WCED budget 2002/03
Statement by André Gaum, Western Cape Education Minister
In May 2002, the WCED projected an estimated
saving of approximately R20 million. This projected saving was based on the
assumption that the amounts discussed below would be carried by the Treasury,
as it had done in the past.
However, because of decisions that were
taken at national level, the WCED is currently projecting an over-expenditure
of R56,672 million on its budget for the current financial year. These decisions
include:
- Additional costs for the improvement of
conditions of service as a result of the increase of 9% instead of the 6% provided
for in the budget; which was not fully funded by the Treasury,
- The payment of R850, in lieu of the rank
and leg promotions, to every member of staff below the senior management service
level; and
- The increase in the homeowners' allowance
because of the increase in interest rates. A one- percent increase in interest
rates can result in a 12 million rand increase in homeowners' allowances to
be paid per annum.
A variety of steps will be implemented to
ensure that the least possible disruption will be experienced in terms of learner
education. If the shortfall is not addressed by National Government, the department
plans to deal with the situation by implementing the following measures to save
costs:
Relief educators (R 6 million): Analysis
of the actual number of relief educators indicates that with strict application
of policy the allocated number of posts can be reduced by 75.
Posts for curriculum redress (R7,0 million):
The activation of these posts will be postponed.
The Cape Teaching Institute (relief) posts
(R3,5 million): 100 posts have been budgeted for relief educators to act in
the posts of educators attending in-service training courses at the institute.
To save on costs only 50 posts will be utilised.
Redeployment (R3,5 million): This saving
has already been realised as the result of a recent special attempt in this
regard.
FET colleges (R1,5 million): The filling
of the managerial posts at the newly amalgamated FET colleges will be postponed
from 1 October 2002 to 1 January 2003.
Office furniture (R0,06 thousand): The furniture
intended for the office of the Ministry will not be purchased.
Employee Assistance Programme (R0,5 million):
The full implementation of this project will be postponed.
Learning support material (LSM) (R4,8 million):
The rollover funds will compensate. Additional funds that the department achieved
in the previous years and that the Treasury has now made available will be used
to ensure that no reduction in any schools allocation takes place.
EMDC equipment (R1,0 million): The EMDCs
are currently poorly equipped. R3,0 million has been allocated for office and
library equipment, among other things. The purchase of equipment will have to
be downscaled.
Literacy development (R1,0 million): R1,0
million has been allocated for additional readers for schools. The purchase
thereof will have to be postponed.
Computers for administration (R4,0 million):
R4,0 million was allocated for this purpose from rollover funds to improve administrative
service delivery. No further purchases will be done in this financial year.
EMDC posts (R2,5 million): The EMDCs' posts
are currently approximately 60% filled.
Transport of learners (R4,67 million): The
current policy, that learners are transported if they live further than 5 kilometres
from the nearest school, will have to be strictly applied despite political
and other pressure to provide transport where learners have to walk alongside
major roads or through bush. Routes that do not comply with the policy will
be summarily suspended. However, it should be noted that Minister André
Gaum will be having discussions with Minister Tasneem Essop regarding relief
measures that could be implemented.
Mathematics and Science Academy (R2,5 million):
The Academy is intended to promote mathematics and science for learners especially
those from previously disadvantaged areas. The adaptation and maintenance of
the buildings will have to be downscaled. The project will be implemented over
a longer period.
Forums (R2,0 million): R2,0 million has
been allocated from rollover funds for forums. The erection of the forums will
be postponed and downscaled.
The rest of the shortfall will be compensated
by a number of smaller savings, which will be made at head office.
It should be noted that none of these measures
materially affect the quality and effectivity of education.
Projects and Funds which will not be reduced
or affected:
As a department we have to work within our
budget to provide the best education possible for all the learners of the province.
We are committed to accomplishing this task regardless of the many challenges
facing us.
Media inquiries:
Ruhan Robbertze
Cell: 082 577 6551
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