Cabinet has come out in support of embattled Basic Education Minister Angie Motshekga.
"Cabinet reiterates its support for minister Angie Motshekga in her endeavours to improve the quality of education,” acting government spokeswoman Phumla Williams told journalists on Thursday (14/03/2013), following the executive’s regular fortnightly meeting.
Under her leadership the country had a better understanding of the problems facing the education system.
This had enabled the government to provide realistic solutions. "Our education is improving steadily,” Williams said.
Cabinet had also re-affirmed its commitment to education as the government’s top priority.
It had acknowledged the many achievements of the current administration under Motshekga’s leadership.
In particular, it had noted the smooth opening of the 2013 school calendar year, continuous accessibility of education for all South African pupils, the significant improvement in the 2012 matric results, progress made in mathematics and language achievements as measured by the annual national assessments, and the steady progress of the department in addressing infrastructure backlogs.
"These achievements point to a system that has tuned the corner,” Williams said.
Motshekga has come under fire, with calls for her resignation, mainly over her support for the proposal to make education an essential service. - Sapa
