The Portfolio Committee (PC) on Basic Education, under the leadership of its chairperson, Ms Bongiwe Mbinqo-Gigaba, will be embarking on an Oversight and Monitoring Visit on the state of schooling in the Mpumalanga Province. The visits will be taking place in the Ehlanzeni, Bohlabela and Gert Sibande Education Districts from 22 – 25 August 2022.
The itinerary for the first day include visits to the following schools in the Ehlanzeni and Bohlabela Districts in Bushbuckridge Local Municipality: the Lekete Technical High School in Athurseat; the Mapulaneng Education Development Centre in Bushbuckridge; the Alfred Mashine Commercial School; the Ngwaritsane Secondary School in Maveljan; and the Tsakane Special School in Acornhoek to ensure that vulnerable learners are provided with the necessary resources and assistive devices to ensure inclusive and quality education. Another aim of the visit is to access readiness for the end-of-year examinations for all learners and schools, and also to ensure that all schools are ready to successfully administer the state of readiness for the Class of 2022 to complete their National Senior Certificate (NSC) examinations.
The PC will then proceed to the Sidlamafa Secondary School; the DD Mabuza Technical High School; and the Silindokuhle Special School in the Ehlanzeni Education District, Nkomazi Local Municipality on 23 August. A meeting is also set to take place with officials from the National Department of Basic Education; the Mpumalanga Provincial Department of Education, including the Office of the MEC, the HoD and Senior and District Officials; the Portfolio Committee on Education Provincial Legislature; School Governing Bodies (SGB) Associations; Labour Unions; and the SA Principals Association on the day. Visits to schools in the Gert Sibande Education District are scheduled to continue from 24 – 25 August, culminating with a visit to the OR Tambo Mathematics, Science and Technology Academy to ensure that learners are skilled with 21st Century skills and competencies for the field of work. The PC will be returning to Cape Town on 26 August.
The PC on Basic Education oversees the work of the Department of Basic Education (DBE), Umalusi and the South African Council of Educators, including functions such as structure, policy and effective functioning. Additional functions include considering Bills; dealing with departmental budget votes; and making recommendations about education-related priorities.
Having enacted legislations and appropriated funds, Parliament has a responsibility to monitor the implementation and spending by conducting oversight. The oversight assists in pressing for action or encourage implementation where it is lacking and to ensure that appropriated funds are used appropriately and efficiently within the prescripts of the law to benefit teaching and learning. After each oversight, the PC compiles a report which is shared with the Minister and the DG for updates and progress reports.
The work of the PC on Education is not restricted to Government-related matters, and they may investigate any matter of public interest that falls within their area of responsibility to ensure that South Africans receive education in line with the six social justice principals namely, access to resources; equity; inclusivity and participation; equality; diversity; and human rights.