The following 2 questions answered - got full marks for each.
BUT 10 Marks taken off for no references.
Question 1
1. In a paragraph of approximately half a page discuss the following topic with regard to the provision of education and training in South Africa:
1.1 Organisation of education an...
1. In a paragraph of approximately half a page discuss the following topic with regard to the
provision of education and training in South Africa:
1.1 Organisation of education and training with reference to the coordination between National and
Provincial Education Departments. (10)
ANSWER - Question 1:
A National structure has been put in place for the effective provision of education in South Africa. Two
‘bodies’ have been formed to specifically facilitate smooth coordination between national and
provincial education systems and departments. The first ‘body’ is made up of the Director-General,
who heads up the National Department of Education, the Deputy Director-General and the 9 Provincial
Heads of Departments. They jointly form a committee called HEDCOM (Heads of Education
Departments Committee). HEDCOM is guided and directed by the National Education Policy Act. The
purpose of HEDCOM is to ensure that they facilitate the development of the national education
system. The second body is CEM (Council of Education Ministers) – CEM is made up of South Africa’s
national Minister of Education, his/her Deputy Minister of Education and the 9 members of the
Executive Council (MEC’s) of Education.
Whereas HEDCOM focuses on communication between national and provincial education
departments, CEM focuses on the promotion of national education policy and the education interests
of provinces. CEM is responsible for sharing relevant information and coordinating action on matters
of mutual interest.
Both HEDCOM and CEM are obliged to ensure that their objectives are aligned to those stipulated in
the National Education Policy Act, which serves to uphold the educational and training rights of all
South Africans.
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, Question 2
The provision of education in modern communities is extremely complex in nature. Justify this
statement with substantial reasons. (10)
ANSWER - Question 2:
There are numerous factors that need to be considered when planning to provide effective education
to all communities in South Africa today. When one firstly considers the vast geographical expanse of
our country and the fact that we do not have adequate infrastructure in place to accommodate
learners from all communities, nor does South Africa have the transport infrastructure to provide
inexpensive, reliable transport to all communities, then we start to realise the huge task this country
has to achieve the provision of effective and ideal education. Then throw into the mix the diverse
cultures, races, ethnic groups, languages and religions in South Africa, and one starts to get a sense of
how difficult and complex an undertaking it is, to provide quality education for all. In addition to the
challenges of diversity and lack of infrastructure, one must consider the differing needs and abilities
of individual learners. Whether gifted or learning-challenged, able-bodied or disabled, able to
communicate well or socially awkward, all learners’ needs and abilities must be considered and
catered for. On top of that individuals have differing abilities and they aspire to different things. All
these aspects need to be considered if we wish to educate our children and youth well and in turn
build a nation of skilled workers and professionals.
With technology rapidly changing and evolving, we must ensure that learners are kept abreast of
technological advancement. We should also consider the impact this has on the way in which learners
absorb information and prefer to learn. If as a country we want our businesses and industry to be
ahead of competitors, it is vital that we equip our learners with relevant and effective education, so
that they are able to work independently, kept up to date with technological developments and that
they develop into good communicators, critical thinkers and team players.
To make matters in South Africa even more of a challenge, we have the inequalities of the previous
political system that we need to contend with. The educational system of the past favoured Whites
and purposefully aimed at discouraging education and/or providing poor education to people of
colour. The damage that was done to countless communities and generations of people, has to be
rectified. Although we have had 23 years to work at improving this, it is evident that there is still much
more reparation and healing that needs to take place. Add to this the problems related to HIV/Aids
and uncertainty around a relevant curriculum, we have our work cut out for us.
In closing, although we must remain cognisant of the challenges we face and all that still needs to be
done to improve and maintain high standards of education for all in South Africa, it is in my opinion
crucial that we recognize that much has already been done to improve South Africa’s educational
system. We have solid policies in place, which give educators clear direction and focus – we need to
all align our intentions and work cohesively towards providing ‘current’ and highly effective education
for all learners of this beautiful country of ours.
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