Heads of Education express confidence in national recovery plan, 29 August 2007

29 August 2007

The Heads of Education, meeting in Port Elizabeth, yesterday expressed their full confidence in the implementation of the national recovery plan, following the labour action by teachers.  Provinces confirmed that identified schools and teachers had been participating fully in the catch-up programmes, and that learners had been benefiting from these.  Monitoring by the Department of Education has also confirmed the effective distribution of additional learning and teaching materials, including the newspaper supplements, which were being well used by teachers, parents and learners.  The Education Director General, Duncan Hindle, said: “It is clear that learners have been presented with renewed opportunities following the missed lessons of June.  Those who grasp these opportunities will be the ones who succeed.”

The Department reiterated its position that the school calendar and exam timetables will remain unchanged, and that no concessions will be made which would diminish the value and integrity of our matric examinations.

The Department of Education will continue to support learners in all Grades, right up until the year-end tests and examinations start, and appeals to teachers and parents to assist them in this regard.  The Department of Education also urges learners to take responsibility for their own development, to work hard, and not to not to be misled by others.

Issued by the National Department of Education

The Director-General - Duncan Hindle.

For further enquiries call: John Mojapelo at (012) 312 5024