The Minister of Basic Education Siviwe Gwarube has unveiled a series of transformative interventions aimed at addressing systemic challenges in South Africa’s education system.
The announcement followed the release of the latest results from the Trends in International Mathematics and Science Study (TIMSS), the Southern and East Africa Consortium for Monitoring Educational Quality (SEACMEQ), and the first South African Systematic Evaluation (SASE).
ACCESS THE REPORTS HERE.
While the studies revealed incremental improvements in Grade 9 learners’ Mathematics and Science performance, they also highlighted stark inequalities.
Learners in underprivileged Quintile 1 to 3 schools continue to lag behind their counterparts in better-resourced schools, with barriers such as poor infrastructure, limited resources, and inadequate teacher training compounding the disparities.
Minister Gwarube identified three critical challenges: foundational learning deficits, language barriers, and inequitable resource allocation.
“Too many learners progress without mastering basic skills, limiting their future prospects,” she noted.
The gap between learners taught in their home language and those instructed in a second language remains a significant hurdle, particularly in foundational subjects like Mathematics and Science.
To address these issues, the Minister outlined a comprehensive strategy.
Key initiatives include expanding access to quality Early Childhood Development (ECD) programs, supported by a mass registration drive and professional development for ECD practitioners. “Early learning is crucial for long-term success,” Gwarube said.
Another priority is implementing Mother-Tongue Bilingual-based Education (MTBbE), allowing learners to study critical subjects in their home language alongside English.
This approach will include teacher training, updated bilingual materials, and potentially bilingual national assessments.
Foundation Phase education is also a focal point, with efforts to reduce class sizes, improve literacy and numeracy, and update learning materials. The Funza Lushaka Bursary Scheme will prioritize aspiring Foundation Phase teachers, and the Department plans to revise outdated norms for teacher allocation.
Minister Gwarube emphasized the importance of protecting teaching and learning time, addressing absenteeism, and ensuring schools adhere to the “Five Ts” of education: Time on task, Teacher preparedness, Textbooks, Technology, and Testing.
“This is a clarion call for all stakeholders to rally together,” she urged. “Education is not just a departmental responsibility; it’s a societal mission.”
The Minister says this bold plan aims to transform the education system into one that is inclusive, equitable, and capable of unlocking South Africa’s potential.
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