Inside Education Reporter
Mathanzima Mweli, DBE Director-General, convened a two-day Heads of Education Departments Committee (HEDCOM) Workshop aimed at reviewing the performance of the Basic Education Sector since the 6th administration resumed office.
The Workshop took place at the Pestana Kruger Lodge in the Mpumalanga Province from 8 – 9 April 2024. HEDCOM is regarded as a critical engagement platform where education matters are tabled for discussion and consolidation before being escalated to the Council of Education Ministers (CEM) for consideration and approval.
During the Workshop, HEDCOM expressed appreciation to various education stakeholders, including school principals; teachers; learners; and parents for showing dedication and determination towards delivering quality education. According to HEDCOM, the Basic Education Sector, under the leadership of the CEM, has succeeded in intensifying the revision and implementation of the Curriculum Assessment Policy Statements (CAPS), especially in the current administration.
Senior managers from various units of the DBE were given time slots to present progress reports on key programmes in their purview. These included the Learner Discipline Model; Development of a Curriculum Review Policy; Reflection on Teaching, Learning and Assessment; Modernisation of the National School Nutrition Programme (NSNP); General Household Survey 2022; Implementation of the Early Childhood Development (ECD) Programme; Placement of Funza Lushaka Graduates; Mathematics, Science and Technology (MST); Provision of Quality Inclusive Education for Learners with Special Needs; Implementation of the Three Stream Model (Academic, Vocational and Occupational Streams).
Mweli indicated that CAPS enabled the sector to maintain stability in the Basic Education Sector. “As things stand, CAPS is regarded as one of the strongest policies in terms of transforming the landscape of education in South Africa.
However, the policy might need to be revised to meet the demands of the 21st Century. I therefore extend my gratitude to the various Heads of Departments (HoDs) for their consistent attendance in all HEDCOM sittings. Our coordinated efforts will assist us in promoting uniformity in the Sector.
This Workshop has enabled us to accelerate the consolidation of information required for the handover report, which will be submitted to the 7th Administration post the General Elections.”
HEDCOM, in turn, extended its gratitude to Mweli for his leadership in steering the Sector in the right direction.
The HoDs applauded the DBE for its efforts in ensuring that learners have broad non-academic streams at their disposal to make informed decisions in their career choices. HEDCOM remains a valuable platform, particularly in identifying shortfalls and progress encountered in the education system. The next HEDCOM will be held in the Northern Cape Province during August 2024.
INSIDE EDUCATION
