By More Matshediso
Pretoria - Cabinet has urged parents to get actively involved in the 2015 School Governing Body (SGB) elections.
Briefing the media after Cabinet’s regular meeting, Minister in the Presidency Jeff Radebe said SGBs contribute to the development of a strong sense of community ownership of schools.
“The general performance of schools, including academic achievement, tends to improve when parents are actively involved and take an interest in the affairs of the school,” said Minister Radebe.
Over 250 000 governors are elected every three years to serve in public schools united by a common purpose “to make education a real societal issue”.
The elections are set to take place from 6 - 28 March this year.
National Teaching Awards
Meanwhile, Cabinet has commended teachers for their dedication and commitment, saying without them, South Africa would not have been able to achieve many of its national goals.
Minister Radebe said the nominations for the National Teachers Awards (which take place on 7 March) recognise the outstanding contribution teachers make towards the development of the country.
“The Department of Basic Education hosts this annual event to pay tribute to dedicated, committed, hard-working and professional teachers,” he said.
The award ceremony will take place at Gallagher Estate, Midrand.
SADC Media Awards
Cabinet also called on South African media to submit their entries for the 2015 SADC Media Awards competition.
Details are available on the Department of Communications (DoC) website www.doc.gov.za.
Minister Radebe said the awards link formal structures of SADC governments, civil society, academia, labour and the media.
“It promotes regional integration and cooperation by encouraging media practitioners in member states to cover issues pertaining to the region,” he said.
The competition also consists of the Water Media Awards, which recognise stories that promote good water management in the SADC region. - SANews.gov.za
