nation Address (SONA) the honourable President Thabo Mbeki referred to high levels of skills improvement in the country. The North West Department of Education is proud to declare that it is contributing towards the improvement of skill levels through the FET colleges and the Adult Basic Education and Training (ABET) centres. Six hundred and sixty two administrative assistants were trained in office administration and computer studies. Three hundred and sixty subject advisors and 2 400 principals were trained on mentoring and coaching and the qualifications of 1 132 teachers upgraded through the National Professional Diploma in Education (NPDE). Fifteen million was spent on this project.

Departmental communication

Madam Speaker, I continue to share the view that communication is a strategic tool of service delivery in the open society that we are building. It was within this context that we established a communications directorate. Our efforts in this regard finally paid dividends. The Department of Education is now one of the most accessible and responsive organs in line with the principles of Batho Pele.

Madam Speaker, in comparison with previous attempts, this year the implementation of the Letsema Project showed greater improvement. Two hundred and fifty volunteers from 13 different countries participated in the cleaning, repairing and painting of our schools.

Internal security

The Department maintained the directorate, Minimum Internal Security Services (MISS) with a budget of R6,601 million for the 2006/07. This budget enabled the Department to obtain critical security equipment that enables us to record sensitive proceedings and bar cellular phone connections and bugging devices from our senior management meetings. Access control is being implemented in phases in the offices of the executing authority, senior management and regions. In this financial year the Bio Matrix Access Control System will be installed and the department will digitise all its documents.

Internal audit services

During the 2006/07 financial year, R6,254 million was allocated to internal audit services. This allocation enabled the establishment of the internal audit services directorate which is now fully functional under the supervision of the audit committee. During this financial year R4,408 million is allocated to ensure sound internal auditing, risk management and to eliminate fraud and corruption.

Madam Speaker, The strategic planning lekgotla of the Department held in February this year revised the vision and mission of the Department. It is with pride that I introduce our new vision which reads, "The North West Education
Department, A Portrait of Excellence". This is a vision that I would like to be associated with and that we believe is worthy to strive for. The recent Markinor's rating that places the Department number one nationally in terms of the provision of educational needs gives credence to this vision. For the functioning of this new chief directorate, R10 million is allocated.

Programme 2: Public ordinary schools education R4 274,277 million (that is equal to 26% decrease)

Madam Speaker, the honourable Premier, in her SOPA outlined the key interventions of the Accelerated and Shared Growth Initiative for South Africa (AsgiSA). The North West Education Department, in particular, rolls out the intervention on "the building of human capital from very basic primary school to tertiary education level". This places curriculum delivery in our public ordinary schools at the centre of contributing to AsgiSA.

Curriculum delivery

Madam Speaker, the year 2006 marked the last orientation training on the National Curriculum Statements (NCS). In this regard a core training team of 256 persons comprising officials, social partners and stakeholders trained 20 385 teachers in the eight learning areas in grades 8 and 9 and in the 29 subjects in grades 11 and 12. The Department spent more than R4,5 million on the training. Further subject specific training on content and methodology on the NCS will be undertaken during this financial year. A total of R24 million is allocated for curriculum implementation in the current financial year.

Learner attainment implementation plan

Madam Speaker, in his SONA, the honourable President Thabo Mbeki said that the fluctuating matric results indicates that much still needs to be done to stabilise the system and ensure a steady improvement. Madam Speaker, regarding the results in the North West I am a bit delighted to point out that the Department of Education has finally managed to turn around the downward cycle that prevailed since 2004. In 2006 our results improved by 4% from 63% to 67%. For this achievement I would like to thank all my colleagues in the Department, because this was a very well coordinated team effort. We, therefore, would like to indicate to this honourable house that we are one of the provinces that made a start towards stabilising our systems to make the steady improvement of our results a future reality.

The turnaround strategy with the learner attainment implementation plan remains the highest priority of the North West Education Department. During 2007/08, teacher development will focus on all under performing subjects particularly at underperforming schools. First time matric schools will be supported in the same way as under-performing schools. An amount of R13,1 million is allocated for the implementation of the learner attainment strategy at both the head office and in the regions.

Institutional development

Twenty new public ordinary schools were registered during 2006/07. This brings the total of public ordinary schools under the Department's administration to 2 085.

One mega farm school, Boons Secondary, was established through the merger of 76 smaller schools. There are, therefore, three mega schools currently in the province. In addition, 28 smaller schools were merged to form bigger, more effective, schools.

We also approved five learners for home education during the past financial year.

We have transferred 226 learning institutions to Gauteng and 210 to the Northern Cape. These included public ordinary schools, ABET centres, special schools, Early Childhood Development (ECD) centres and FET campuses. Along with these institutions we transferred 3 756 employees to Gauteng and 2 083 to the Northern Cape.

Today I report that the transfer process has been completed successfully. I would like the people of Merafong including Khutsong to feel at home as they were welcomed by the honourable Premier, for we will ensure delivery of quality education to their communities.

School enrichment (sport, arts and culture)

With the allocated R12,8 million of 2006/07, we promoted mass participation and intensified the collaboration with other government departments as well as stakeholders in various sporting and cultural events. The Department delivered on girls sport (9 030 girl participants), farm schools sport, athletics, cross country, football, choral music, cultural performances, indigenous games, netball, girls cricket and the transformation of school sport.

Madam Speaker, I am proud to announce that eight girls who participated in the National Under-19 Netball Tournament in Port Elizabeth were awarded full bursaries to study degrees of their choice. The bursaries range from R76 000 to R140 000 per year depending on the field of study. Currently eight netball players from our province are studying at various universities utilising the same scholarship.

At the national primary and secondary schools' athletics events which took place in Pretoria and Port Elizabeth, 10 of our athletes were awarded gold. Madam Speaker, I extend my compliments to these achievers. Because school sport is a national priority, R13,85 million has been allocated to this programme.

Library services

In 2006/07, R2,1 million was allocated for school library services which was spent on salaries, resources and training. In 2007, R5 million is allocated towards school library services which will be spent on the establishment of school libraries, processing centres, promotion of a culture of reading in schools and the capacitating of teachers and media advisors. At Kanana, the southern region organised retired teachers who secured a donation of books and computers for the Kanana schools from American donors. The donors visited the Kanana area from 13 to 21 April 2007. I would like to thank the donors for this generous donation.

The special intervention for mathematics, science and technology educations' priority list. In 2006 both national and provincial departments of education provided resources to schools in our province.

Seven thousand five hundred scientific calculators were distributed to all high schools. Supplementary study guides, "study and master", wall charts and posters were topped up. All schools received a basic teacher support pack.

Last year, honourable members, I gave a directive that the enrolment of girl learners in higher grade mathematics and science be increased. That directive resulted in the establishment of Girl Learner Intervention Programme (GLIP). In terms of this programme, 1 500 girl learners enrolled for mathematics and science at the levels of grade 6, 9 and 12. The programme was a resounding success. At grade 12, girls gave us a pass rate of 80% in mathematics and 87% in physical science.

This statistic serves as proof that with proper support, our girl learners can become the intended engineers and medical doctors. To increase the number of participating girl learners, we have taken a deliberate decision to expand this programme during 2007.

In 2007 at all dinaledi schools we will train six mentor teachers in mathematics and science as part of the Master/Mentor Teacher Incentive Scheme. This is a nationwide pilot that will involve the training of 120 master teachers who in turn will train the mentor teachers. Eight master teachers selected from dinaledi schools in our province attended the first master training programme in September 2006. During 2006, 11 dinaledi schools received computer laboratories. In this regard the rest of the dinaledi schools will be prioritised in 2007.

Madam Speaker, Maskew Miller donated mathematics and science textbooks to Alfred Maubane and Regolotswe high schools. I would like to acknowledge and thank them for this kind gesture. The same company promised a further donation in 2007. I wish to urge other publishing companies to follow this noble example. We are also grateful to the Shuttleworth Foundation for a donation of state of the art computer laboratories for Barolong, Boitseanape and JM Ntsime High schools.

In partnership with the Sowetan and the Telkom Foundation, the Department participated in the Aggrey Klaaste mathematics, science and technology educator of the year awards. In terms of these awards outstanding educators won cash prizes, computers and science kits for their schools. I would like to thank the Sowetan and the Telkom Foundation for sponsoring these awards.

In 2007, we allocate R6 million towards the provisioning of mathematics and science resources to schools. Primary schools will also benefit from this provisioning.

Madam Speaker, as is probably general knowledge by now, many grade 11 learners that failed last year are currently compelled to do mathematical literacy in terms of the new curriculum which they may not have done last year or in grade 10.

The Department is fully aware of the precarious situation in which they find themselves. We are providing such learners with the opportunity to catch up through the Saturday school supplementary tuition programme.

Madam Speaker, for 2007 we allocate R18 million to learner support as part of the intervention for mathematics and science education in the province. The total budget for mathematics and science services is R42 million.

Learner and teacher support materials in ordinary schools

The allocation for the 2006/07 financial year was R340 million. A large part of this budget was used to supply textbooks for the new curriculum in grades 8, 9 and 11.

During the previous financial year we decentralised the management and procurement of learner and teacher support materials (LTSM). The Department delivered 100% of all stationery in September 2006. For the financial year, 2007/08, in keeping with the national norms and standards for school funding, the Department will implement a pro-poor funding model in its supply of LTSM. Thirty percent of the LTSM budget will be used in quintile one and only 11% in quintile five. Three hundred and ninety million is allocated to the supply of LTSM during 2006/07.

Systemic evaluation

Systemic evaluation received R10,32 million to implement the recommendations of the grade 6 evaluation. The systemic evaluation intermediate phase report which I launched in February 2006, showed connections between learner performance and the conditions of learning that learners face both at home and at school. For the 2007/08 financial year, R6 million is allocated to expand systemic evaluation beyond the nationally sampled schools. The Quality Improvement, Development, Support and Upliftment Programme (QIDS-UP) will be implemented at a cost of R10 million to supply 208 quintile one, primary schools with basic resources.

Whole School Evaluation (WSE)

During 2006, 27 schools were sampled for evaluation and support. The evaluations included oral feedback that resulted in written reports that identified strengths and areas of improvement. A budget of R17 million will be used to evaluate and support schools in 2007/08.

Research services

The education departmental research services conducted a survey to identify children of school going age not attending school. In partnership with the Media Initiative Education Trust (MIET) and Uganda Women's Effort to Save Orphans (UWESO), research consultants, research was done on information management and a distribution model for learning and teaching support materials to Environmental Data Standards Councils (EDSCs). In collaboration with North West Research Coordinating Council (NWRCC), the education departmental research services encouraged increased research activity in government.

Education Management Governance and Development (EMGD)

The elections of the School Governing Bodies (SGBs) in May and June 2006 were successful. To enable them to fulfil their duties, the department trained the newly elected SGB members. To train schools and SGB members, the Department trained EMGD officials on financial management. To improve discipline at schools, 500 officials were trained in alternatives to corporal punishment.

National School Nutrition Programme (NSNP)

The entire allocation of R101,398 million was spent on the NSNP which benefited 484 940 out of 551 804 primary school learners.

The scheme afforded job opportunities to 4 849 local and previously disadvantaged women while it improved school learner attendance. Through this programme, women participating in the scheme have acquired skills such as catering, financial management and flower arrangement.

Madam Speaker, consistent with the wishes of the honourable Premier in 2007 the Department of Education will collaborate with the Department of Social Development to hone in on the supply of nutrition to the farm child. The learning of these learners has been hampered by malnutrition for too long. We allocate 87,916 million to the NSNP during this financial year. We hope to secure additional funds in future to extend feeding to many needy and deserving learners.

Infrastructure

During the past year, the Department allocated R416,355 million towards infrastructure. R108,937 million was utilised for maintenance. Forty two schools were fenced at the cost of R5,438 million. Using R5 million, 50 schools received clean water through boreholes, stands, tanks and pumps. The departments of education and public works jointly built 29 new schools. The Department of Education provided new sanitation facilities to 85 schools spending R41 million in the process. A total of 36 schools have been renovated at R30 million.

As reflected in the Premier's SOPA, during the 2007/08 financial year, 90 schools will be provided with new toilets, 17 new schools will be built and 28 schools will be renovated. R154,13 million is allocated for infrastructure.

Information Technology (IT)

The 2006 snap survey at special schools, further education and training (FET) colleges and early childhood development (ECD) centres were completed and submitted to the national Department of Education. The Department completed the provincial education Geographical Information System (GIS) which contains data and photographs of 1 500 schools. During 2006, 126 schools were computerized, and during 2007, all public schools will receive a computer containing the South African Mathematics Society (SAMS) to assist in managing timetables, reports and finances.

Programme 3: Independent school and home education R7 million (that is equal to 8% increase)

During 2006/07, the Department spent the entire allocated amount of R6,5 million on subsidies to 18 independent schools. During this financial year, the base line allocation for independent schools is R7 million.

Programme 4: Public special schools education R135,776 million (that is equal to 10% increase)

Special schools and inclusive education received an allocation of R120,077 million in 2006. Of the R23,838 million that was allocated for the strengthening of special schools in 2006/07, R17 million was spent on accessibility, children in conflict with the law, the establishment of the Christiana School of the Blind, the physical upgrading of buildings and the provisioning of 13 mini-buses to eight special schools. In 2007/08, R136,985 million is allocated for maintenance, salaries, subsidies, bursaries, scholar transport (mini-buses to nine special schools), assistive devices physical, resources and the transformation of assessment. This amount includes R23,341 million for the strengthening of special schools.

Programme 5: FET colleges R116,975 million (that is equal to 10% increase)

Madam Speaker, we have just completed the first year of the recapitalisation of the FET colleges. The R28 million allocated to this project was spent on human resource, systems, infrastructure and equipment. The National Certificate: Vocational (NCV) that is being introduced this year forms the future basis for learning at FET colleges.

Madam Speaker, in his State of the Nation Address, President Thabo Mbeki indicated that the recapitalisation of FET colleges is progressing well. This is also true for our province. Of the R116,975 million allocated to FET colleges in this financial year, R28 million is reserved for the recapitalisation process.

Programme 6: ABET R102,071 million (that is equal to 18% increase)

Madam Speaker, honourable members, our literacy levels in the province did improve over the past few years. Referring to the state of literacy in the country by 2004, in his SONA, President Thabo Mbeki mentioned that literacy levels improved although at a slow pace. It is this slow pace that concerns the honourable President the most. In the same address, he raises concerns regarding the slow progress in the delivery of adult learning programmes. Madam Speaker, I also hold that concern. In her SOPA, our Premier, the honourable Edna Molewa promised, "Our onslaught on illiteracy will continue on all fronts including our programmes on ABET."

The total amount allocated for our adult education programme in 2007/08 is R102,071 million, which includes R23 million for the ABET expansion.

Programme 7: Early Childhood Development (ECD) R159,127 (that is equal to increase of 6%)

Madam Speaker, during the previous financial year, ECD received R152,51 million. Approximately 1 600 teachers who are teaching at 452 registered ECD centres were paid a salary on Persal that amounted to R131 million. As the honourable Premier, Edna Molewa, mentioned in her SOPA, subsidies of R1 000 per month per teacher were allocated to 340 practitioners at community-based centres who were teaching grade R.

Because of the many activities earmarked for this programme in 2007/08, R159 million has been allocated to ECD. A breakdown is available in the budget speech. The incorporation of grade R into primary schools has commenced in 2007. It is envisaged that, by 2010, 80% of all grade R will be accommodated in primary schools. For 2007 we have started the process with an allocation of R7 million.

Programme 8: Auxiliary and associated services R57,557 million (that is equal to 19% decrease)
HIV and AIDS (R11,493 million that is equal to 1% increase)

In the 8 January statement, the honourable Thabo Mbeki stressed partnerships to combat the spread of HIV and AIDS and the need to redouble our efforts to break the stigma attached to the disease. It is against this backdrop that we continue our HIV and AIDS programme in the following two broad areas within the Department, teaching and learning and employee care.

Madam Speaker, this year I avail R3 million to conduct on-site, voluntary testing and counselling for employees. This money will also cover the training of peer teachers as wellness buddies.

Examinations, assessment, certification and accreditation

Madam Speaker, during the past year with an allocation of R52 million, the Department administered the provincial examinations successfully. It conducted amongst others the first ABET level 4 June examinations for 76% of the registered candidates and also administered 11 nationally examined subjects. The campaign to increase higher grade registrations bore fruit as the endorsement rate improved remarkably in 2006.

The directorate, examinations, assessment and accreditation won gold in the Premier's Excellence Awards. In 2006, Umalusi and the national Department of Education declared the conduct of examinations in the North West the best in the country. The North West also conducted the supplementary examinations in 2007 on an agency basis for both Gauteng and the Northern Cape. To maintain the high standard of delivery in this financial year I allocate R57,557 million to the administration of examinations in the province.

Conclusion

Madam Speaker, we are in a collective and arduous struggle to bring quality of life to our people hence it is not for any one person to arrogate to herself or himself the gains that have been made. I therefore wish to thank honourable Premier Edna Molewa and my colleagues in the Executive Council, the Speaker and members of the Provincial Legislature, the mayors and councillors, the unions, the business community, Mr Mweli with his senior managers and staff of the Department of Education and all stakeholders who have in their collectivity remained our pillar of strength.

Madame Speaker, my message, however, to my colleagues in the Department of Education is that I will continue to apply pressure, I will continue to demand my "pound of work". For it is my belief that the potential or the best in a man or a thing comes out only in the face of challenge or pressure.

Madame Speaker, I conclude by alluding to these lines of Robert F Kennedy, "Few will have the greatness to bend history itself but each of us can work to change a small portion of events and in the total of all those acts will be written the history of this generation."

I thank you, ke a leboga, baie dankie!

Issued by: Department of Education, North West Provincial Government
22 May 2007