Hon Speaker, the education summit left much food for thought over the weekend, quoting Professor Wedekind on two important phrases which hold true:

1. “Education is a complex web”, and
2. “Small changes can make big differences”

Hence, Hon. Members, I argue that OBE is first world, adopted by SA. But we cannot adapt sue to third world reasons.

So it is fair to say that even, Education needs a “Back to Basics” lesson and “look like a school” program, notwithstanding the R3,076 billion increase.

I will focus on the most important human resource in our education system, “The Teacher”, his/her qualifications, rights, productivity and well-being.

We must honestly ask, “Is the PPN of 1 to 34 a reality?” No; it is 1 to 40 or 45. Can one educator, divide their attention in a 40 minute period to 40 or more learners, adequately, noting different learner abilities or even special needs.

Can 1 educator be the learners parent, guidance counsellor, physiologist, etc. what about the administrative chores, educators do after school and during vacations. Let us not “kill the goose that lays the golden egg” if we want real improvement in education outcomes and HDI or MDG achievements in 2015.

Let us, get PPN right, Hon. MEC; root out ghost teachers, board off the sick, train more teachers and upskill existing teachers with the skills development levy, with programs done in a partnership between the department and institutions of higher learning and not service providers.

Special needs learners need to be catered for with regards to ECD classes, nutrition, medical care, transport and infrastructure resources.

How the budget is allocated, will have to be closely monitored and evaluated.

Lets put the fun back into learning by increasing cultural programs making chess compulsory, adding sports and changing the CAPS curriculum.

The MF supports the Education budget.

Thank you

Mrs Shameen Thakur-Rajbansi

MF MPL-KZN