Govt may move on E Cape education crisis
2011-02-17 15:52
-
Zuma
But of course Zuma has been at the epicentre of South African politics, and his life has spilt...
Now R215.95
buy now
Cape Town - The government is considering intervening in the Eastern Cape, where education is experiencing serious problems, President Jacob Zuma said on Thursday.
Responding in the National Assembly to points raised during debate on his State of the Nation address, Zuma said he had been comprehensively briefed by Basic Education Minister Angie Motshekga and her deputy Enver Surty who visited the province recently.
"I am seriously considering a sustainable intervention for the Eastern Cape," Zuma said.
"We are concerned that the contracts of over 4 000 temporary teachers have been terminated, resulting in many schools facing shortages of teachers."
The pupil and teacher support materials had not been adequately delivered, leading to a situation where there were pupils without textbooks.
The school nutrition programme had collapsed and scholar transport had come to a total halt in many areas.
"As of now, the Triple T call to prioritise teachers, textbooks and time, cannot be implemented in the Eastern Cape."
"Any intervention will occur with the full knowledge, approval and co-operation of the premier of the Eastern Cape and the MEC for education in the province.
"It will be designed to assist the province to effectively administer education," Zuma said.
- SAPA