Back to school for thousands of inland provinces

Education Minister Naledi Pandor

It's back to school for thousands of children in inland provinces tomorrow. But for many in Gauteng, day one will not be smooth sailing.

At least 70% of schools in the province will have the necessary stationery and textbooks to start the academic year. But suspected corrupt practices within the Education Department will have the rest waiting longer. The process to have books and stationery delivered to schools in Gauteng should have started last February, but it only started in August.

Gauteng Education MEC Angie Motshekga says the catalogue of books had to be streamlined. But some managers within her department were also responsible for price fixing. They allegedly redirected business to preferred benefactors.

About 7 000 children still have not been placed and the provinces' schools have a growth rate of almost 3%.

And as Gauteng battles to keep its books in order, Education Minister Naledi Pandor has promised stricter controls to make sure that her officials deliver.

Support for failed matrics
The thousands who failed matric last year cannot return to school because of curriculum changes. Schools will have to explain alternative options. Millions will be spent on giving them a second chance to write in June.

Motshega has called on last year's matrics who have failed to start preparing for their mid-year exams.

Addressing a media briefing in Johannesburg, the MEC says the department has budgeted R40 million to support them. But she says they must start working now.

Pandor has appealed to matriculants who failed to enter their support programme, where they have hired extra tutors, and provide learning material and teaching in the afternoons.

Meanwhile, the Education Department in Limpopo has expressed its preparedness for the re-opening of schools tomorrow. Department spokesperson Ndo Mangala has expressed optimism that the school year will get underway without hindrance.

The Free State Education Department has vowed that when schools across the province re-open tomorrow, teaching and learning will take priority. Education HOD Mafu Rakometsi says textbooks were delivered to schools two weeks ago. He says teachers were also expected to draw up their year plans and timetables.

School principals contacted say they are prepared for the new school year.