The Portfolio Committee on Basic Education warns that budget cuts could jeopardize the quality of education in South Africa, particularly as the Bela Act makes Grade R compulsory. The committee urges provinces to retain teachers and highlights the urgent need to address the rising rate of teenage pregnancy.
The Portfolio Committee on Basic Education has expressed grave concerns about the potential impact of budget cuts on the quality of education in South Africa. The committee emphasized that the implementation of the Bela Act , which makes Grade R compulsory, will necessitate an increase in the number of teachers. However, looming budget reductions threaten to undermine this effort by preventing provinces from filling vacant teaching positions.
Joy Maimela, the chairperson of the committee, urged provincial departments to retain their current number of teaching posts to ensure equitable access to education for all learners. She stressed that losing teachers would significantly compromise education outcomes, particularly in the face of new educational demands. Maimela highlighted the committee's commitment to engaging with provincial departments to safeguard teachers' jobs, recognizing their critical role in delivering quality education.Beyond budget concerns, the committee also addressed the alarming issue of teenage pregnancy in South Africa. Maimela stated that while progress has been made in increasing the number of girls staying in the education system, the rate of teenage pregnancy remains a serious concern. To tackle this challenge, a draft concept has been developed to gather public input on teenage pregnancy and statutory rape. The committee aims to solicit feedback from education districts and selected schools to improve the lives of learners who are most affected by these issues. Maimela emphasized that teenage pregnancy often leads to girls dropping out of school, underscoring the need for a comprehensive approach that includes education, healthcare access, and community involvement to protect the rights and futures of young girls
Social Issues EDUCATION BUDGET CUTS TEACHER SHORTAGE BELA ACT TEENAGE PREGNANCY
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