Address By The Mec For Education, Mr Siphosezwe Masango On The Ocassion Of The Official Opening Of Osizweni Combined School

11 March 2005

Programme Directors
Executive Mayor of Gert Sibande – Councillor Linda Tshabalala
SASOL Corporate Affairs Manager – Mrs Backman
Colleagues in the department
School Principal and Staff members
Stakeholders in Education
Parents
Educator Unions
Learners
Members of the media
Distinguished guests
Ladies and gentlemen

Ngiyanibingelela

We are on course to educate the nation!

It was in January 1994 when in the dawn of our freedom and democracy when SASOL took a decision to start a school from the old Bracken Mine Hostel. Then, our fragmented education system was characterized by, amongst others inadequate learning facilities.

Here we are today, to celebrate the official opening of the school that was started more than a decade ago. Thanks to the vision that SASOL had when the new dispensation was ushered in. What a way to conclude the first decade of our freedom and democracy.

As we venture into the second decade of our freedom and democracy we must stop at nothing to increasingly open the doors of learning and culture, as enunciated in the Freedom Charter which was adopted fifty years ago.

On behalf of the department, I wish to express my heartfelt gratitude to SASOL for selfless and generous contribution in the education of the nation.

SASOL has correctly and profoundly positioned itself in creating an enabling environment for the emancipation of our people from bondage of the old order to creating a better for all. Education remains the cornerstone for the attainment of these goals.

The contribution made by SASOL, in an effort to continuosly push back the frontiers of porverty will not go unnoticed and truly deserve a standing ovation. Halala SASOL, Halala! Sithi kuwe ungadinwa nangomuso!

Facilities like these, will surely assist us in equipping our people with the knowledge and skills to be meaningful participants in the building and shaping of the economy of the country.

Public Private Partnerships of purpose are an indispensable phenomenon which will ensure that our education system is able to respond to the country’s growing human resources and research demands for the 21st century in an equitable, effective and efficient manner.

Our collaboration with SASOL is bound to accelerate change, thereby redressing past imbalances.

I therefore would like to make a passionate call to other partners to follow SASOL’s example by selflessy giving a helping hand which will ensure that we uncompromisingly continue to provide quality public education to the nation.

Such partnership will undoubtedly provide greater responsiveness in meeting societal needs especially those linked to developing South Africa’s economy. With government and business joining hands and pulling efforts and resources together, greater opportunities for improved safety and security, literacy and skills, strong and sustainable economic growth, strong distribution of wealth, reduced poverty levels and deepened democracy are enhanced.

The country needs educated and skilled people. The Deputy Minister for Education Mr Enver Surty said, on the occasion of his visit to the Province on the 12th January 2005 that we need to put more effort on Mathematics and Science as there are currently few learners taking these subject in Higher Grade.

According to an article in the Business Report (21/02/2005) titled: Lack of skilled workers threatens economic growth “the biggest weakness in schools is Science and Mathematical education. Just 5 percent of 471 080 high school students who took their final exams last year, passed top level maths which is needed to study subjects such as engineering and accounting.

There is a national crisis in higher grade maths and science education. This is holding back African advancement. It places a huge obstacle in the way of achieving almost all the government’s opportunity for black South Africans. The shortage of skilled labour also increases costs for firms as they compete for workers”.

This means that we need to work hard in encouraging learners, particularly female learners to consider taking these subjects in order for the country to successfully deal with skills shortages.

I have since taking office in May 2004 met a wide range of stakeholders in a number of consultative meetings. The purpose of these meetings amongst others, was to summon an increased stakeholder involvement and participation in all matters pertaining to education.

These initiatives attest to our undying commitment to “Making Education Enterprise Everybody’s Business”.

Let us ensure that we do not leave education in the hands of the few. Parents and other roleplayers cannot continue to be absent in matters relating to education.

I hold the view that it is only through concerted efforts that we can, through education, deliver a new learner cadre and a new intelligentsia, truly moulded and baptized in our revolutionary ideas.

Representative Council of Learners Izindaba will be convened shortly in the three regions where youth leaders and other motivational speakers will, amongst others, give a talk on leadership skills.

Ayihlome Ifunde!