Issued by: Ministry of Education
STATEMENT BY PROFESSOR SIBUSIO BENGU, MINISTER OF EDUCATION
This is to announce that a notice to call for nominations to the National Commission on Special needs in Education (NCSNET), to investigate all aspects of the provision of education to learners with special needs, has been published in the Government Gazette today, Friday, December 8, 1995.
In the notice, I ivite any person, society or organisation to submit to me, before January 5, 1996, the names of persons who, by virtue of their knowledge and experience, may be considered for appointment as members of the Commission.
The Commission will be headed by a full time Chairperson and it will consist of between 12 and 16 members.
The range and scope of this investigation will make it the largest ever undertaken in South Africa into the much neglected field of the education of learners with special education needs.
As envisaged in the White Paper on Education and Training, the Commission will undertake a thorough needs analysis in its field of investigation.
It will be expected to complete its work and submit a report to the Minister of Education within one year from the date of its Appointment.
In preparing its proposal for Cabinet approval of the Commission, the Department of Education sought advice on the Commission's terms of reference from the LSEN constituency (learners with special education needs), as well as the Council of Education Ministers, Heads of Provincial Education Departments, and the Department of Health and the Department of Welfare and Population Development.
In view of the extreme importance of early identification of special educational needs, the scope of the enquiry will specifically include the early childhood phase, from birth to school entry, and the questions of prevention and support through effective education support services in the mainstream.
The purpose of the Commission is to advise the Minister of Education on:
In the case of people disabilities, the rights of access and protection from unfair discrimination have profound implications for the education system.
The Commission will solicit evidence from learners, interested parties and members of the public through oral and written submission, conduct workshops, review literature and reports, and visit schools and other institutions.
The Chairperson anders of the Commission will be appointed by the President. The Minister of Education will invite nominations and submit recommendations to the President, based on submissions by interested individuals, national organisations and other bodies.
Issued on behalf of the Minister of Education.
For further information, please telephone Mr Lincoln Mali: 012 326-0126 (office) 083 251-4044 (cell)