Eastern Cape Educacation Bursary

MEC’s Progress in Transforming Eastern Cape Education

In the past 100 days, the Eastern Cape Department of Education has witnessed a significant transformation under the leadership of the newly appointed MEC, Fundile Gade. With a clear vision for quality education, the MEC has hit the ground running, implementing strategic initiatives to improve learning outcomes, infrastructure, and stakeholder engagement. This milestone marks a promising start to a new era in education.

Some notable achievements have been, inter alia:

– School Infrastructure Development: The MEC has overseen the completion of several multi-million-rand infrastructure projects across the province, including upgrades to schools in rural and semi-urban areas. Gamble Street Senior Secondary School in the Nelson Mandela Education District is one notable beneficiary.

– Improved Access to Basic Services: The department has ensured increased access to water, sanitation, and electricity, creating conducive learning environments for learners and demonstrating its commitment to equal access to quality education.

–Inclusive Education: Inclusive education in the Eastern Cape has made significant strides, particularly with the introduction of the National Curriculum Statement Grade R-5 for learners with Severe Intellectual Disability (SID). This curriculum aims to provide equal access to education for all learners, regardless of their abilities.

-Launch of the E-learning Broadcasting Studio: In line with digital transformation, the department has launched a cutting-edge broadcasting studio. This state-of-the-art facility boasts a dedicated YouTube channel linked to schools, broadcasting math and science lessons for matriculants. These resources are accessible 24/7, making learning more convenient and effective for learners.

-School Safety: The Department recently hosted a successful School Safety Summit, bringing together key stakeholders, including the Department of Safety, to develop and craft solutions to address the growing concern of criminal activities impacting education. This collaborative effort aimed to create a safer learning environment for learners and educators alike. The Summit culminated in the training of 700 school patrollers, employed under the Expanded Public Works Programme (EPWP), who will be dealing with safety and security issues in schools. The patrollers will be certified in security grade E to C.

-Skills Development: The Department recently convened a Skills Development Committee meeting aimed at empowering unemployed and employed youth with vital vocational and technical skills. This initiative seeks to bridge the skills gap and foster employability among young individuals. In addition, the Department launched a province-wide Bursary Application Drive. This campaign encourages youth to apply for bursaries offered by the Department to pursue higher education.

-School Nutrition: Significant strides have been made in providing nutritious meals to learners in need. Through its National School Nutrition Programme (NSNP), the department has successfully served both breakfast and lunch to all quintile 1-3 schools. In addition, A successful food safety training was conducted for 24 School Nutrition Programme (SNP) monitors across the province, ensuring proper food handling practices are adhered to.

-LTSM Delivery: The Department is nearing completion of delivering Learning and Teaching Support Materials (LTSM) to almost all 4,596 schools that placed orders. With this progress, it’s expected that by the start of the 2025 academic year, every school will have the necessary LTSM, ensuring a smooth learning experience for learners.

-Provincial Literacy Dialogue: As part of the Department’s comprehensive Reading Strategy, a highly successful Literacy Dialogue was convened to foster a culture of reading and promote literacy among learners.

-National SASCE Competition: The Eastern Cape made an impressive showing at the National South African Schools Choral Eisteddfod (SASCE) Competition, securing two prestigious titles: – Best Tenor Soloist and Best Soprano Soloist. In addition, the Eastern Cape claimed an impressive haul of 14 medals; 8 Gold Medals, 4 Silver Medals, and 2 Bronze Medals.

-National Teaching Awards: Eastern Cape Educators Excel at 24th National Teaching Awards. Six exceptional teachers from the Eastern Cape took top honors at the 24th National Teaching Awards (NTA), demonstrating excellence in education. Notably:

– 1 educator received the prestigious Best Teacher Award

– 1 educator received the Excellence in Secondary School Leadership Award

Stakeholder Engagement: The MEC engaged with various stakeholders through the District Education Forums and SGBs Induction which took place in Districts across the province, promoting collaboration and open communication to address educational challenges. This collective effort brings to life the notion that “Education is a societal matter”. It also demonstrates the Department’s commitment to inclusive education, recognizing that education is indeed a shared responsibility.

Enhancing STEM Education:  Strategic plans have been put in place to improve learner performance, particularly in Mathematics, Science, and Technology. Leveraging expertise from Cuban Subject Specialists, JENN, Horizon Mathematics, as well as Maths Infinity. These collaborations have refined teaching methods, boosted learner outcomes, and fortified STEM foundations.

Pledge Signing Ceremony: The Grade 12 class of 2024 gathered for a poignant Pledge Signing Ceremony, reaffirming their dedication to academic excellence, personal growth, and responsible citizenship. The MEC pledged unwavering support to these learners, ensuring their educational needs are met during the examination period. He also emphasized the Department’s dedication to conducting a seamless and stress-free examination process.

Despite notable progress, it is important to acknowledge the department’s insistent challenges, such as Infrastructure backlogs, teacher shortages as well as learner performance gaps. In the same breath recognize strides made to address these, through accelerate infrastructure development, targeted teacher training programs, and Intensified learner support initiatives.

The MEC’s first 100 days in office have demonstrated a commitment to transformative leadership, prioritizing quality education and stakeholder engagement. As the department continues this trajectory, the Eastern Cape’s education landscape is poised for significant improvement.

Addressing the DEFs in Buffalo City, the MEC said, “Our vision is to create a world-class education system that empowers learners to succeed. We will continue to work tirelessly with stakeholders to address challenges and ensure every learner receives quality education.”

He further made a call to all those who have a vested interest in education Call to join forces in shaping the future of education. Together, we can build a brighter future for our learners.