EAST LONDON – The Eastern Cape Department of Education MEC, Fundile Gade convened a media briefing on 17 July 2023 at Mandla Makhapula Institute to address the state of the department and preparations made for the remaining quarters of this academic year.
To start off, the May/June Examination was a success, results are expected to be released on 07 August 2023. 943 schools participated in the June examinations where 73.3% pass was achieved by grade 12, which is an increase of 2.6% from the previous year’s results. This shows that the province is on the right track to achieve the desired 80% pass rate for the end-year exams.
To ensure they do not go off course, the Department made plans to support matriculants. A Last Push support program will be introduced in the 3rd term consisting of spring camping and digital support with live broadcast support programs during weekdays, inclusive of radio lessons, study websites and TV support programs.
The department also introduced a second chance matric programme aimed to assist learners who did not meet the requirements of NSC and amended senior certificate with 11 subjects and languages.
The education sector is continuing with beautification and provision of infrastructure to schools. A total budget of R911 million is for completion of current project and R265 million for school infrastructure in 180 schools across the province. Committment to make inclusive education to special schools has a budget of R78 mil. There are major projects budgeted for financial year2024/25 .
The program for Early Childhood Development Centres(ECDCs) maintenance is funded by ECDC Grant with an amount of R12.9 million in 2023/24 applied for these centres. 4 centres are under construction, 5 in procurement and 7 in the planning process. To magitate water shortages in schools, 988 water tanks will be provided in 322 schools. The relations between the ECDoE and its stakeholders should be strengthened at all times.
A fundamental concern for others on our individual and community lives would go a long way in making the world the better place we so passionately dreamt of- Rolinhlanhla Nelson Mandela.
