The Western Cape Education Department (WCED) has received no support from the Department of Basic Education (DBE) to employ Cuban Mathematics and Science specialists in the province after it was reported in July that DBE had almost spent R14 million for this program.
In 2020, Trends in International Mathematics and Science Study’s (TIMSS) ranked the Western Cape as the country’s top performers in both Maths and Science and extra support from DBE would enable the provincial Department to expand the capacity for maths & science teaching in the province for even greater results. However, Mathematics, Science & Technology Grants for the Western Cape have been cut for the current financial year by almost 4% in the last 12 months as the national government is well aware that it is a global practice to invest in these fields of education.
According to the Democratic Alliance’s (DA) spokesperson on education in the Western Cape Lorraine Botha, the party has enquired from the provincial minister of education on what measures the WCED has undertaken to advance and encourage maths and science teaching for Grade 9 and 12 when these subjects become optional but are still required for many courses at universities and TVET colleges.
Botha indicated that the provincial education department is expected to do more with less in its aim to provide quality education in the province.
” The funding model in education is deeply flawed and undermines the potential of teaching & learning as it stands. As the DA in the Western Cape, we will continue to advocate for a more sustainable funding model in Education. The sector is an integral part of the development and cannot suffer further neglect from the national government,” Botha said.
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Picture: Cape {town} etc gallery
