ATC100517: Report of the Portfolio Committee on Basic Education on Budget Vote 14: Basic Education, dated 20 April 2010

Basic Education

Report of the Portfolio Committee on Basic Education on Budget Vote 14: Basic Education, dated 20 April 2010.

 

The Portfolio Committee on Basic Education, having considered Budget Vote 14: Basic Education, reports as follows:

 

A.  INTRODUCTION

 

1.       The Portfolio Committee notes that as part of the process of restructuring government departments when the new administration took over in May 2009, the Department of Education was split into two new Departments i.e. (a) Basic Education and (b) Higher Education and Training. It should be noted that this year is the first year that the Department of Basic Education submits its own Budget to the Portfolio Committee as a separate entity.

 

2.       The budget briefings also served to acquaint the Portfolio Committee with the mandates and projects of each unit in the Department and the named statutory bodies.

 

3.       The budget review of the Ministry and Department of Basic Education was undertaken on 16 March 2010 and the budget review of the statutory bodies accountable to the Portfolio Committee was undertaken on 23 February 2010, 2 March 2010 and 9 March 2010.

 

B.  PARTICIPANTS IN THE BUDGET HEARINGS

 

1.        Those who appeared before the Portfolio Committee included a delegation from the Department of Basic Education - Mr E Surty – Deputy Minister: Basic Education, Mr B Soobrayan – Acting Director-General, Ms K Mohoebi – Acting Parliamentary Liaison Officer, Dr W Makgalancheche – Acting Chief Director, Mr P Njobe – Acting Deputy Director-General, Ms V Carelse – Deputy Director-General, Mr T Tredoux – Acting Chief Financial Officer, Ms N Molalekoa – Director, Mr P Mnisi – Director and Mr R Van Den Heever – Parliamentary Liaison Officer: Ministry.

 

The South African Council for Educators (SACE) was represented by Mr R Brijraj – Chief Executive Officer, Mr M Mapindani – Chief Financial Officer, Ms M Dipholo – Chief Operations Officer, Mr T Ndlovu – Strategy & Stakeholder Relations Manager, Mr J Breed – Board Member and Ms N Kedama – Personal Assistant to the Chief Operations Officer. The Council for Quality Assurance in General and Further Education and Training (Umalusi) was represented by Dr M Rakometsi – Chief Executive Officer, Mr J Thomas – Chief Finance Officer and Ms E Rabe – Chief Operations Officer. The Education Labour Relation Council (ELRC) was represented by Mr M Govender – General Secretary, Mr J Motshakga – Chief Financial Officer and Mr H Worst – Chief Knowledge Officer.

 

 

C.         Department of Basic Education (DoBE)

 

Address by Deputy Minister Surty

Mr Surty extended the apologies of the Minister who could not attend due to ministerial responsibilities beyond her control. Mr Surty explained the reasons for the many “acting” positions were due to the restructuring that was occurring. He also touched on the reconfiguration of the organogram and structure of the new Department. He mentioned that education formed part of the apex priorities - and that we recognised that there were serious challenges. These challenges needed to be identified and efforts made to solve them. The mandate of the Department remained action and implementation of policy – how to measure performance in terms of efficiency and accountability.

 

There was a need to strengthen ECD – with much attention on learner reading, numeracy and comprehension. The Department also had to study what informed the learning environment and the minimum requirements. Mr Surty spent some time on the issues around the workbooks and explained the reasons for delay in the roll-out of these workbooks. He also talked of the visits to schools to monitor and assess the different challenges faced by different schools – and providing the necessary support.

 

Budget Review Presentation

Mr Soobrayan gave the structure of the presentation which included a high level overview, strategic objectives and targets and the budget.

 

High Level Overview

Mr Soobrayan mentioned the aims and vision of the Department – and the 3-year strategic plan in response to Education being an apex priority. These outputs included:

·         Improved National Senior Certificate Examinations Performance.

·         High quality of teaching and learning through appropriate teacher development initiatives.

·         Improved Literacy and Numeracy at schools.

·         Early Childhood Development

 

The above would be achieved through outcomes-based planning, a focus on the entire sector and a new system of performance management based on performance agreements between the President and Minister – cascaded through the sector. There would also be concrete mechanisms for working with and through provinces and an active focus on implementation through support, M&E and accountability.

 

Strategic Objectives and Targets

Mr Soobrayan touched on the key objectives, activities and targets of the Department which included the following:

·         Improved Curriculum Implementation based on curriculum review recommendations,

·         Integrated strategy on learner assessment, releasing curriculum and assessment policy statements

·         New Integrated Plan for Teacher Development  including recommendations of Teacher Development Summit and QLTC

·         Distribution of Workbooks for Grades R to 9 learners and teacher manuals to improve learner achievement

·         Enhanced education management development capacity within the system to improve school functionality.

·         Enhanced pro-poor packages to eradicate previous inequalities in school funding, school infrastructure, learner well-being, Grade R, Inclusive education , learner retention, support by district offices, Adult basic education and monitoring, research and communication

·         Establishing a long-term sector action plan, “Schooling 2025”.

·         Better assessment & reporting on the state of basic education to all key stakeholders and the public to promote accountability - NEEDU will play a vital role.

·         Promoting e-Education strategy to effectively deploy technology toward improving the quality of learning and teaching in schools

 

2010 MTEF Budget

Mr Soobrayan explained the various activities and targets of the various Programmes in ENE. On the budget, the Committee received the necessary breakdowns in respect of the establishment of the Department of Basic Education and the Budget Distribution Framework: Education. Figures included the following:

 

 

2010 ENE ALLOCATIONS FROM TREASURY
	2010/11	2011/12	2012/13
	R'000	R'000	R'000
Baseline allocation	5 379 252	6 514 107	6 839 629
Additions to baseline:	800 750	1 052 546	1 278 010
National assessments: Grades 3, 6 and 9	10 000	8 000	10 000
New building project	30 000	32 000	34 000
Workbooks	750 000	930 000	1 000 000
Compensation of Employees adjustment	10 750	12 546	13 610
National School Nutrition Programme Conditional Grant	-	-	120 400
Dinaledi Schools	-	70 000	100 000
Less:	( 13 802)	( 16 841)	( 18 323)
Baseline Efficiency Savings	( 13 802)	( 16 841)	( 18 323)
2010 ENE ALLOCATIONS	6 166 200	7 549 812	8 099 316

 

 

 

 

SERVICE	2010/11 R’000	2011/12 R’000	2012/13 R’000
Compensation of Employees	199 910	210 729	221 940
Examiners and Moderators	13 830	14 660	15 393
Transfers to Public Entities	441 350	467 831	491 223
Other Transfers	12 348	13 081	13 730
Conditional Grants	3 931 371	5 048 080	5 447 384
Earmarked Funds	1 454 314	1 672 686	1 780 319
Departmental Operations	65 119	68 135	71 763
Projects	47 958	54 610	57 564
Total	6 166 200	7 549 812	8 099 316

 

 

            In conclusion Mr Soobrayan mentioned the following:

 

·         Anticipation of budget constraints but will seek to optimise quality of spending

·         The establishment of a dedicated Basic Education Department coupled with a new approach to delivery, marks a decisive shift away from “business as usual”

·         Confidence that Sector-wide outcomes-based planning; sector-wide performance management & accountability; strong focus on implementation monitoring & support; strong focus on working with & through provinces will help to deliver results

 

The Committee requested that the Department supplied the following:

 

·         Provide the necessary slides i.r.o provincial budget breakdowns (over the past two years)

·         A written response on the issue of when the post of Director-General would be finalised

·         On Legal Services – a report on cases being handled, cases outstanding/pending and nature of cases (even at provincial level)

·         A full report on International Obligations (are they Multi-Lateral/Bilateral)

·         A copy of the blue-print for school infrastructure

·         A full report on Teacher Development (including programmes of SACE, ELRC etc. + resources)

·         A report on the various sources of funding  in respect of HIV/Aids (both awareness and treatment) in the wider education sector

·         A breakdown of amount of Grade 12 learners who pass with university acceptance – who actually go to university

 

It was also agreed that a briefing be arranged for the Department to brief the Committee on the issues surrounding tenders and the tender process generally and specifically on the workbooks.

 

D.  South African Council for Educators (SACE)

 

Mr Brijraj, after introducing his team, opened with remarks on some of the issues raised during their last engagement with the Committee. These included the issues around teacher ethics, wasteful expenditure, profiling and strike action by teachers. Mr Brijraj then touched on the mandate of the Council which included the following:

·   Set registration criteria and register all educators;

·   Ensure professional development of all educators; and

·   Uphold the ethics of the profession.

·   SACE registration is compulsory for ALL educators

 

The strategic objectives of SACE were:

·   To set, maintain and update registration standards and procedures:

• Review existing standards in line with the current challenges and international standards

 

·   To register all outstanding educators:

• Registering 24600 educators, 3000 newly qualified; 21600 which includes foreigners; unregistered employed educators and student trainees (pre-registration)

 

·   To maintain and sustain the credibility of  the educator data system:

o        Improve communication with clients; updating data base;

o        Upgrading of types of certificates for registration

o        Issuing of registration card system

o        Improve office capacity.

 

Mr Brijraj took the Committee through the targets and goals for 2010/11 in respect of Professional Development and the Code of Ethics. On Administration, Mr Brijraj touched on the issues of Publicity and Outreach, Resources and Infrastructure. Figures in respect of the Budget were as follows:

 

2010/11 Budget:

 

INCOME

Registration fees                                       1716 000

Reprint of certificates                       120 000

Subscription fee                         75 015 540

Interest receivable                                  2600   000

Sundry income                               180 000

CPTD grant (non guar.)                               0

                                                          79 631 540

 

 

 

EXPENDITURE

 

Registration                                               900 000

Professional Dev.                                  15 500 000

Publicity & Comm                        3 100 000

Code of Ethics                             1 200 000

Building reserve                        28 382 540

Admin expenses                                   30 549 000

            TOTAL BUDGET                        79 631 540

 

 

Mr Brijraj concluded with some of the areas in respect of Work in Progress which included:

•          Piloting the CPTD system

•          Interacting with all nine provincial departments to tie partnership on: WTD day; handling of cases; piloting regional offices; CPTD implementation and PD programs

•          Preparation of bid for refurbishment of the building

•          Advocacy campaigns

•          Database improvement

 

It was resolved that SACE would supply the Committee with the following:

·         A copy of the application form and handbook on the existing Code of Ethics

·         A copy of the SACE research findings in respect of supply and demand – and the implications on the system as a whole

·         A copy of all documentation on teacher development

·         A written report on the issues surrounding the fees – specifically on union involvement – which unions were having problems and what were the issues.

·         A possible arrangement for a workshop with the Committee on CPTD

 

 

E. Council for Quality Assurance in General and Further Education and Training (Umalusi)

 

Dr Rakometsi gave a brief overview of the presentation which included Umalusi’s mandate, vision, mission, goals and key performance areas. The presentation focused on the 2001/10 Budget (current), 2010/11 Budget (Forecast) and 3-Year Budget Forecast. The important issue was the 7 key result areas which included:

 

•        Improving and maintaining the system for quality assuring assessment for certification

•        Establishing and implementing a system for evaluation and accreditation of providers

•        Establishing and maintaining a system to certify and quality assuring qualifications and curriculum

•        Research, diagnose and report on quality in general and further education and training supported by statistical analysis.

•        Developing and maintaining management support structures and governance

•        Ensuring that Information Technology systems are established, maintained and improved

•        Ensuring that finance, human resources and administrative support systems are maintained and improved

 

Mr Thomas took the Committee through the Budget with the following highlights:

 

2009/10 Budget (Current) – Income Budget vs. Actual

 

Accreditation Fees	2 000 000	1 706 192
Certification Fees	18 900 000	26 054 375
Department of Education Grant	16 494 000	16 494 000
Interest	2 000 000	1 472 287
Reserve Funds	10 449 713	0
Verification Fees	4 000 000	2 332 177
Other	0	480 084
R 53 843 713		R 48 539 115
As approved by the Minister of Education on 12 March 2009

 

 

2009/10 Budget (Current) – Expenditure Budget vs. Actual

 

Quality Assurance of Assessment	9 014 366	7 172 386
Evaluation &Accreditation	3 439 366	1 807 320
Qualifications, Curriculum & Certification	3 765 076	2 586 587
Statistical Information& Research	1 689 365	1 958 088
Management Support Structures	1 566 785	1553 815
Corporate Services: IT	4 386 804	1 902 037
Corporate Services: Finance	5 362 304	2 603 785
Corporate Services: HRM & D	24 619 647	21 039717
R 53 843 713		R 40 623 734

 

 

Mr Thomas then took the Committee through the 2010/11 Budget Forecast for the various programmes; showing the current budget and the forecast budget (with the percentage increase). He touched on the 3 Year Budget Forecast as follows:

 

2009/10	2010/11	2011/12	2012/13
R 53 843 713	R 69 481 474	R 80 656 970	R 92 723 528
Y/Y Percentage Increase
23%	29%	16%	15%

 

Umalusi currently faces the following challenges:

 

-          The financial sustainability of the organisation through increased funding from DoBE / NT:   

·         Possible new funding model,

·         Move from certificate fee structure to a QA levy, and

·         Increase baseline allocation  of the grant

 

It was resolved that Umalusi would supply the Committee with the following:

·         A written report on the budget analysis (what was asked for/what was received/shortfall etc)

·         A full Human resources Report – number of staff, staffing levels, salary figures (expenditure year-on-year on staffing)

 

 

F. Education Labour Relations Council (ELRC)

           

The core business of ELRC was primarily dispute resolution services and collective bargaining (this was extended to the FETC sector in 2008). Mr Govender also gave the Committee a breakdown of the support services rendered which included:

·         Management, intervention and facilitation services

·         Compliance and investigation services

·         Governance support services

·         Mobilising employees services

·         Research and development

·         Media and communication

·         Finance and accounting services

·         Facilities management services

 

Mr Govender mentioned that the activities were organised in five programmes:

·         Dispute resolution services

·         Collective bargaining

·         Executive services

·         Corporate services

·         Capital expenditure

 

Mr Govender went on to give a summary of these programmes with its strategic and operational objectives. Mr Motshakga gave the Committee the notes on the budget mentioning that:

 

—         As at end of first quarter 30 June 2009, the reserve funds stood at R30, 489,335.

—         These funds were insufficient to carry ELRC up to year 2011/2012. 

—         ELRC required an additional R19, 587,144 to carryout all functions in year 2011/12 and 2012/13.

—         Savings in previous years would enable accumulation of funds which can be used in year 2011/12 and 2012/13.

 

Other figures mentioned included:

—         Reserve funds as at 30 June 2009           -           30,489,335

—         Less: Transfer for 2009/10 and 2010/11    -           26,648,476                 

—         Total funds remaining end of March 2011-             3,840,859

—         Funds required in 2011/12 and 2012/13    -           19,587,144 

 

Mr Motshakga continued with a summary of the budget as well as the allocations of the budget to the various programmes. Mr Govender concluded as follows:

 

—         With the variation of the scope of Council to include the FETC sector the Council’s operation has been broadened to include Basic Education and Higher Education and Training.

—         As from the 1st July 2009 operations were also separated into 2 areas namely:

—         Basic Education

—         Higher Education and Training

 

The income of the FETC sector however is insufficient to meet their expenditure. Consequently the Basic Education sector of the ELRC has to subsidise the deficit in the Higher Education and Training budget.

 

It was resolved that ELRC would supply the Committee with the following:

 

·         An analysis of the budget (a global picture) with each of the increases and breakdowns of expenditure

·         A more detailed organogram – a full report on who they are, how long they in their positions, the kind of support services you have etc.

·         Negotiations – how long they last, the implication on the organisation. Since inception – how many agreements forged, the nature of these agreements, resolutions, implementation, what are the challenges in this respect

·         Any outstanding disputes – progress in respect of resolving these disputes

·         Detailed analysis of your legal framework (which laws give you your mandate). Also legal parameters i.r.o children’s rights

·         Laptop issue – A copy of the Tender Report – progress to date, and the process going forward

·         Teacher Development – a report on progress to date

·         A copy of the Collective Agreement (i.r.o. displaced teachers/principals

 

 

G.         Conclusion

 

1.                   The Committee believed that the submissions are in part a response to past resolutions and mandates.

2.                   The reviews have also presented a picture of where we are as government to enable us to look at the progress and challenges we are faced with.

3.                   This session has given us an opportunity to deliberate on issues with the aim of finding practical ways of coordinating our efforts in moving forward with an efficient machinery of delivery.

4.                   The Committee further commits itself to strengthening its oversight role through visits to schools, stakeholders and our statutory bodies.

5.                   The Committee thanks parties concerned for the progress made so far.

6.                   The Committee is thus focusing on implementation of service delivery, building and strengthening capacity; developing human and financial resources and having the necessary skills required in implementing government programmes.

7.                   The Committee conveys its appreciation to the department (DoBE) and all the statutory bodies for their participation and co-operation in the reviews.

 

 

Report to be considered.