The Eastern Cape Department of Education has announced its policy framework for the 2024/25 financial year, building on the Education System Transformation Plan adopted in 2019. The revised plan focuses on four pillars: Capacity Building, Economic Drive, 4th Industrial Revolution, and Inclusive Education and Social Cohesion.
The department aims to foster a culture of good corporate governance and effective management of institutions, ensuring that all schools are adequately resourced and managed. This includes maintaining and rehabilitating existing education facilities, as well as providing minor maintenance and beautification programs for schools.
In addition, The Department of Education spokesperson, Malibongwe Mtima said the department will expand access to quality Early Childhood Development centres, strengthen Inclusive Education and support for learners with disabilities, and institutionalise Mother Tongue-Based Bilingual Education. The department will also prioritise and diversify curriculum provision, ensuring that all learners have access to a comprehensive and inclusive education.
This means that over the next five years, 978 schools will be affected, with some facing closure and others conversion into hostels. In the Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality area, several schools are set to be affected by the realignment process. Rocklands Intermediate, Despatch Preparatory, and Susannah Fourie Primary are among those that will be realigned, while Amanzi Primary and Lovemore Park Primary are earmarked for possible closures and/or mergers.
“The department has allocated a total budget of R42 billion for 2024/25, representing a 12.83% increase in equitable share and 37.96% increase in conditional grants from 2019/20. This budget will be used to improve learner throughput and performance in high-enrolment subjects, strengthen partnerships with external stakeholders to improve performance in Mathematics and Physical Sciences, and increase funding for reading materials and teacher training,” Mtima explained.
Furthermore, the department will implement Early Grade Reading Assessments and School-based Assessments, roll out Mother Tongue-Based Bilingual Education and Incremental Introduction of African Languages, promote Maritime Studies in schools, and support inclusive education and learners with disabilities.
“The department’s policy framework is designed to ensure that all learners have access to quality education and are equipped with the skills and knowledge needed to succeed in the 21st century. By focusing on inclusivity, equity, and excellence in education, the department aims to improve the province’s performance in the national matric exams and lead the transformation agenda in the country.
In pursuit of this goal, the department will implement a Screening Identification Assessment Support Policy for early intervention, empower teachers through Curriculum Differentiation to address diverse learner needs, and provide urgent programs for South African Sign Language (SASL) CAPS to enhance deaf learners’ retention and completion rates. The department will also sensitise educators and communities on inclusivity principles and advocacy.
Mtima concluded,
