Issued by: Ministry of Education
STATEMENT BY PROF S M E BENGU, MINISTER OF EDUCATION
The Minister of Education, Prof Sibusiso Bengu, has invited the Australian Government to participate in his programme of transformation and change in the Department of Education, as part of the Government of National Unity's agenda for reform of the civil service.
During his visit to Australia in November 1995, Prof Bengu held discussions with a number of public and private sector organisations in Australia which have undergone transformation over the last ten years.
"The Australian experience is very relevant to what we are working towards in South Africa and I have therefore invited Australia to assist us in this process," the Minister said.
The announcement follows a meeting yesterday between Professor Bengu and representatives of the Australian Government in Pretoria to make recommendations on Australian assistance in the transformation process.
Australian team leader David Barber noted that "a great deal of restructuring has already been achieved in the education sector: a new national department has been established, a new curriculum is under development, a National Qualifications Framework (NQF) is being created, a National Student Financing Scheme is being introduced and the inequities in the funding of the school and college sector are being addressed."
Among the recommendations to be considered by the Minister and his department are an Australian consultancy in change management.
"A priority for us is to introduce modern management practices, innovative approaches and progressive thinking. We want to draw on the Australian experience in institutionalising the Department's strategic vision," the Minister said.
Also under consideration as part of the Australian assistance are a review of the organisational structure, the possibility of an enhanced planning capacity and the improvement of the department's communication capacity.
"Once the process is underway, we may seek Australian assistance in follow-up consultancies in these and other areas such as leadership and team building; a training needs assessment and national/provincial relationships," The Minister said.
"The Australian Government welcomes the opportunity to work with the Department of Education in this important transformation process. Strengthening of the public sector is a major objective of the Australian development program for South Africa," the Australian High Commissioner, Mr Ian Porter said.
The Ministry of Education has accepted in principle the recommendation of follow-up consultancy in change management as a matter of priority. This will greatly assist the department and ministry's attempts at transforming the education public service in line with the demands of our constitution.
For further information please contact: Lincoln Mali Tel No: (012) 3260126) Cell No: 083 251 4044