The Department of Education held a second lecture of the stalwart maths and science educator, Mr Matthew Goniwe in Pretoria recently. The commemoration was attended by the MEC of Education Panyaza Lesufi and Prof Menzi Duka amongst other prominent guests. The event celebrated the passion that Goniwe had for education and the fight against the oppressive government apartheid.
“South Africa has made remarkable progress in the transition from apartheid to democracy, however, there is a need to accelerate progress in this regard. In nearly every facet of life, advances are being made in building an inclusive society, rolling back the shadow of history and broadening opportunities for all,” said Panyaza Lesufi who was one of the key speakers for the evening.
The MEC highlighted that young people in particular deserve better educational and economic opportunities. Considering South Africa is slowly moving into the fourth industrial revolution, the role of Information Communication Technology (ICT) is a significant element in improving learning and teaching, enhancing classroom effectiveness, stimulating communication and learner engagement in order to set them on a journey of achievement and excellence in every aspect.
However, the wellbeing and safety of teachers in schools was questioned as the past few months saw South African school learners physically abusing their educators. The department advised that they had identified 5000 bullies from 25 schools and took them to diversion programs, as they have already taken 400 learners to two camps and the department prides itself that this initiative will yield positive results accordingly.
Gauteng News spoke to the Department of Education’s spokesperson Steve Mabona in regards to the General Education Certificate, “the General Education Certificate is not an exit certificate but is to affirm that learners have attained some level of knowledge in the schooling, hence it will be easy for those who opt for vocational education to easily assess such without further rigorous assessments. This is a tool to empower our learners and not an exit certificate.”
Over the past few years South Africa has seen a decline in the quality of education and school equipment such as most communities in South Africa haven’t been exposed to science laboratories. However, the department added that schools are supported on all learning material required including ICT equipment in which they pride themselves to have yielded best results for schools especially township schools.
Stalwart Matthew Goniwe was well known as a teacher, community leader, political activist and a member of UDM. He was one of the ‘Cradock Four’ murdered by the South African security forces in the Eastern Cape. He also made a significant impact in the maths and science sector, and the department named a school of leadership and governance in Johannesburg after him.
