New education bill to empower the province welcomed

By Khanyisa Tabata
24 February 2010

Western Cape Education Minister Donald Grant today welcomed cabinet’s decision to approve the Departments request to publish the draft Western Cape Provincial School Education Amendment Bill for public comment.

Grant’s spokesperson Bronagh Casey says the following were granted by the cabinet to allow a greater focus on the provision of a quality basic Education to the learners of the Western Cape:

Bring the Western Cape Provincial School Education Act, 1997, in line with the current education landscape,
Expand the power of the Provincial Minister responsible for Education to determine provincial education policy and the power to the Head of the Western Cape Education Department to make certain rules.
Authorize the Provincial Minister to prescribe certain norms and standards regarding basic infrastructure and capacity in public schools, amongst others.


Casey says the province is leading the way for the rest of the country in implementing innovative and practical steps to improve education outcomes.

She says the bill is a critical element of this process.

“It is ultimately aimed at ensuring that the rights of learners are made of paramount importance and creating greater levels of accountability in the system for educators and officials.”

“The act Grant said that he was confident that the public consultation process will see a rigorous debate on aspects of this bill and looked forward to engaging in a debate with all affected parties on the important issues contained in the amendment bill.

“Once finalized, this process will lead to an exciting new chapter in the provision of education in this province, Casey said”