Issued by: Gauteng Provincial Government
18 April 2001
"The Gauteng Department of Education has not taken any decision on the Languages setwork"
The Gauteng Department of Education (GDE) would like to inform the public that a decision has yet to be taken on the new setworks to be used in Gauteng from 2002 onwards in all the official languages. This includes English, which has received much media attention lately.
The GDE has embarked on a process of selecting new novels and dramas for all official languages at Grade 12 level because the current texts have been used for at least five years.
Strong recommendations have been received from educators, examiners, and moderators that new titles should be introduced so as to bring about new ideas, fresh debates, innovation and creativity in the teaching and learning of literature.
The opinions expressed in some weekend papers do not represent the official views of the GDE regarding any of the books that are being reviewed or are to be changed.
The GDE has set up a process, which is intended to be democratic on the one hand, and fully cognisant of current literary theory and practice on the other.
This process is currently underway and involves the educators at Secondary and University level, examiners, GDE officials, and moderators.
The process in motion which shall be completed by a decision to be taken by the Head of the GDE, Mr. Mallele Petje on which books would be used. This will happen as soon as he has satisfied himself with the panel reports and recommendations.
Thank you.
More information
Tom Waspe
Gauteng Department of Education
011 355 1514