The Council of Education Ministers (CEM) convened on Thursday, 22 August 2024, at the Department of Basic Education in Pretoria under the leadership of Basic Education Minister Mrs. Siviwe Gwarube, marking the first meeting of the CEM for the 7th Administration.
The meeting brought together key stakeholders in the education sector, including provincial education leaders such as North West MEC for Education, Viola Motsumi, and Acting Superintendent-General Maropene Seshibe, who present to represent the province.
The CEM discussed several strategic priorities aimed at enhancing the quality and accessibility of education across South Africa. These priorities will shape the agenda for the basic education sector in the coming years and address some of the most pressing challenges in the system.
The Key Priorities Discussed include:
1. Early Childhood Development (ECD):
The Department emphasized the need for accelerated mass registration for all ECD programmes. This strategic direction aims to ensure compliance with existing policies and legislation while improving access to and the quality of ECD programmes nationwide. The focus is on laying a strong foundation for lifelong learning and development.
2. Foundations for Learning: The acceleration of the Language in Education Policy was highlighted as a crucial step toward making education fully accessible to all South African citizens. The policy aims to implement a Mother-tongue Based Bilingual Education approach across all grades, ensuring that learners are equipped with the language skills necessary to improve learning outcomes and succeed academically.
3. Inclusive Education, Health Promotion, and Social Cohesion:
The CEM underscored the importance of providing inclusive education that enables all individuals, including those with disabilities, to participate effectively in society. Education plays a vital role in empowering people with disabilities to exercise a range of human rights, including the right to work, live independently, and contribute to the community. The National School Nutrition Programme was also discussed as a means to develop strong community ownership and support.
4. Curriculum Recovery, Strengthening, and Skills for the Changing World: Preparing learners for the demands of the 21st century was identified as a top priority. The education sector is committed to grooming learners with the skills and competencies necessary to thrive in a rapidly changing world. This includes curriculum recovery efforts to address gaps in learning and ensure that all learners are equipped with the knowledge and abilities required for the future.
Speaking on behalf of the North West Province, MEC Viola Motsumi expressed her support for the strategic planning initiatives discussed during the CEM meeting.
“The priorities outlined today provide a clear pathway for our provincial education department to strengthen our efforts in delivering quality education to all learners. We are committed to aligning our programmes with these national priorities, particularly in areas such as Early Childhood Development and inclusive education. These efforts will ensure that our learners are not only prepared for the future but also able to contribute meaningfully to our society”, expresses Motsumi.
The outcomes of this CEM meeting will guide the work of the provincial education departments as they continue to implement policies and programs that uplift and empower South Africa’s youth.
For further media inquiries, please contact:
Mphata Molokwane
Departmental Spokesperson
082 979 3638
Or
Bayanda Zenzile
Media Liaison Officer
082 307 6852
Or
Elias Malindi
Acting Head of Communication
072 892 8399
