Latest news with #Gwarube
IOL News
3 days ago
- Politics
- IOL News
Gwarube reveals plans to tackle Eastern Cape infrastructure crisis
Basic Education Minister Siviwe Gwarube says her department was taking measures to address weaknesses identified that caused infrastructure crisis in the Eastern Cape. Image: Supplied BASIC Education Minister Siviwe Gwarube says the mismanagement was not the only factor responsible for the overall infrastructure crisis in Eastern Cape schools. She cited persistent backlogs inherited from the pre-1994 era, ongoing budget constraints and competing service delivery priorities, contractor underperformance and project implementation delays, adverse weather conditions affecting construction timelines, and disruptions by local business forums and community protests at school sites. She disclosed this when responding to MK Party MP Nompumelelo Gasa, who noted with concern that the Cape's schools remained the worst in the country regarding billions of rand allocated to schools. Gasa asked Gwarube whether, in an effort to uncover whether corruption or incompetence was to blame, her department will commission an independent forensic audit of all infrastructure grants and Equitable Share spending there. Gwarube dismissed calls for an independent forensic audit, saying her department was taking measures to address weaknesses that caused an infrastructure crisis in the province. 'There are currently no plans by the Department of Basic Education (DBE) to commission an independent forensic audit of the Education Infrastructure Grant (EIG) or Equitable Share spending in the Eastern Cape for the period since 1 January 2019. 'However, the DBE maintains infrastructure planning and performance information through the Infrastructure Reporting Model and the Education Facilities Management System (EFMS),' she said. Gwarube said the systems contained annual allocations and expenditure performance per infrastructure funding stream, a record of contractors awarded infrastructure projects, and estimated and actual completion rates, including, where applicable, reasons for delays and underperformance. 'This information is available to relevant oversight bodies upon request and is used routinely by the DBE to monitor progress and flag systemic issues.' She said her department was rolling out a sector-wide 10-point infrastructure strategy designed to accelerate infrastructure delivery and strengthen accountability. "As part of efforts to improve service delivery and financial management at a provincial level, the Minister of Basic Education recently requested all MECs and heads of provincial Education Departments to submit urgent written feedback on service delivery failures and personnel irregularities across provinces.' She also said she has launched a coordinated response to restore financial discipline and protect core education services. The national department wants all provinces to submit credible financial recovery plans ahead of the Council of Education Ministers meeting scheduled for July 21.
IOL News
5 days ago
- Politics
- IOL News
Minister Gwarube dismisses calls for audit on Eastern Cape education spending
Basic Education Minister Siviwe Gwarube says her department was taking measures to address weaknesses identified that caused infrastructure crisis in the Eastern Cape. Image: Supplied Basic Education Minister Siviwe Gwarube has dismissed calls for an independent forensic audit into the Eastern Cape Education Department's expenditure of infrastructure funds. Instead, Gwarube said her department was taking measures to address weaknesses identified that caused infrastructure crisis in the province. 'There are currently no plans by the Department of Basic Education (DBE) to commission an independent forensic audit of the Education Infrastructure Grant (EIG) or Equitable Share spending in the Eastern Cape for the period since 1 January 2019. 'However, the DBE maintains infrastructure planning and performance information through the Infrastructure Reporting Model and the Education Facilities Management System (EFMS),' she said. Video Player is loading. 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Advertisement Next Stay Close ✕ Ad Loading Gwarube said the systems contained annual allocations and expenditure performance per infrastructure funding stream, a record of contractors awarded infrastructure projects, and estimated and actual completion rates, including, where applicable, reasons for delays and underperformance. 'This information is available to relevant oversight bodies upon request and is used routinely by the DBE to monitor progress and flag systemic issues.' Gwarube was responding to MK Party MP Nompumelelo Gasa, who noted with concern that the Cape's schools remained the worst in the country regarding billions of rand allocated to schools. Gasa asked the minister whether, in an effort to uncover whether corruption or incompetence was to blame, her department will commission an independent forensic audit of all infrastructure grants and Equitable Share spending there. She said the forensic audit should determine the total amount that was budgeted against the actual amount spent on infrastructure delivery and uncover the names of the contractors that were awarded the projects and consequences for their failures. Gasa also enquired whether Gwarube found that the crisis of school infrastructure in the Eastern Cape was fuelled by mismanagement. According to Gwarube, her department acknowledged that several factors contributed to the infrastructure challenges experienced in the Eastern Cape. She cited persistent backlogs inherited from the pre-1994 era, ongoing budget constraints and competing service delivery priorities, contractor underperformance and project implementation delays, adverse weather conditions affecting construction timelines, and disruptions by local business forums and community protests at school sites. 'While these factors have negatively affected delivery in some areas, the DBE does not attribute the overall infrastructure crisis in the Eastern Cape solely to mismanagement. 'Nonetheless, systemic weaknesses have been identified and the DBE is taking steps to address these with the Eastern Cape Department of Education.' She said her department was rolling out a sector-wide 10-point infrastructure strategy designed to accelerate infrastructure delivery and strengthen accountability. "As part of efforts to improve service delivery and financial management at a provincial level, the Minister of Basic Education recently requested all MECs and heads of provincial Education Departments to submit urgent written feedback on service delivery failures and personnel irregularities across provinces.' She also said she has launched a coordinated response to restore financial discipline and protect core education services. The national department wants all provinces to submit credible financial recovery plans ahead of the Council of Education Ministers meeting scheduled for July 21. 'These plans are to be assessed for alignment with national priorities and fiscal sustainability. The Minister has also requested the DBE's director-general to liaise with National Treasury and affected provinces to design appropriate support mechanisms.' Gwarube said the DBE remained committed to providing technical oversight, supporting institutional capacity development and ensuring that public funds were utilised effectively to realise the educational rights of all learners across all provinces, including the Eastern Cape.
IOL News
25-06-2025
- IOL News
New Safe Schools Protocol aims to combat violence in classrooms
During a media briefing Basic Education Minister , Siviwe Gwarube, and Police Minister Senzo Mcunu said rude and violent learners will no longer be tolerated in classrooms. Image: Genevieve Serra/Independent Newspapers Going back to basics to where rude or violent learners inside the classroom will not be tolerated, and protecting teachers and vetting them against the sexual predators list. There are the strategies put forward, following the joint launch of the Collaborative Implementation Protocol on School Safety by the Minister of Basic Education, Siviwe Gwarube, together with Minister of Police Police, Senzo Mchunu, on Tuesday. The Safe Schools Protocol aims to tackle the alarming rates of violence, crime, and insecurity prevalent in schools. SAPS data for the 2023/24 financial year highlighted 28 murders within basic education institutions, with nearly half occurring in KwaZulu-Natal and 46% involving learner-on-learner violence. Additionally, two-thirds of reported rapes in schools involved learner-on-learner violence, while over 11 000 burglaries were recorded. The protocol is set to emphasise shared responsibility, integrating stakeholders such as civil society organisations, parents, school governing bodies, and learners into the safety ecosystem. Mchunu said they identified 283 schools nationally that were located in hotspots and that visible policing would be beefed-up in those communities. He said SAPS would also build a relationship with the school body. Gwarube outlined five key commitments to the safer schools strategy, which aimed at strengthening safety for both learners and teachers. She said each school would be connected with its local police station and be supported by a School Safety Committee which will be comprised of the principal, School Governing Body and a police officer. A crime prevention programme is expected to be rolled-out to focus on gender based violence and to cyber bullying, among others. Police will also be deployed at hotspot schools, while the process of vetting will be improved and the National Sexual Offenders Registry made available. Gwarube said principals would be educated on what to do next when there was an incident of violence or whether a teacher was found to be on the wrong side of the law. The media raised the question that teachers were becoming victims of learners and they were even being extorted.
The Citizen
24-06-2025
- The Citizen
Safe schools or war zones? Ministers unveil plan to end violence
According to the two ministers, the protocol formalises direct links between schools and their nearest police stations. The Minister of Basic Education, Siviwe Gwarube together with the Minister of Police, Senzo Mchunu launching the Safe Schools Protocol. Picture: X/@DBE_SA The Department of Basic Education (DBE) and South African Police Service (Saps) launched the revised Safe Schools Protocol on Tuesday, signalling a renewed and urgent effort to curb rampant crime and violence in schools. Education Minister Siviwe Gwarube and Police Minister Senzo Mchunu jointly unveiled the Collaborative Implementation Protocol in Cape Town, pledging to create safer, child-friendly learning environments amid shocking statistics of violence. 'The 2023-24 financial year saw 28 murders in basic education institutions, nearly half in KwaZulu-Natal, with 46% involving pupil-on-pupil violence. Two-thirds of reported rapes also involved pupils as both perpetrator and victim,' explained Gwarube. Mchunu called the protocol a 'shared commitment' and said it was more than just a document. 'For education to thrive, safety must be a given, not a privilege. 'Bullying, drug use, and sexual abuse have become prevalent and are breeding grounds for further criminality,' Mchunu said. Key measures in the protocol According to the two ministers, the protocol formalises direct links between schools and their nearest police stations. Each school is expected to form a functional safety committee that involves representatives from the police, teachers, and the governing body. 'We're introducing school-based crime prevention programmes, visible policing in hotspot areas, and regular safety audits. 'We'll also tighten compliance with laws regulating liquor outlets near schools and improve the vetting of staff,' said Gwarube. ALSO READ: WATCH: Video of pupil allegedly assaulted by KZN police during protest under investigation Five commitments to safer schools Gwarube outlined five key commitments at the heart of the revised protocol: Formal school-police links: Every school will be connected to a local police station, supported by a School Safety Committee comprising the principal, a staff safety officer, an SGB member, and a designated Saps officer. Crime prevention programmes: Schools will roll out in-house education campaigns targeting gender-based violence, bullying, gangsterism, alcohol and drug abuse, and weapons possession. Visible policing: Officers will be deployed around high-risk schools during busy periods like morning arrivals and afternoon dismissals. Victim-friendly spaces: The protocol mandates the creation of victim-friendly rooms and community response forums to better support vulnerable pupils. Staff vetting: All teaching and non-teaching staff will be vetted against the National Register for Sexual Offenders and the Child Protection Register. ALSO READ: SA pupils grab first place at Pan African Mathematics Olympiad Shared responsibility and urgency Both ministers emphasised the need for community involvement. 'Schools cannot do this alone. The police cannot do this alone. Safety is a community effort. We need buy-in from parents, pupils, SGBs, and civil society,' Gwarube stated. Mchunu said the Saps will continue to intensify visibility and integrate its existing Integrated Crime and Violence Prevention Strategy (ICVPS) into school policing efforts: 'Policing is not a one-department responsibility. Parents must be active participants in the fight against crime, starting in their homes. 'We're building capacity at police stations and engaging directly with pupils, especially around gangsterism, bullying and substance abuse,' said Mchunu. ALSO READ: School closes Friday for three-week break: Educational activities to keep kids busy 'Agents of change' In closing, both ministers acknowledged that violence in schools reflects broader societal breakdowns: poverty, inequality, and unemployment. Gwarube called on pupils, teachers and police officers to become agents of change. 'We know the burden [teachers] carry, being extorted in Nelson Mandela Bay, crossing gang-ridden streets in Mannenburg and Gugulethu. We stand with you.' 'Our children will look to you (police officers) not only for protection, but for inspiration. Go out there and protect our schools,' she concluded. NOW READ: Here's how many Gauteng schools damaged by fire have been repaired
IOL News
18-06-2025
- Politics
- IOL News
Teacher unions divided on Bela Act guidelines
New guidelines for the implementation of the 2024 amendments to the South African Schools Act have sparked a fierce debate among education stakeholders. Image: Independent Newspapers Archives The Department of Basic Education's newly released Guidelines for the Implementation of the 2024 Amendments to the South African Schools Act have sparked a sharp divide among education stakeholders. Issued to MECs for Education and provincial heads of departments, the guidelines aim to clarify the interpretation and rollout of the Basic Education Laws Amendment Act (BELA), focusing on contentious areas such as language policy, admissions, and the role of school governing bodies (SGB). Civil society organisation Free SA has welcomed the guidelines, calling them a victory for constitutional governance, while the South African Democratic Teachers' Union (SADTU) has outright rejected the guidelines, calling them unlawful and politically motivated. Free SA, a constitutional rights advocacy group, applauded Minister Siviwe Gwarube, a member of the DA, and her team for incorporating core democratic principles into the guidelines. 'Free SA commends minister Gwarube for her leadership and responsiveness,' said spokesperson Reuben Coetzer. 'By anchoring these guidelines in the Constitution and administrative justice, she has taken a vital step in protecting the democratic ethos of South African schooling.' The organisation said many of the recommendations it submitted in a January 2024 memorandum have been adopted. These include the use of clear and objective standards for the assessment of admission and language policies, time-bound appeal procedures, and protections for SGBs from arbitrary interference. Video Player is loading. Play Video Play Unmute Current Time 0:00 / Duration -:- Loaded : 0% Stream Type LIVE Seek to live, currently behind live LIVE Remaining Time - 0:00 This is a modal window. Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window. Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Window Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Dropshadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps Reset restore all settings to the default values Done Close Modal Dialog End of dialog window. Advertisement Video Player is loading. Play Video Play Unmute Current Time 0:00 / Duration -:- Loaded : 0% Stream Type LIVE Seek to live, currently behind live LIVE Remaining Time - 0:00 This is a modal window. Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window. Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Window Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Dropshadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps Reset restore all settings to the default values Done Close Modal Dialog End of dialog window. Next Stay Close ✕ 'SGBs cannot be dissolved or stripped of functions without a documented failure, due process, and an opportunity for rectification,' said Coetzer. However, SADTU issued a scathing media statement, accusing the Minister of acting outside the limits of her legal authority. 'The minister seems confused about her legal authority in terms of the Constitution,' the union said. 'She cannot exercise a power she does not have in law.' SADTU general secretary Dr Mugwena Maluleke said the union had written to the minister several times through its lawyers, warning that BELA does not authorise her to issue guidelines with legal effect. 'The law is clear that the Minister is only allowed to make regulations, not guidelines, in terms of the BELA Act,' the union stated. It went further, alleging that the release of the guidelines is part of the DA's political strategy to hinder full implementation of BELA, particularly sections dealing with language and admissions. 'We therefore demand that the Minister retract these guidelines and stop delaying tactics. We want the process to be lawful and be speeded up,' said Maluleke, urging schools, MECs, and SGB members to ignore the guidelines. In contrast, the National Professional Teachers' Organisation of South Africa (Naptosa) took a more constructive tone. Naptosa provincial CEO Thirona Moodley said the guidelines are 'fair to all stakeholders and do not impose unnecessarily on the jurisdiction of any stakeholder.' She added that Naptosa has representatives on all BELA regulation drafting committees and is confident that the final regulations will be practical and clear. 'Our reps are able to identify with the needs of the schools, thereby making valuable input from that perspective,' she said. Moodley encouraged public participation once the draft regulations are released. While the department has clarified that these are interim, non-binding guidelines, Free SA said they set an encouraging precedent for how BELA can be implemented without undermining constitutional values. The group said it would remain vigilant in monitoring the next phase of regulation development. Meanwhile responding to questions in the Basic Education Portfolio Committee yesterday, Minister Gwarube said that regulations regarding the Act would be published by the end of this month. "We made a commitment last year that by the end of June, the regulations would be out and published for the public. We are not at the end of June.' Gwarube also said the drafting of the regulations was an intricate process. 'It is not done by the minister. It is done by the legal team within the department in conjunction with the Office of the Chief State Law Advisor. That is the legal process we must allow to take its course. The regulations don't delay the implementation of the Act. "The Act is in force and implementable. The regulations seek to give clarity on certain parts of the Act and how they should be implemented.' THE MERCURY
