13 FEBRUARY 1998
Editors, Political Correspondents, And members of the diplomatic corps,
This year we will continue to accelerate the transformation of the Education and Training sector at different levels. These are some of the key areas for policy formulation and legislation that we will focus on, in the current parliamentary session. Learners with Special Education Needs.
Subsequent to the release of the report of the National Commission on Special Needs in Education and Training and the National Committee on Education Support Services, my department will, within weeks, release a Green Paper which will focus on the provision of education for learners with special education needs and the provision of education support services which covers the entire school education system. This may lead to a bill on the special needs in Education or the amendment of the current laws.
Norms and Standards for School Funding.
We have now reached the final stages of the finalisation of the document on Norms and Standards for School Funding. Consultation on this document will take place with various stakeholders including the Finance Department and the Fiscal Commission, culminating in its endorsement by both the Heads of the Department of Education Committee and Council of Education Ministers.
South African Schools Act and Capacity building
Subsequent to the passage of the South African schools act it is my pleasure to announce that, at least, 90% of the school's governing bodies representing parents, learners and educator have been elected. We shall contend with the challenge of implementing capacity building programmes for School Governing Bodies and the Provincial personnel with specific reference to the responsibilities they are supposed to execute in terms of the act these include Financial Management. Guidelines of the code of conduct for learners will be gazetted in order to assist the Governing Bodies in the 'formulation of the school's based Code of Conduct as required by the act.
The following bills will also come before Parliament:
- New Educators Employment Bill.
In order to consolidate the existing legislation, in relation to the country's constitution and Labour Relations Act, a New Education Employment bill will be tabled before parliament.
- Further Education and Training Bill
Within weeks a Green Paper, which will deal with all aspects of further education including vocational and technical education, and provision of training to youth to enable them to enter the labour market will be released for public scrutiny. When Cabinet has adopted the White Paper we will then table a bill before Parliament, which will provide the legislative basis for the transformation of this sector.
The green paper provides a vital plank in the pursuit of the diversification of learning in senior Secondary schooling and the improvement in the quality and relevance of existing technical and community college programmes. Accordingly the Green Paper is focused on providing additional route to higher education and productive employment. The transformation of Further Education will provide for various exit points, other than matric, allowing for the acquisition of several vocational and technical skills at this level of schooling. This will be one of the major revolutions in our schooling system.
- Higher Education Act:
The Higher Education Act was promulgated in December 1997 and my department is working towards the implementation of the provisions of this act. The Council on Higher Education will be appointed by April this year. My department will work in partnership with the Council in order to establish new funding and planning frameworks for Higher Education. This will include the finalisation of the structure of a sustainable National Student's Financial Aid Scheme and providing means for other contributions, especially from the private sector. The Council, when established, will put in place a Higher Education Quality Committee, which is charged with the responsibility for the promotion of quality improvement in Higher Education.
For further information contact: Mr. Bheki Khumalo at 082 781 2660 or 021- 457350