1. MEC and Members, I want to thank you and your hard working officials, however,having the highest budget allocation of R47.47 billion, education quality does not match this investment.
2. Inconsistent learner achievement rates is a concern as seen in drops from (69,7%) (in 2014); (60,7%) (in 2015) and to (66,4%) in 2016. This was disappointing considering KZN had the largest number of matriculants ie. 24,2% (in 2016).
3. More disconcerting is the moderate 2016 increase in the weak gateway subjects of Mathematics (37.9%) and Physical Science (57.7%). HON. Members, profiency in languages, science and mathematics is an essential precursor to success in modern societies.
4. ANA results placed mathematics problems at primary school level, where learners fail to grasp the basic skills, which impacts on university entrance requiring mathematics for degree purposes. The Minority Front calls for all subjects from Grade R to Grade 7 to be taught in first home language, thereafter learners can change to English.
5. The World Economic Forum (WEF) Global Competitiveness Report 2014 – 2015, ranks South Africa last out of 144 for the quality of Science and Mathematics education. The greater problem is that we lack scientists and engineers, to “address the continent’s gravest development problems”.
6. The Minority Front is prepared, as a small political party to do its share in assisting groups of matriculants annually to increase their mathematics marks which I have discussed with the HON. MEC.
7. The MF envisions a system of standardising examinations till grade 11, for consistent evaluation, and looks forward to debating the STEM Programme and CAPs curriculum to increase the return on education investment.
8. The Minority Front supports this budget.

Thank You.

Shameen Thakur-Rajbansi

Minority Front  MPL KZN Legislature