ATC181204: Report of the Portfolio Committee on Basic Education on the Second Quarterly Report on the Performance of the Department of Basic Education in Meeting its Strategic Objectives for 2018/19, dated 4 December 2018

Basic Education

Report of the Portfolio Committee on Basic Education on the Second Quarterly Report on the Performance of the Department of Basic Education in Meeting its Strategic Objectives for 2018/19, dated 4 December 2018

The Portfolio Committee on Basic Education, having considered the Second Quarterly Report on the performance of the Department of Basic Education (DBE) in meeting its strategic objectives for 2018/19 reports as follows:

Introduction

The Portfolio Committee on Basic Education considered the Second Quarterly Report on the performance of the Department of Basic Education (DBE) in meeting its strategic objectives for 2017/18 on 13 November 2018. Consideration of quarterly reports by committees is one of the established tools to fulfill Parliament’s oversight and accountability mandates in terms of the Constitution and under rules established by the two Houses. Quarterly reports are critical for in-year monitoring since they provide information on the performance of the executive against pre-determined objectives set in the annual performance plans.

This report gives an overview of the presentations made by the Department, focusing mainly on its achievements, output in respect of the performance indicators and targets set for 2018/19 and its financial performance. The report also provides the Committee’s key deliberations and recommendations relating to the Department’s performance. The achievements and output of the Department presented in this report are preliminary since they have not yet been audited.

Performance Indicators and Targets

The priorities of the Department in the 2018/19 financial year were anchored in the Delivery Agreement of Outcome 1: Improving the quality of Basic Education, the sector-wide Action Plan to 2019: Towards the Realisation of Schooling 2030 and the 2014-19 Medium Term Strategic Framework, 2014 - 19. The activities of the Department remained structured into five programmes, namely:

Programme 1: Administration;
Programme 2: Curriculum Policy, Support and Monitoring;
Programme 3: Teachers, Education Human Resources and Institutional Development;
Programme 4: Planning, Information and Assessment; and
Programme 5: Educational Enrichment Services.

Achievements for the Second Quarter

For the 2018/19 financial year, the preliminary information indicated that the Department had a total of 47 indicators for all five programmes combined. Of the 2018/19 indicators, 33 were annual targets whilst 12 were quarterly targets and two being bi-annual targets. As at the end of the Second Quarter of the 2018/19 financial year, the Department had fully achieved 11 targets (79 percent), partially achieved one target (7 percent) and did not meet two targets (14 percent).

Performance per Programme against Performance Indicators and Targets set for 2018/19

4.1 Programme 1: Administration - The purpose of the programme is to manage the Department and provide strategic administrative support services. Within this programme, the Department had two annual targets and one quarterly target.

4.1.1 Quarterly Target

Percentage of service providers within the procurement unit paid within 30 days - The Department’s reported output was 98.8 percent (422 of 427). The reasons for the deviation were that the receipt date of one invoice was captured incorrectly. Payment for another invoice was authorised on the 30th day while in the third case, payment for invoice was delayed by incomplete delivery.

4.1.2 Annual Targets

Percentage of received misconduct cases resolved within 90 days – There were no new misconduct cases received during this Quarter.
Percentage of received grievances cases resolved within 30 days – There were no new grievance cases received during this Quarter.

The Department reported on further progress made in the key focus areas in Programme One for the Second Quarter of 2018/19, which included the following, amongst others:

Human Resource Management and Development, Labour Relations and IT

Services;

Training and Social Responsibility;
Financial Services, Security and Asset Management;
Labour Relations;
Government Information Technology Officer;
Legal and Legislative Services; and
Strategic Planning, Research and Co-ordination;

Programme 2: Administration - The purpose of the programme is to develop Curriculum and assessment policies and monitor and support their implementation. Within this programme, there were 19 performance indicators with 11 annual, five quarterly and three bi-annual targets. For the Quarter under review, the Department fully achieved four quarterly and two bi-annual targets. The Department was unable to achieve one quarterly and one biannual targets. The details of the Department’s performance are as follows:

Quarterly Targets:

Number of off-line digital content packaged and distributed to provinces: The Second Quarter target as per the Annual Performance Plan (APP) was set at five against the annual target of 15. As reported in the Portfolio Committee’s First Quarter report, the Department packaged and delivered all 15 offline digital content packs (annual target) in the First Quarter. It was economical to courier all 15 content packs simultaneously instead of just five per quarter.

Number of schools per province monitored for utilisation of ICT resources: The Second Quarter target as per the APP was nine and the target was achieved with no deviation.

Number of schools visited for monitoring the Curriculum and Assessment Policy Statement (CAPS) implementation in technical schools: The Second Quarter target as per the APP was 18 schools and the preliminary output for the Second Quarter stood at 18 schools with no deviation.

Number of schools with Multi-Grade classes implementing the Multi-Grade Toolkit monitored: The Second Quarter target as per the APP was set at 35 schools and the preliminary output for the Second Quarter stood at 71 schools. As reported in the First Quarter, no schools were monitored during that Quarter and therefore more schools had to be monitored in the Second Quarter to make up for the First Quarter.

Number of advocacy campaigns conducted on the Rural Education Policy in the provinces: The Second Quarter target as per the APP was set at three campaigns but the preliminary output for the Second Quarter stood at zero campaigns. The policy had not yet been finalised as the Council of Education Ministers (CEM) recommended that principles were discussed at the Heads of Education Departments Committee (HEDCOM).

Bi-Annual Targets:

Number of Mathematics training sessions/workshops monitored: The Second Quarter target as per the APP was set at five and the preliminary output for the Second Quarter stood at five with no deviation.

Number of training sessions of CAPS for Technical subjects monitored: The Second Quarter target as per the APP was seven and the preliminary output for this Quarter stood at zero. This was mainly due to the training of teachers being linked to the utilisation of the Mathematics, Science and Technology (MST) Grant. Delays in signing of the Service Level Agreements with Skills Training Centres was an unforeseen circumstance, hence provinces were now aligning their activities based on the recovery plans of the Grant.

Number of learners obtaining subject passes towards a National Senior Certificate (NSC) or extended Senior Certificate, including upgraded NSC per year: The Second Quarter target as per the APP was set at 15 000 and the preliminary output for the Second Quarter stood at 18 242. The target was overachieved due to the provision of support to learners preparing for the November Examinations via face-to-face classes, digital platforms, television, radio and print materials.

Annual Targets:

Number of off-line digital content resources developed annually: The annual target was set at eight. This was currently under development.

Percentage of public schools with Home Language workbooks for learners in Grades 1 – 6: The annual target is 100 percent. The Department delivered Volume 1 (Grades 1 to 6) Home Languages workbooks to 99.03 percent (16884 schools out of 17050). The printing of Volume 2 was at 92 percent and 72 percent had been delivered to the central warehouse.

Percentage of public schools with Mathematics workbooks for learners in Grades 1 – 9: The annual target is 100 percent. The Department delivered Volume 1 (Grades 1 to 9) Mathematics workbooks to 99.03 percent (22 562 schools out of 22 784). Printing of Volume 2 was at 92 percent and 72 percent had been delivered to the central warehouse.

Percentage of public schools with workbooks for Grade R: The annual target is 100 percent. The Department delivered Grade R workbooks to 99.03% (16 268 schools out of 16 428).

Number of schools monitored on the implementation of the reading norms: The annual target was set at 20 schools. The Department had monitored 5 schools to date.

Number of schools monitored on the implementation of the Incremental Introduction of African Languages (IIAL) nationally: The annual target was set at 20 schools. A total of 6 schools were monitored in the Second Quarter. Of the 2 585 IIAL targeted schools, 53 percent (1 357 schools) were currently implementing IIAL in Grade 1.

Number of underperforming schools monitored on the implementation of the Early Grade Reading Assessment (EGRA): The annual target was set at 75. The progress to date stood at 45 with a total of 30 schools monitored in the First Quarter.

Number of Mathematics, Science and Technology lesson plans monitored for the Intermediate, Senior and FET Phases: Progress to date stood at six lesson plans monitored with no deviations.

Number of Mathematics, Science and Technology teacher guides developed for the Intermediate, Senior and FET Phases: Progress to date stood at two lesson plans monitored as planned.

Number of children/learners with Severe to Profound Intellectual Disability (C/LSPID) who utilise the learning programme for C/LSPID: The annual target was set at 3 327 learners/children. Progress to date stood at 7 080 learners who utilised the learning programme for C/LSPID..

Number of Children /learners with Severe to Profound Intellectual Disability (C/LSPID) with access to therapeutic and psycho-social support services that will enable them to improve their participation in learning: The annual target was set at 3 327 learners/children. The target was exceeded. Progress to date stood at 7 080 learners.

The Department reported on further progress made in the key focus areas in Programme 2 for the Second Quarter of 2018/19, which included the following, amongst others:

Curriculum and quality enhancement programmes; and
Curriculum implementation and monitoring.

Programme 3: Teachers, Education Human Resources and Institutional Development - The purpose of the programme is to promote quality teaching and institutional performance through the effective supply, development and utilisation of human resources. Within this programme, there was a total of ten performance indicators, with eight annual targets and two quarterly targets. For the quarter under review, the preliminary Second Quarter output showed both quarterly targets achieved. The details of the Department’s performance are as follows:

Quarterly Targets:

Number of Provincial Education Departments (PEDs) monitored on the implementation of the Integrated Quality Management System (IQMS): The target set for the Second Quarter was two PEDs monitored. This target was achieved with no deviation.

Number of PEDs monitored on the implementation of the Public Management Development System (PMDS): The target set for the Second Quarter was two PEDs monitored. This target was achieved with no deviation.

Annual Targets:

The Department reported the following progress in relation to its eight annual targets:

Percentage of School Governing Bodies (SGBs) that meet minimum criteria in terms of effectiveness: The Annual target was set at 80 percent of 2 000 sampled SGBs. The provincial and district officials began with preparation processes for conducting the survey to determine SGB effectiveness during the third term. A management plan for the survey, capturing and reporting has been completed.

Percentage of schools producing the minimum set of management documents at a required standard: The Annual target was set at 80 percent of 2 000 sampled SGBs. The provincial and district officials began with preparation processes for conducting the survey to determine SGB effectiveness during the third term. A management plan for the survey, capturing and reporting had been completed.

Number of Funza Lushaka bursaries awarded to students enrolled for initial teacher education: The Annual target was set at 13 500 bursaries awarded. A list of 13 704 students recommended for the Funza Lushaka bursary was approved and sent to the National Student Financial Aid System (NSFAS) for the disbursement of the bursary benefits.

Number of teachers participating in the English First Additional Language (EFAL) diagnostic tests: The Annual target was set at 2 000 teachers. A total of 5 395 teachers participated in the EFAL diagnostic training. Notably, the Department achieved this target for the first time since the introduction of the performance indicator.

Number of teachers participating in the Physical Science diagnostic tests: The Annual target was set at 2 000 teachers. A total of 370 teachers participated in the Physical Science diagnostic training.

Number of teachers participating in the Accounting diagnostic tests: The Annual target was set at 2 000 teachers. A total of 165 teachers participated in the Accounting diagnostic training in Quarter 1. No teachers participated in the Accounting diagnostic training in Quarter 2 according to the information submitted by five provinces thus far.

Number of teachers participating in the Mathematics diagnostic tests: The Annual target was set at 2 000 teachers. A total of 3 463 teachers participated in the Mathematics diagnostic training. The Department achieved this target for the first time following underperformance in previous years.

Number of PEDs that had their post provisioning process assessed for compliance with the post provisioning norms and standards: The Annual target was set for all nine provinces. A total of seven PEDs submitted their Post-Provisioning Plans for 2018. The outstanding PEDs are expected to submit in time to allow the DBE to assess the plan and conduct the monitoring in the last quarter

The Department reported on further progress made in the key focus areas in Programme 3 for the Second Quarter of 2018/19, which included the following, amongst others:

Education Human Resource Management;
Education Human Resource Development;
Curriculum and Professional Development Institute; and
Continuing Professional Teacher Development (CPTD); and

Programme 4: Planning, Information and Assessment - This programme is responsible for promoting quality and effective service delivery in the basic education system through planning, implementation and assessment. The programme had a total of 12 performance indicators which were all annual targets. The details of the Department’s performance are as follows:

Annual Targets:

A bank of Language and Mathematics test items for Grade 3, 6 and 9
developed: The Annual target was set at 200. In preparation for a pilot study in the fourth school term, test items for the Systemic Evaluation (SE) were finalised and prepared into test booklets, including 9 forms for Mathematics and 7 forms for Language for Grades 3, 6 and 9. Grade 6 and 9 Language items for term tests were quality assured and versioned. Term tests for Languages and Mathematics are on track to be completed by October 2018.

Number of the National Senior Certificate (NSC) reports produced: The Annual target was set at four reports. The Department reported that the reports would be submitted in the Fourth Quarter after the examinations were written and analysed.

Number of question papers set annually for NSC and SC: The Annual target was set at 206 question papers and at present, the Department achieved 275 SC and NSC question papers for 2018.

Number of new schools built and completed through the Accelerated School Infrastructure Delivery Institute (ASIDI): The Annual target was set at 50 schools. Progress to date stood at eight school in the First Quarter and eight school in the Second Quarter which equalled 16 schools built in 2018/19.

Number of schools provided with sanitation facilities through ASIDI: The Annual target was set at 286 schools. To date, a total of 111 schools were provided with sanitation facilities in 2018/19 (34 in the First Quarter and 77 in the Second Quarter).

Number of schools provided with water through ASIDI: The Annual target was set at 325 schools. To date, a total of 111 schools were provided with water in 2018/19 (34 in the First Quarter and 77 in the Second Quarter).

Number of schools provided with electricity through ASIDI: The Department reported that the projects that were allocated to ASIDI were completed. Some were not done due to the fact that the schools closed or were electrified through other programmes.

Percentage of public schools using the standardised school administration system, SA-SAMS for reporting: The Annual target was set at 98 percent. The Department was able to reach a target of 98.5 percent to date.

Number of provinces monitored by DBE officials for implementation of LURITZ annually: The Annual target was set at one report covering nine provinces monitored. A monitoring evaluation exercise was approved for implementation in October-November 2018.

Number of officials from districts that achieved below the national benchmark in the NSC participating in a mentoring programme: The Annual target was set at 30 officials. For the quarter under review, the DBE visited three provinces as oversight mentoring visits i.e. Free State, Limpopo and Mpumalanga.

Percentage of school principals rating the support services of districts as being satisfactory: The Annual target was set at 71 percent of school principals. Implementation plan was costed for data collection. Specifications were developed to draw the sample of schools that will participate in the survey.

Percentage of district managers assessed against developed criteria: The Annual target was set at 90 percent of district managers assessed. Baseline data established with vacancies to be permanently filled was identified.

The Department reported on further progress made in the key focus areas in Programme 4 for the Second Quarter of 2018/19, which included the following, amongst others:

National Assessment and Public Examinations;
Examination Administration;
Education Management Information System (EMIS);
Financial and Physical Planning, Information and Management Systems;
International Relations and Multilateral Affairs;
Quality Learning and Teaching Campaign (QLTC);
Partnerships;
Planning and Delivery Oversight;
National and Provincial Monitoring and Support;
National Education Evaluation and Development Unit (NEEDU); and
Director General Monitoring.

Programme 5: Educational Enrichment Services - The purpose of the programme is to develop policies and programmes to improve the quality of learning in schools. Within this programme, there was a total of four (4) performance indicators with three (3) quarterly and one (1) annual target. The details of the Department’s performance in this programme are as follows:

Quarterly Targets:

Number of schools monitored for the provision of nutritious meals: The Second Quarter target as per the APP was set at 40 schools and the preliminary output stood at 46 schools. Additional schools were monitored to make up for the underachievement in the previous Quarter.

Number of learners, teachers, officials, SGBs and community organisation members participating in social cohesion and gender equity programmes: The target as per the APP was 2 500 and the preliminary output for Quarter 2 stood at 2 657. The positive deviation results from partnerships, collaborations and sharing of resources in order to achieve the departmental objectives.

Number of hot-spot schools monitored towards implementation of the National School Safety framework (NSSF): The target as per the APP was set at 12 schools and the preliminary output for Quarter 2 stood at 19 schools. After the APP was tabled, the number of districts to be monitored was increased from 12 to 19. Therefore the number of schools increased accordingly.

The Department reported on further progress made in the key focus areas in Programme 5 for the Second Quarter of 2018/19, which included the following, amongst others:

Care and Support in Schools;
School Nutrition;
Psychosocial Support;
Health Promotion;
Partnerships in Education;
School Safety; and
Social Cohesion and Equity in Education.

Second Quarterly Expenditure Report

The total Appropriation budge of the Department for the 2018/19 financial year amounted to R22.722 billion. A total of R18.953 billion (83 percent) was allocated to transfer payments as follows:

Conditional Grants: R17.519 billion;
Transfers to Public Entities: R144.9 million; and
Other Transfers: R1.289 billion.

The ) was allocated to the following:

Compensation of Employees: R438.1 million;
Examiners and Moderators: R26.7 million;
Earmarked Funds: R1.205 billion;
Office Accommodation: R197.4 million;
Specifically and Exclusively Appropriated: R1.472 billion;
Departmental Operations: R205.0 million; and
Departmental Projects: R225.2 million.

The total actual expenditure of the Department for the 2018/19 financial year second quarter amounted to R13.591 billion. Expenditure amounting to R11.862 billion was made up of transfer payments as follows:

Conditional Grants: R10.549 billion;
Transfers to Public Entities: R72.7 million; and
Other Transfers: R1.240 billion.

The remainder of the expenditure (R1.729 billion) was made up as follows:

Compensation of Employees: R210.0 million;
Examiners and Moderators: R15.4 million;
Earmarked Funds: R415.9 million;
Office Accommodation: R80.8 million;
Specifically and Exclusively Appropriated: R855.2 million;
Departmental Operations: R80.4 million; and
Departmental Projects: R71.3 million.

				Expenditure as % of Appropriation
		ACTUAL EXPENDITURE

	450 476	213 841	236 635	47.47%
Curriculum Policy, Support and Monitoring	1 905 011	734 127	1 170 884	38.54%
Teachers, Education Human Resources Development and Institutional Development	1 290 480	1 208 961	81 519	93.68%
Planning, Information and Assessment	11 971 342	7 329 948	4 641 394	61.23%
Educational Enrichment Services	7 105 128	4 104 340	3 000 788	57.77%
	22 722 437	13 591 217	9 131 220	59.81%

The bulk of the allocation on this programme was in respect of the workbooks, second chance programme and conditional grants.

The printing and delivery of workbooks Volume 1 was completed. Volume 2 workbooks had been printed and delivery was in progress and expected to be completed during October/November 2918. A total of R 597.922 million had been committed towards the delivery of workbooks Volume 1 as well as printing and delivery of workbooks Volume 2. The spending of this item was expected to increase significantly during Quarter 3 of the financial year.

Learners with Profound Intellectual Disability Grant and Maths, Science and Technology Grant: A total of 50 percent of the allocation on the grant had been transferred to Provinces as projected. Although there was notable under-expenditure in some provinces, the Department had implemented stringent interventions and turnaround strategies that aimed at ensuring 100 percent expenditure on the Grant. The Department had established an intervention team of managers from key directorates that were supporting underperforming provinces. Highlighted bottlenecks inhibiting optimal performance were identified by the team and the action plans with clear time frames and achievable deliverables have been developed.

Second Chance Programme: Regarding the awareness for the Second Chance Programme, the Department reported that roadshows had already taken place in the Eastern Cape and Gauteng provinces. The learning materials for the deaf learners had been printed for the spring classes. The printing of Mind-the-Gap interactive books was currently in process.

Mathematics, Science and Technology conditional grant: A total of 50 percent of the allocation on the grant had been transferred to provinces as projected. In ensuring that 100 percent spending on the grant’s allocation was realised, the Department was regularly visiting provincial DDGs responsible for the grant, Chief Financial Officers (CFO) and Chief Directors responsible for procurement in provinces to fast-track orders and tenders for the grant. The turnaround plans haD been developed in poorly performing provinces and monitored regularly.

The high expenditure in this programme was due to the once-off transfer payment for Funza Lushaka Bursaries. The once-off transfer for Funza Lushaka Bursaries was made to NSFAS on 11 April 2018.

ECONOMIC CLASSIFICATION	2018/19			Expenditure as % of Appropriation
	APPROPRIATION	ACTUAL EXPENDITURE	VARIANCE
	R’000	R’000	R’000
Compensation of Employees	504 590	240 247	264 343	47.61%
Goods and Services	1 875 117	673 511	1 201 606	35.92%
Interest and Rent on Land	51 458	18 725	32 733	36.39%
Transfers and Subsidies	18 953 411	11 862177	7 091 234	62.59%
Payment for Capital Assets	1 337861	796 557	541 304	59.54%
Total	22722 437	13 591 217	9 131 220	59.81%

Challenges (Deviations) and Mitigatory Measures

Goods and Services: Included in this item is workbooks, Matric Second Chance Programme and National Assessment (formerly known as ANA) allocations.

The printing and delivery of workbooks Volume 1 had been completed. Volume 2 workbooks were printed and delivery was in progress and expected to be completed during October/November 2918. A total of R 597.922 million had been committed towards the delivery of workbooks Volume 1 as well as printing and delivery of workbooks Volume 2. The spending of this item was expected to increase significantly during the Third Quarter of the financial year.

Second Chance Programme: Regarding the awareness for the second chance programme, the roadshows had already taken place in the Eastern Cape and Gauteng provinces. The learning materials for the deaf learners were printed for the spring classes. The printing of Mind-the-Gap interactive books was currently in process.

National Assessment: The Department would for the first time be administering a pilot study on the implementation of the re-designed Systemic Evaluation model from 15 – 19 October 2018. Tests were reportedly developed according to an Internationally recognised matrix design. A total of 40 learners in Grades 3, 6 and 9 per school would be selected across 9 provinces to participate in the testing. The spending on this item was expected to increase in the Third and Fourth Quarters when invoices were received and processed.

Payment for Capital Assets: The bulk of the allocation on this item is in respect of the ASIDI project.

The Department reported that the ASIDI projects had gained momentum. Although the expenditure might seem low, more work had been done on the ground and the Department was awaiting invoices from the Implementing Agents. Based on the current acceleration on the projects, the budget allocation would not be enough to complete projects that were currently running.

ECONOMIC CLASSIFICATIONS				Expenditure as % of Appropriation


Compensation of Employees	438 130	210 011	228 119	47.93%
Examiners and Moderators	26 692	15 398	11 294	57.69%
Transfers to Public Entities	144 960	72 689	72 271	50.14%
Other Transfers	1 289 449	1 240 093	49 356	96.17%
Conditional Grants	17 519 002	10 549 395	6 969 607	60.22%
Schools Infrastructure Backlogs Indirect Grant	1 471 826	855 249	616 577	58.11%
Earmarked Funds	1 204 711	415 872	788 839	34.52%
Departmental Operations	204 953	80 366	124 587	39.21%
Office Accommodation	197 482	80 814	116 668	40.92%
	225 232	71 330	153 902	31.67%
	22722 437	13 591 217	9 131 220	59.81%

The transfer to UMALUSI was made quarterly and for the South African Council for Educators (SACE) Continuing Professional Teacher Development (CPTD) there were two transfers in April and October. The transfers to the public entities were made as scheduled for the Second Quarter.

- The allocation of other transfers included the transfer of NSFAS for Funza Lushaka Bursaries, the National Education Collaboration Trust (NECT) and Foreign transfers. The high expenditure was due to the 100% transfer of the Funza Lushaka Bursaries that was made as projected. The second transfer to the National Education Collaboration Trust (NECT) was made as projected. The foreign transfers would be made in January/February 2019 when the invoices were received.

5.5.1.3 Conditional Grants - The transfers of the conditional grants were made according to the approved payment schedules. The second transfers for the conditional grants were processed as scheduled.

				Expenditure as % of Appropriation
		ACTUAL EXPENDITURE

Earmarked Funds:	1 204 711	415 872	788 839	34.52%
Workbooks	1 109 075	388 914	720 161	35.07%
Matric Second Chance Programme	65 705	13 026	52 679	19.82%
Maths, Science and Technology Oversight grant	5 869	3 623	2 246	61.73%
National School Nutrition Programme Oversight grant	19 062	8 646	10 416	45.36%
Learners with Profound Intellectual Disabilities Oversight grant	5 000	1 663	3 337	33.26%
Conditional Grants:	17 519 002	10 549 395	6 969 607	60.22%
Education Infrastructure Grant	9 917 734	6 198 582	3 719 152	62.50%
HIV & Aids (Life Skills) conditional grant	243 235	97 290	145 945	40.00%
Maths, Science and Technology conditional grant	370 483	185 245	185 238	50.00%
Nat School Nutrition Prog conditional grant	6 802 079	3 975 542	2 826 537	58.45%
Learners with Profound Intellectual Disability conditional grant	185 471	92 736	92 735	50.00%

Challenges (Deviations) and Mitigatory Measures

The bulk of the allocations on earmarked funds were related to the Workbooks and Matric Second Chance programmes.

Workbooks: The printing and delivery of workbooks Volume 1 had been completed. Volume 2 workbooks had been printed and delivery was in progress and expected to be completed during October/November 2918. A total of R 597.922 million had been committed towards the delivery of workbooks Volume 1 as well as printing and delivery of workbooks Volume 2. The spending of this item would increase significantly during the Third Quarter of the financial year.

Matric Second Chance Programme: Regarding the awareness for the Second Chance Programme, the roadshows had already taken place in the Eastern Cape and Gauteng provinces. The learning materials for the deaf learners had been printed for the spring classes. The printing of Mind-the-Gap interactive books was currently in process.

SERVICE				Expenditure as % of Appropriation
	APPROPRIATION	ACTUAL EXPENDITURE	VARIANCE
	R’000	R’000	R’000
Transfers to Public Entities	144 960	72 689	72 271	50.14%
UMALUSI	128 543	64 272	64 271	50.0%
ETDP SETA	417	417	0	100%
SACE	16 000	8 000	8 000	50.0%
Other Transfers	1 289 449	1 240 093	49 356	96.17%
NSFAS: Fundza Lushaka Bursaries	1 159 348	1 159 348	0	100%
UNESCO Membership Fees	15 431	0	15 431	0%
ADEA	148	0	148	0%
Households	0	1 238	(1 238)	0%
Childline South Africa	65	0	65	0%
Guidance Counseling & Youth Development Centre: Malawi	178	0	178	0%
SACMEQ	3 295	2 668	627	80.97%
NECT	110 984	75 984	35 000	68.46%

Challenges (Deviations) and Mitigatory Measures

Public Entities: The transfer to UMALUSI was made quarterly and for SACE CPTD, there are two transfers in April and October. The transfers to the public entities were made as scheduled

Other transfers: The allocation of other transfers included the transfer of NSFAS for Funza Lushaka Bursaries, NECT and Foreign transfers. The high expenditure was due to the 100% transfer of the Funza Lushaka Bursaries that was made as scheduled. The second transfer to the National Education Collaboration Trust (NECT) was made as scheduled. The foreign transfers would be made in January/February when the invoices are received.

Portfolio Committee Observations

The Portfolio Committee raised the following with the Department of Basic Education in respect of the Second Quarterly Report for 2018/19:

Members raised a concern with the issues around 0 – 4 year olds tuition and Grade R schooling. There was no clear explanation in this regard coming from the Department of Social Development and the Department of Basic Education. There was a view that 0 – 4year old practitioners were being sidelined.
Members generally raised concern with the non-payment/late payment of contractors and service providers. Members were concerned with penalties attached to late/non-payment – and whether the Department was able to sanction officials who erred. Members noted with concern the protest action in Koffiefontein in the Free State province where learners were reportedly not able to write examinations.
Members sought further details and outcomes of the research study on Teacher Development to assess teacher needs.
Members noted with concern the increase in annual targets with little progress/milestones being presented during quarterly reports.
Members noted that the annual targets set for provision of sanitation and water facilities were 286 and 325 respectively and queried whether the Department would be in a position to reach these targets given that a total of 111 schools were provided with these facilities with only two quarters remaining before the end of the financial year.
Members raised the issue of hostel allocation which only covered learner meals. Members queried whether the Department would consider an increase in this allocation – and whether this amount differed from province to province.
Members noted that workbooks supplied by the Department had errors and queried who evaluated these workbooks and whether they were held accountable.
Members queried whether the increase in the number of hot-spot schools to be monitored would be a realistic target – and which provinces these schools were in.
Members highlighted that the disbursement of Funza Lushaka Bursaries needed to be revisited as many previous bursars were not being placed which indicated that their skills were not needed. The FLB scheme was too general and needed to specifically lure scarce skills teaching.
Members queried whether there was an increase in the uptake of home-schooling education.
Members further queried what informed the introduction of a non-official language in schools.
Members also queried the current status of salary negotiations between the Department and Organised Labour.

Portfolio Committee Recommendations

Based on the observations made above, the Portfolio Committee requests that the Minister of Basic Education ensure that the Department of Basic Education consider these recommendations:

Ensure an improved and strengthened communication strategy with 0 – 4 year old practitioners/educators
In collaboration with PEDs ensure improvements in the placement of Funza Lushaka Bursars.
Ensure that officials/coordinators involved with LTSM improve on their monitoring and oversight functions in respect of LTSM.
Ensure the Department work to improve on reporting of milestones/progress during quarterly reports to give assurance of the Department meeting its annual targets. Also to include matters raised by the DBE Internal Audit Committee in future reporting.
The finalization of the policy on Rural Education be fast-tracked with HEDCOM and CEM.
Submit to the Portfolio Committee the following:
- The Report on the 25-Year Review
- A report on all projects not paid within 30 days with reasons

Report to be considered.

__________________________

Hon N Gina MP

Chairperson: Portfolio Committee on Basic Education

Documents

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ATC181204: Report of the Portfolio Committee on Basic Education on the Second Quarterly Report on the Performance of the Department of Basic Education in Meeting its Strategic Objectives for 2018/19, dated 4 December 2018

Basic Education

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