Statement by Adv. André Gaum, Minister of Education in the Western Cape

The budget announced by Minister Ebrahim Rasool in the Western Cape Parliament today (02/03/04), is the best news to date for education in the Western Cape as it is the most extensive effort yet to align what the education system delivers with what the economy requires.

The allocation to education will increase with R987 million from 2003/04-2006/07. This gives a clear indication that the development of our human capital is a critical focus-area for government in our province.

The extra funding will allow us to expand and expedite our various strategies to deal with critical challenges in education, such as the retention-rate and low levels of literacy and numeracy.

Education is the main driving force for the growth and development of the human capital of the Western Cape. The allocation of more than 29% of the overall expenditure plans of the Western Cape to growing our most important resource, namely our people, must therefore be welcomed and supported.

Inquiries: Rudi Buys at  082 577 6551