Your Organization Newsletter Date Volume 1, Issue 1

MEET THE NEW MEC FOR EDUCATION

INSIDE THIS ISSUE

Eyes of the world ...... 2 A call to all branches ...... 2 LTSM...... 2 Meet the new MEC ...... 3 School gets four classrooms ... 3 Matric results 2014 analysis ... 4 Exco ...... 5 Dialogue on xenophobia……….6 Africa day celebration…………..7 Democracy brought unity………8

Hon. Maaria Ishmael Kgetjepe EYES FOR THE WORLD PROJECT HELPS TO RESTORE LEARNER’S VISION. BY HARLEY NGOBENI

Learners of Masungulo Primary School in opment. “Koen and his team were allowed Elim area and Ozias Davhane High School to hand each child in need a pair of spec- in the Vhembe District benefited from tacles within five minutes after testing Eyes for the World Project. The project and this was done at no cost and with no entails testing children's’ eyes and giving waiting period” said Ms Tlakula. them pairs of spectacles where necessary. According to Ms Tlakula, Eyes of the Project director, Koen Van Pottelberg World make use of adjustable spectacles from Belgium and his team were accom- (Ad specs) or focussed spectacles (Focus panied by Ms Nelly Tlakula, Chief Educa- spec). These spectacles were specifically tion Specialist attached to Life Skills, HIV developed for this project. With the Ad & Aids directorate in the Depart- specs, high-quality silicone gel is pumped ment of Education . in between two durable plastic mem- branes. It allows for 50 optical variants, all The spectacles given to learners were not possible in one pair of spectacles. Focus just ordinary spectacles because they are specs, on the other hand, make use of an the product of years of research and devel-

“Ad specs allows for 50 optical variants, all possible in one pair of specta- cles”

COMMUNICATION SERVICES MAKES A CALL TO ALL BRANCHES LEARNERS AND TEACHERS SUPPORT MATERIAL (LTSM) BY LEPHALE SESHOKA DISTRIBUTION STRENGTHENED Communication Directorate is making an appeal to all branches and their relevant The Executive Management Committee (EMC) of the Limpopo Department of Education sections to engage the directorate in all is firm on improving distribution of learners and teachers supporting material. The de- their activities. This will make it possible partment is eager to make sure all learners get their books on time and avoid service de- for the directorate to strategise in terms livery barriers. This follows the decision to establish the Departmental LTSM Committee of brand visibility. in current financial year.

Branding is one of the crucial aspects to Parents, teachers and learners will also be assisted with better ways of retrieving study be given preferences during the events material at the end of each year. Improved retrieval strategy will assist in making sure because it increases corporate image of that reading materials are safely used and returned in good conditions. the Department. Through branding, stakeholders are able to connect with by The EMC also took a decision that the department will increase interactions with differ- identifying the name, logo, slogan or ent stakeholders to share the programmes and activities of the department and also to design of the Department as this is a way plan together with relevant stakeholders. It was reported in this meeting that the depart- of marketing the Department so that it is ment is currently in the process verify qualifications of 547 foreign educators as part of recognisable by more and more people. closing the shortage of rare-skilled educators such as those of mathematics, Science and technology. The process will provide the department with a data base of qualified teach- People tend to do business with compa- nies they are familiar with and if brand- ers and this will make it easy for the department to incrementally close the gap. ing is consistent and easy to recognise, it The EMC also condemned the situation where community members interfere with the can help stakeholders feel more at easy process of deployment of teachers to schools by refusing to accept teachers even though to be associated with our services. A there is shortage of teachers with such skills in their schools. Also condemned was the brand that is consistent and clear puts growing tendency where some community members close schools’ gates and disturb the stakeholders at ease because they know process of learning and teaching. Members of the community are encouraged to visit exactly what to expect each and every time they came across its logo. circuit offices should there be anything they need clarity on before they move to the dis- tricts and the provincial office. For events, contact Communication at X9347 or contact Dr Naledzani For more information contact Mr Paena Galane at 072 069 4500 Rasila at 072 7473078 Compiled by Communication Services

Tell: 015 290 9347 2

RENAISSANCE SECONDARY PROFILE OF SCHOOL GETS FOUR CLASS- ROOMS LIMPOPO MEC BY MAKHUPE MASHOENE

Maaria Ishmael Kgetjepe was born During the four classrooms in the royal village of Mohlaletse, official handover ceremony the traditional headquarters of recently in Musina, the acting Sekhukhune land. He is the de- scendant of the great warrior King MEC for Education, Mr Jerry Sekhukhune of the Bapedi. Ndou emphasized on providing learning and teaching in all Educational Achievements schools. He said that the depart- He is a scholar of note who com- ment is doing all these in the pleted his Secondary Teachers Diploma at Sekhukhune College of interest of the education of Lim- Education. popo children because they are Bachelor of Arts Degree conferred the future and they need this by the University of education. Advanced Diploma in Labour Law The department is happy and with the then Rand Afrikaanse thanked Coal of Africa for join- University now University of Jo- hannesburg ing hands with the department Hon. Maaria Ishmael Kgetjepe and committed to the social Master Diploma in Human Re- sources Management with Rand economic transformation of the Afrikaanse University now University of Johannesburg areas they operate. “Thanks to Certificate in Municipal Management with the University of Natal new infrastructure from them as Advanced certificate in Governance and Public Leadership with Wits Business School (WBS) the winter is approaching, the Currently studying for Masters in Public Administration with the University of Limpopo learners will be safe and warm in their new classes. Besides, Administrative Leadership infrastructure development

Hlabirwa is also an administrator who has distinguished himself in serving in different unlock economic opportunities structures of public service. and promote job creation” said He served as the Head of Labour and Governance in the Department of Education Lim- the MEC. popo Provincial Government. Director Corporate Services at Ephraim Mogale Municipality During the construction of the General Manager (COO) at Sekhukhune District Municipality Municipal Manager at Sekhukhune District Municipality blocks, jobs were created and the economic well being of the Political leadership local people became active.

Maaria is an astute and seasoned politician and a leader who have led the political Happy is the community that structures at different levels starting from being a leader of the Student Representative respects and treasures its re- Council as the Deputy President at the then Sekhukhune College of Education. sources. After the unbanning of the political parties in 1990 he became one of the key activists to establish Sekhukhune Democratic Teachers Association which preceded the formation of The handover ceremony went National Education Union of South Africa (NEUSA). He was part of the leadership that well as the principal of Renais- spearheaded and canvassed for the formation of the South African Teachers Democratic Union (SADTU) sance Secondary school, Mr Mashudu Sithole and his learn- He served in the different structures of the African National Congress (ANC) as both the ers were very delighted. The Provincial Executive Committee Member (PEC) and spokesperson. He was also appoint- event was attended by parents, ed as the Regional Convener of the Sekhukhune region to rebuild the structures of the government officials and politi- African National Congress. cal leaders.

He was elected as a Ward Councillor in 2001 after the first democratic local government elections in Fetakgomo Local Municipality and later sworn in as a Chief Whip. He was later deployed to serve in the Limpopo Provincial Legislature and appointed as the Chairperson of the Safety, Security and Liaison Portfolio Committee in 2009.

In July 2013 he was appointed as the Member of the Executive Committee of the Limpo- po Provincial Government (MEC) to oversee the Department of Cooperative Governance, Human Settlement and Traditional Affairs (COGHSTA)

After May 2014 elections he was sworn in as a Member of the Limpopo Legislature and further appointed as the Member of the Executive Committee responsible for the De- partment of Health. He is now the MEC for Limpopo Department of Education. 3

ANALYSIS OF 2014 MATRIC RESULTS ROAD- SHOW WAS A SUCCESS BY MASHOENE MAKHUPE

The Limpopo Department of Education conducted a roadshow for 2014 matric results analysis and intervention strategies for 2015. The roadshow took place in all the districts and was run from 29thApril – 15thMay 2015.

The purpose of the roadshow was to inform districts’ managers, circuits’ managers, Principals, SGB members and grade 12 educators about the quality and quantity of the results with the aim to im- prove in next examinations. “Schools that decline in performance have an effect on overall perfor- mance of the province. All the provinces, districts, circuits and schools are being compared to each other, and this analysis gives the teachers the motivation to work harder and to perform better” Said Ms Khathutshelo Dedern, Senior General Manager of the Curriculum.

Limpopo is on position seven (7) in 2014 matric results compared to the rest of the provinces. The district that did well in all subjects is Vhembe which was on position one (01) for the past 3 years in the province.

There are also a number of things that make schools to underperform according to the teachers. These include the absenteeism, lack of resources, insufficient number of teachers and this is also affected more whenever a new curriculum is introduced.

There are also intervention strategies that are put down to help the underperforming schools. The department will provide winter classes, self-study materials, intervention guides, previous years question papers, study guides and radio lesson broadcast for selected subjects. The department will also monitor the standard and quality of class tests set by teachers in key subjects.

“The target for 2015 matric results is 80%, let’s all get down and work hard to help our kids at schools to achieve better results” said acting MEC for education, Mr Jerry Ndou.

COMMITMENT: A teacher in Vhembe assured the department of good grade 12 results if the department provides necessary support

4 MATHABATHA AND CABINET MET THE COMMUNITY OF XITLAKATI BY HARLEY NGOBENI

The Premier, Mr Chupu Stanley Mathabatha and his cabinet met the community of Xitlakati in the Giyani Municipality during the Executive Council (EXCO) Imbizo out- reach programme on the 8th May 2015.

The Imbizo programme is part of government’s commitment to give feedback to our com- munities. This feedback session Imbizo forms part of government’s operation to strength- en intergovernmental relations and seeks to promote interaction between the provincial government leadership and the people for the betterment of their lives.

During Imbizo outreach programme at Xithlakati the Premier and his EXCO launched the Expanded Public Works Programme (EPWP) Phase 3, this programme is one of the government’s strategic initiatives aimed at addressing the challenges of poverty, unem- ployment and skills development in the province through the use of regular budgets for procurement of government goods and services.

Members of the community were awarded an opportunity to communicate directly with the Premier and his entourage.

“Please note that all schools that have reported furniture shortages have been captured in our database for provision of school furniture. They will be provided with furniture as soon as the Furniture Contract is in place”.

ATTACHED HEREWITH ARE SOME OF THE INFRASTRUCTURE CHALLENGES RAISED BY MEMBERS OF THE COMMUNITY

Name of School Emis Number Identified Infra- Departmental Intervention Plan structure Challeng-

Xitlakati Primary 916420758 School has an enrol- 2015/16: Refurbishment of the existing ment of 460 learners 12 waterborne toilets and upgrading of and 12 educators. the plumbing system. Drilling and There are only 8 mud equipment of borehole. brick built classrooms, No Admin block and 2016/17: : Planning Processes dilapidated Waterborne (involving appointment of Implementing toilets. Water supply is agent, Professional Service Providers, erratic. Feasibility studies including geotech- nical survey)

2017/18: Construction of 12 class- rooms, Nutrition Centre and Small admin block.

Zava Secondary 917420789 A block of Specialised IDT has been appointed as Implement- rooms (laboratory, ing Agent. PSP already appointed and Library and Computer feasibility studies completed. Centre) damaged by storm. All classrooms in 2015/16: Replacement of the roof and bad condition. Mobile floors of 1 x 3 Specialised rooms dam- classrooms worn out. aged by storm and 5 x 4 classroom School surroundings not blocks and general renovation of same. well maintained with 2016/17: Construction of Medium long grass and shrubs. Admin block and Nutrition Centre 80 learners without desks Mvula Trust appointed to complete the incomplete fence at the school in 2015/16.

Shihlomule Secondary 916420697 The school has an 2015/16: The school will be provided enrolment of 361 learn- with a Diamond Wiremesh Fence ers and 10 educators. around the Perimeter of the school. The The existing infrastruc- school is in our list of schools with ture is aging, More than inadequate furniture and will be provid- 100 learners are without ed with furniture as soon as the furni- furniture. The school is ture contract is in place. without fence and Admin block. 2016/2017: Planning Processes (involving appointment of Implementing agent, Professional Service Providers, Feasibility studies including geotech- 5 nical survey) to determine scope of Work

2017/18: Implementation of determined Scope of Work POOR COMMUNICATION AS ROOT OF XENOPHOBIC ATTACKS IN SOUTH AFRICA DIALOGUE ON XENOPHOBIA BY DR NALEDZANI RASILA

Presented at TUT Polokwane on the 16th May 2015

Time: 12h00

South Africa attained its freedom in 1994. This is after300 years of being colo- nized. During this period borders of the country were ones made tough to cross with both soldiers and highly electrified fences.

It is in this period that black SA were taught to hate those in other parts of the conti- nent. Rulers in SA did not want oppressed people to recruits skills and support from outside as they labelled them their enemy and the Terrorists. Blacks in SA were taught to hate those outside SA border. Some leaders of the struggling parties such as ANC, PAC, and AZAPO etc. managed to skip true and cruel death and fight and mobilize against ruling apartheid from outside SA borders where they were taken care and assisted in foreign land for years. They did not have clue or sure of returning back and attaining freedom. Before 1994 and finally in 1994 they flocked home and begin a new constitutional democracy. This renders the border rules becoming human enough following the diplomatic relations with the countries at the north.

From 1994 till today, emphasis of South Africa communication was on Rights people are entitled to begin enjoying, better life for all and unbalancing the imbalances of the past by introducing poverty alleviation strategies including the introduction of the RDP which then turn to mean government is entitled to provide for all the citizens at all the times which i call The birth of dependency syn- drome.

However, on the other hand SA cannot provide free services to ALL citizens at ones. Neither can the country create employment for all at ones. Communities became frustrated, desperate and with no plans to deal with their socio economic challenges. With the desperation some residents conclude that they are in the situation because there are more foreigners in their shores. They were made to think people from foreign nationals are those from their immediate borders. That there are people from Europe, India, china etc. is less known.

To add, the government of South Africa never made it its duty to communicate important roles played by their struggle heroes and the relationship they had with those in other African countries. The government also does not have a plan to make it compulsory for growing generation to under- stand roles played by their own people such as Nelson Mandela, Oliver Tambo and outline where they lived and with whom in exile. That is why today it is easy for a SA citizen to hate and even attack fellow African citizen. For they do not know them as people who rescued this country when days were dark.

It is therefore recommended that: 1. Life and places lived by struggle heroes made compulsory for study in schools 2. Memorial lec- tures on heroes should not belong only to political parties but also the government. 3. An integration strategy for locals and foreign nationals be developed and implemented. 4. Influx control and document all foreign nationals so as to keep a balance to have good economic activity control. 5. Avoid hate speeches particularly by community leaders such as kings and other who have influ- ence and who are likely to be interpreted with ambiguity. 6. Government to have clear rules and steps to follow against those who promote or incite xeno- phobia and Afro-phobia. 7. Government, business and other stakeholders jointly work towards addressing the country’s socio-economic situation. 8. Perceived government official corruption toward encouraging corrupt activities with foreign nationalists to be stopped. 6 As authors Chamber, Lu, Rasila and Mudau indicated in their published papers, South Africa need Community-based-planning and effective communication.

AFRICA DAY CELEBRATIONS AT LIMPOPO DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION, 25 MAY 2015

PHOTOS BY MOSEBJANE KGAFFE AND THEMBINKOSI SHEZI

LIMPOPO’S DIVERSITY: Employees of the Limpopo Department of Education joined Africa in celebrating Africa Day on the 25th

BEAUTIFUL MOTHER LAND DAY: 25 May 2015 at Limpopo Education Department

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I CAN SEE CAPE AND CAIRO AT ONCE, AFRICA MY MOTHER LAND: Mme Elizabirth Mothapo of Employee Wellness Unit celebrating Africa Day DEMCRACY BROUGHT UNITY NOT KILLINGS BY LEPHALE SESHOKA

South Africa’s transition to democracy was one of the world’s most iconic testimonies of tolerance and peaceful co-existence. Under the stewardship of President Nelson Mandela

the country had an unwavering dedication to democracy, selflessness, reconciliation, Thuto is published by the Limpopo service to humanity and a better life for all. Department of Education The recent attacks on foreign nationals are a threat to our historical achievements as a Reporters : Harley Ngobeni nation. Moreover, the attacks go against the democratic values enshrined in the Consti- Lephale Seshoka tution. Mashoene Makhupe Attacks on foreign nationals since the start of the year were reported in Soweto, Benoni,

Editor : Mr Lephale Seshoka Attridgeville, Khayelitsha, Inanda and KwaDukuza. The situation has been recently worsened following the attacks on foreign nationals in KwaZulu-Natal. Designer : Ms Athalia Mabotja These attacks have led to the displacement of thousands of foreign nationals and a public

Photographer : Thembinkosi Shezi outcry that foreign run businesses are not being allowed to operate in certain areas. Harley Ngobeni Government condemns the violence in the strongest possible terms. The attacks violate Mosebjane Kgaffe all the values that South Africa embodies, especially the respect for human life, human

Publisher : Dr Naledzani Rasila rights, human dignity and Ubuntu. These attacks are unacceptable and should not be tolerated by any of us.

A high level government team has been mandated by President Jacob Zuma to speedily For all the stories contact: Harley Ngobeni : 015 2907904 deal with the situation and address the underlying causes. In the immediate term, the police have been directed to work round the clock to protect both foreign nationals and citizens and to arrest looters, and those committing acts of violence.

Opinions/views expressed in this President Jacob Zuma has tasked the Justice Crime Prevention and Security Cluster publication are not necessarily Ministers together with Ministers of Small Business Development, Trade and Industry those Of the Department of Edu- and Social Development to engage all the relevant parties to seek a solution. The minis- cation ters have also been tasked to deal with the underlying socio-economic conditions which seems to be at the heart of these attacks, so that this matter can be dealt with decisively and comprehensively.

Limpopo likes to congratulate the community of Musina who despite come from differ- Contact Details ent countries were never engaged in zenophobic activities. Musina community is united and this is what South Africa expects. Postal address : private Bag X9489 Polokwane 0700 Physical Address : 113 Biccard Street, Polokwane Tel : 015 290 9326 Website : www.edu.limpopo.gov.za