Wanted: R24 billion to fix education

The Eastern Cape Education department requires R21,2 billion to eliminate backlogs and bring all buildings up to the required standard. In addition, it needs R2,2 billion to wipe out mud structures and a further R1,4 billion to address the maintenance backlog.

But, the department’s Infrastructure Plan tabled in the Bhisho Legislature last weeks shows that the budget for the next financial year (2009/10) is only R1,3 billion and for the next two years a total of R3,2 billion. The department states that while this is “a significant improvement on previous years, these budgets are still wholly insufficient to begin addressing backlogs”.

Currently, only 621 (11%) of the 5 704 schools in the Eastern Cape are described as being in a “good condition” with a further 237 (4%) being housed in new buildings.

The condition of 1 060 (19%) is described as “very weak” and of 1 601 (28%) as “weak” with a further 2 088 (37%) being in need of repair. Just 71 schools are currently being upgraded.

• Full report in The Herald today

Qwase's challenges

Anyone doubting the challenges facing new Education MEC Mahlubandile Qwase need only look at a document tabled in the Legislature last week that provides departmental responses to the education committees visit to schools in March this year.

The first two entries in the report:

LOWER CULUNCA JSS

Enough stationery but not all textbooks received – intervention: meet with the supplier
No electricity and water facilities , school depends on water tanks – intervention: none (the space for intervention, whose responsibility it is and time frames are left blank)
Toilets were in bad condition – intervention: none (the space for intervention, whose responsibility it is and time frames are left blank)

and

UPPER CULUNCA JSS

60 per cent of learner support material still outstanding – intervention: meet with suppliers
Only dilapidated temporary structure, no toilets, school not fenced, no sports facilities – intervention: provincial office to be informed as soon as possible
School Nutrition Programme – supplier providing stake bread twice a week- intervention: meet with supplier as soon as possible

And it goes on and on and on…

New Premier takes the helm on Thursday

New Eastern Cape Premier Mbulelo Sogoni (right, with his predecessor Nosimo Balindlela) will be sworn in at the Legislature on Thursday, the ANC confirmed today.

The new cabinet will be announced on Friday afternoon and there is still discussion on who will
take the Housing and Local Government portfolio currently held by Thoko Xasa.

The Eastern Cape Provincial Executive Committee (PEC) is to meet on Friday morning to finalise the matter that will see Finance MEC Billy Nel who was informed yesterday that he is to be axed replaced by Phumulo Masualle who will also succeed Sogoni as MEC for Economic Development and Environmental Affairs.

Health MEC Nomsa Jajula will be replaced by Pemmy Majodina while Education MEC Johnny Makgato will make way for Mahlubandile Qwase.

• Full report in The Herald tomorrow