"I have decided on the following key strategies, which I want the WCED to focus on:

• Literacy and Numeracy (including ECD and ABET)
• Implementation of FET in schools and colleges
• School safety
• Infra-structural development
• Re-engineering of the WCED

"Therefore, within the context of the above and with the WCED's role in the implementation of the provincial government's Human Capital Development Strategy, the most serious issues facing the Western Cape Education Department (WCED) are the following:

• "The dropout rate in high schools. About 50% of learners who register for Grade One drop out of high school before completing Grade 12.
• "The number of learners in Grades 3 and 6 who have not achieved the outcomes required by the national curriculum for their grades in numeracy and literacy.
• "The difference in academic performance between learners from different race, language and income groups. This difference demonstrates the need to transform education by ensuring access, redress and equity in education delivery.
• "Teacher training, to ensure that teachers have the knowledge and skills needed to teach the national curriculum and improve learner performance in all learning areas.
• "School accommodation in certain areas seeing rapid population growth.
• "The capacity of the WCED to meet the objectives of the Western Cape's Human Capital Development Strategy.
• "The need to improve access to Further Education and Training (FET) in FET Colleges, especially for learners from poor communities.
• "The need to improve service delivery in early childhood development, adult basic and further education and training, and education for learners experiencing barriers to learning.
• "The need to ensure safe school environments, and to position schools as sacred places of teaching and learning in our communities."

For enquiries, contact Gert Witbooi: 082 550 3938, or gwitbooi@pgwc.gov.za.

Gert Witbooi
Media Secretary
Office of the MEC for Education
Western Cape
Tel: 021 467 2523
Fax: 021 425 5689
Visit our website: http://wced.wcape.gov.za

The Western Cape - A Home for All
INtshona Koloni - iKhaya loMntu wonke
Die Wes-Kaap - 'n Tuiste vir Almal