REPORT BY THE EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR

In last year’s Annual Report I reflected on the results of the National Assessment tests which were conducted in February 2010. Broadly, the results showed that learners were not adequately equipped in either literacy or numeracy, relative to their grades. This highlighted shortcomings in how subjects were being taught, but also showed that the low level of literacy and numeracy at primary level was impacting secondary education and was a contributing factor in the poor results being achieved at the Matric exam level.

It is, however, encouraging that the Department of Education has embarked on ‘Action Plan to 2014 – Towards the Realisation of Schooling 2025.’ Within this action plan there is provision for an Annual National Assessment (ANA) which will test Grades 1 to 6 and Grade 9 on first and second language and mathematics at the end of each academic year. These annual results will be compared, using the 2010 National Assessment test results as a benchmark for measuring progress. For the first time it will be possible to track improvement or failure on an annual basis. The results of the testing conducted at the end of 2011 will be welcomed.

The 27 goals in the Action Plan 2014 have clear expected outcomes. Goals 1 to 13 deal with outputs that the Department want to achieve in relation to learning and enrolments and Goals 14 to 27 detail the ways in which the first 13 goals will be achieved.

While some of the expected outcomes are ambitious with regard to pass percentage increases, it is in keeping with the sentiments expressed by the Chairperson in his message, that we should not accept mediocrity for our learners but rather seek excellence in education. A positive focus is the recognition of Early Childhood Development and the important role this plays in the foundation phase of education. We look forward to the annual assessments to determine how this Action Plan is progressing and what impact it is having on education standards.

I would like to take this opportunity to bid farewell to some of the Board members who have been with the HSRP from its inception and who left us at the end of 2011. I want to thank Mr Nathan Johnstone, Ms Dinao Lerutla, Ms Maud Motanyane, Bishop Malusi Mpumlwana and Advocate Vuyani Ngalwana for the immense contribution each of them made. In addition, Mrs Regina Essack has asked for a two year leave of absence as she is completing her PhD – we wish her well in her studies.

A new and dynamic group of board members has been identified to take over the reins and guide the HSRP in the implementation of broad strategies. The appointments will take place at the 2012 AGM but I would like to extend my gratitude to the following nominees for making themselves available: Ms Tessa Fairbairn, Advocate Ncumisa Mayosi, Mr Mavuso Msimang and Ms Sbusisiwe Myeni. The passion to make a difference in the lives of our children has come through in my discussions with each of the nominees and I look forward to working closely with each of them in the years ahead. Thank you!

Benjamin Disraeli famously said of Britain: “Upon the education of the people of this country, the fate of this country depends”. This quote has application in all countries, but in South Africa as we strive to build a nation, the education of our children takes on paramount importance. Our very future depends on how we educate our children today. It is my hope that each of us will be a part of this exciting journey.

Njongo Ndungane
Executive Director