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Media Release

30 September, 2003


Conference to chart the future of education in the Western Cape

Statement by André Gaum, Western Cape Education Minister

Delegates representing a broad spectrum of stakeholders in education in the Western Cape will gather in Newlands on Thursday (2 October 2003) to discuss the long-term future of education in the province.

The Western Cape Education Department (WCED) is organising the Education Vision 2020 Conference at the Sports Science Institute of South Africa. It is the first conference of its kind in the province.

The WCED has embarked on a long-term strategic planning exercise called Education Vision 2020 as South Africa prepares to celebrate the first 10 years of democracy in 2004.

The conference this week is a key element of this process. The conference will review progress in education over the past decade and will discuss key issues that must be taken into account during the next 10 years and beyond.

The WCED is committed to ensuring that the process is as inclusive as possible.

Those attending the conference will include teachers and principals, representatives of school governing bodies, principals’ associations and teacher unions, education officials and representatives of higher education institutions.

Key speakers will include Ron Swartz, the Head of Education in the Western Cape, who will speak on the future direction of the WCED, and two of the WCED’s Deputy Directors-General, Brian Schreuder and John Lyners.

Topics for discussion will include key education trends and challenges in the Western Cape, education quality and standards, and human resources, particularly the issue of recruiting and retaining teachers.

Education in the Western Cape stands on the threshold of a new era. Over the past 10 years we have invested heavily in building the foundation for a new education system capable of ensuring effective education for all.

The building blocks are now in place. They include a new education system offering general and further education and training, a revised national curriculum, new approaches to teacher training, strategies for improving learner performance in key learning areas, new management and support structures, and important advances in education technology.

While we can feel pleased with progress to date, we still have plenty to do to ensure that we achieve our mission of ensuring that all learners have the knowledge, skills and values they need to lead fulfilling lives and to contribute to the development of the province and the country.

As we celebrate the first 10 years of democracy in South Africa, this is a good time to reflect on our long-term vision and mission. The Education Vision 2020 Conference will provide an excellent start to this process.


Issued by:
The Communication Directorate
Western Cape Education Department
Email: pattwell@pgwc.gov.za
Tel: (021) 467-2531
Fax: (021) 461-3694

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