Government committed to quality education

Three weeks ago, we congratulated our matriculants for their sterling performance in their end of year exams. That journey to the end of their school career took many years of hard work, anxiety and commitment.

To all our learners, both new and those continuing their journey, we wish you a productive 2005.

Over the last ten years, we've had to shift the entire education system out of its apartheid orientations. Despite our successes in this regard, we recognize that there is still a long way to go.

The expectations are high, and the needs of our economy can only be fulfilled by your success as learners. Education serves needs beyond the individual - the entire economy is dependent on the set of skills provided by the education system. Our investment in the education system is testimony of our hope in the future, your future.

We as government will continue to make tenacious investments in your education and future. As we begin the New Year, we encourage you as learners to keep the nation's hopes in mind and approach your studies with vigor, commitment and focus.

Cease the fruits of a democratic education system in order to ultimately gain the latitude to make sound decisions and choices.

School is not only a place where we acquire a formal education. In interacting with our schoolmates and teachers, we learn about different cultures and expose ourselves to the diversity that defines not only our country, but also the province of the Western Cape.

This interaction and fellowship with others will enrich you and make you a fuller, apt human being. This too is part of learning.

2005 therefore, has a lot to offer, particularly to those who are at the very beginning of their school career. Congratulations on taking this first step.

To all our learners, welcome back. May you thrive in our province, the Western Cape, A Home For All.

This article first appeared in newspapers in the week of 17 - 21 January 2005

For enquiries, contact Gert Witbooi: 082 550 3938, or gwitbooi@pgwc.gov.za.