Speaker, while Grade 12 learners elsewhere in the country were simply nervous because of the approaching final examinations, Grade 12 learners in the Fort Beaufort district in the Eastern Cape were dealt a blow - they were abandoned by teachers in 80 schools, who refused to return to the classroom because of a dispute with the provincial department of education. The Fort Beaufort district was named the worst- performing district in 2010. It only managed a disappointing 44% pass rate!
It is clear that the SA Democratic Teachers' Union, Sadtu, has taken over education in this country and is a law unto itself. Sadtu made it impossible for the Minister of Basic Education to perform her constitutional duty of taking over that dysfunctional department, until President Zuma intervened. Sadtu has now brought learning at 80 schools in the Eastern Cape to a screeching halt.
Cope wishes the class of 2011, especially learners in the Fort Beaufort district, luck in their final exams. We also wish to urge all communities and parents in the Eastern Cape to support Superintendent-General Modidima Mannya in his endeavours to revive the Eastern Cape education system and achieve a pass rate of 65% this year. Thank you, Speaker.