Central SA
Northern Cape’s new Education MEC promises key reforms─── KEKELETSO MOSEBETSI 10:43 Thu, 04 Jul 2024
“First and foremost, it is crucial to establish a solid team dedicated to improving education in the province.”
The newly appointed Education MEC in the Northern Cape has vowed to address critical issues within the province’s education system.
MEC Abraham Vosloo, who has taken over from the ousted Zolile Monakali, outlined his strategic priorities, emphasising the enhancement of Early Childhood Development (ECD) programmes, infrastructure improvements, and a targeted effort to boost matric results. He highlighted the significance of ECDs, pointing it out as the foundational stage of education.
‘It is crucial to establish a solid team’
“First and foremost, it is crucial to establish a solid team dedicated to improving education in the province,” Vosloo stated.
“Improving ECD is essential as it marks the beginning of the educational journey for learners. Coupled with this, we need to address the matric results, which are a key indicator of our educational system’s performance.”
The Northern Cape province has faced challenges with matric results, ranking among the lower performers for the 2023 academic year.
Vosloo said the 6th administration strategy is the modernisation and digitalisation of the education sector.
“We have already laid a foundation for modernisation in the province, particularly in education, with the improvement of our digitalisation programme. The rollout of tablets for Grade 10, 11, and 12 students is a step towards integrating technology into the learning process, aiming to enhance educational delivery and access,” he said.
Meanwhile, the returning Health MEC in the Northern Cape, Maruping Lekwene, shared his priorities for the next five years as he returns to office. He reiterated three main priorities include addressing the shortage of nurses, improving old and dilapidated infrastructure, and enhancing Emergency Medical Services (EMS), equipment, and staff.
“We need to put more effort into our recruitment strategy to get more nurses, as they are our biggest challenge,” Lekwene stated.
Northern Cape Health MEC, Maruping Lekwene, being sworn in by Judge President of the Northern Cape Division of the High Court, Pule Tlaletsi. Photo: Facebook
He also mentioned plans to revitalise the province’s nursing college to increase the intake of student nurses in future cohorts. Additionally, Lekwene emphasised the need for increased budget allocations from the treasury to meet the healthcare needs of the population and improve service delivery.
