Principals to be briefed on dept's expectations

Tuesday, October 13, 2009

Pretoria - School principals in Mpumalanga are expected to receive a briefing by the provincial Education Department this afternoon on what is expected from them with regards to improving the management and governance of schools.

MEC for Education Reginah Mhaule and Premier David Mabuza are expected to meet with principals in Pienaardam in the Steve Tshwete Municipality.

Earlier this morning, they met with principals at the Kopanang Secondary School, in Witbank, where they addressed the learners and teachers.

The MEC had made an unannounced visit to the school last Thursday, where she found the school in an unacceptable situation that compromised teaching and learning.

"The meetings will provide an indication from principals on the state of readiness for the 2009 final examinations," departmental spokesperson, Jasper Zwane, told BuaNews.

He said they would also facilitate interaction with school principals to enhance learner performance and high attainment levels.

"The platform will also be used to provide feedback on the meeting that took place between the President Jacob Zuma with principals," said Zwane.

During an interactive meeting with the school principals two months ago, President Zuma said the government had established a set of non-negotiables which among others, ensure that officials of the Department of Basic Education and Training adhere to, to improve the education system.

The principals endorsed the non-negotiables outlined by President Zuma in his State of the Nation Address, to ensure that educators teach, learners learn, parents provide support to their children and government create a conducive environment for learning and teaching.

School principals further committed to ensuring that schoolwork and quality education prevails in all schools particularly rural schools.

"We thus resolve to recommit ourselves to the Quality Learning and Teaching Campaign's declaration signed by various stakeholders, which will enable the improvement of quality education," the principals stated.