A sustainable engagement between national and provincial education officials has made inroads in terms of re-emphasising the value of quality and efficiency in improving learning and teaching in schools. This was one of the sentiments shared by various education stakeholders during the virtual District Directors’ Meeting with Minister Motshekga on 1 December 2023. The meeting was facilitated by Ms Simoné Geyer, DDG for Delivery and Support at the Department of Basic Education (DBE). The Branch is responsible for conducting oversight and monitoring programmes to schools and districts across all nine provinces to ensure that critical issues that are tabled at various structures/forums of the Basic Education Sector, are followed through for acceleration, and to provide immediate intervention support through the assistance of the Provincial Education Departments (PEDs) where necessary.

During the meeting, several speakers presented key programmes and new initiatives that have been put in place to improve quality learning and teaching in schools. These included strengthening of the District Development Model (DDM); improving districts through the Integrated District Improvement Programme; Modernised SA SAMS; and improving educator capacity through an online Continuing Professional Teacher Development platform. The district directors are always informed about the progress on the payment of pensions to retired officials. Information on the upcoming School Governing Bodies (SGBs) was also shared in preparation for the elections in 2024. Dr Rufus Poliah presented an update on the National Senior Certificate (NSC) examinations currently underway, as well as the national assessments implemented by the Department.

Minister of Basic Education, Mrs Angie Motshekga, also delivered her keynote address during the meeting. She indicated that the District Directors’ Meetings are invaluable, as they offer a chance to engage directly with the dedicated foot soldiers – those at the forefront, where the tyre meets the tar, providing first-hand accounts of developments in the education system: “This is a hectic time of year, with our matriculants undergoing final examinations before leaving the basic education sector. Our primary goal is to conduct these crucial examinations error-free and uphold their integrity.”

Minister Motshekga also stated that in preparation for the final year examinations, the Department provided a wealth of digital materials to support learners across the sector: “Additionally, we offer the Second Chance Matric Programme to assist those who may not pass at the end of the year. It is essential to communicate this support to our learners to minimise the risk of suicide. I trust that internal examinations are given the same priority as the NSC examinations, as building a solid foundation is critical to a successful system. Our commitment to providing safe ablution facilities nationally remains unwavering. The Deputy Minister and Director-General have been spearheading this campaign with significant progress under the Accelerated School Infrastructure Delivery Initiative (ASIDI) launched in 2011 and the Sanitation Appropriate for Education (SAFE) initiative, launched in 2018. The Basic Education Portfolio Committee has emphasised the importance of ensuring all learners have access to safe water and sanitation, respecting their fundamental rights to dignity and health.”

The Minister further added that the DBE is focused on improving learner performance across the entire education system. “Implementing the General Education Certificate (GEC) will broaden our focus beyond the NSC to encompass all phases within the system. Various programmes are already underway to achieve this goal. A pivotal element of this initiative is the institutionalisation of the Early Grade Reading Assessment (EGRA), a critical tool in enhancing learning outcomes in the early phases.  Remember, we first learn to read and then read to learn. Each district should develop a Reading Strategy aligned with the provincial strategy, taking advantage of EGRA’s user-friendliness for both educators and parents, thus making reading a community-wide endeavour. The Minister also urged PEDs to tighten programmes relating to ECD; and the DDM and school safety campaigns aimed at addressing school violence and Gender-Based Violence in the school community. “I want to thank each of you for your dedication and sacrifice in ensuring the success of our education system. I wish you and your families a safe and blessed festive season,” concluded Minister Motshekga.