Statement by Cameron Dugmore, MEC for Education in the Western Cape

The Western Cape Education Department (WCED) is now fully geared to ensure that learners use all available time in the months to come, to try and catch up as much as possible; and to prepare for end-of-year and matric examinations.

This morning (Wednesday 18 July) myself and senior officials of WCED met with representatives of teacher unions to discuss the Recovery Plan. I am very pleased with the positive spirit within which the meeting was conducted and the commitment shown by the teacher unions.

A Task Team under the leadership of the WCED's Chief Director for Education Planning, Dr Sigamoney Naiker, has been established, and includes representatives from the unions. It will be broaden to include governing bodies and learner representatives.

The Task Team will look into finalising logistical arrangements and issues of finance. Extra tuition time for specific schools will start from the end of this month (30 July). The clear focus is on all schools that were closed during the industrial action and those where learners were most affected.

The Recovery Plan is not a recovery of salary for the 'no-work, no-pay' rule, but works on the assumption that the payment does not include all teachers and all schools.

Schools have just resumed for the third and crucial term, and have gotten off to a good start this week, with good attendance by teachers and learners. The WCED's Recovery Plan was unveiled during the course of the public service strike, and includes the following:

• Measures to complete mid-year examinations by 8 August 2007
• Winter schools, spring schools and extra classes
• Distributing materials and information via electronic and print media
• Provision of extra learning support materials

The plan made an excellent start during the July holiday with Matric Winter Schools in six of seven districts. The WCED's Recovery Pan is now entering its second phase and will focus on all grades. The Task Team will draft detailed plans.

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

Visit our website: http://wced.wcape.gov.za

The Western Cape - A Home for All
INtshona Koloni - iKhaya loMntu wonke
Die Wes-Kaap - 'n Tuiste vir Almal