Hon member, it is a matter of great concern, when there is disparity in terms of the assessment and ability of learners' performance in Grades 11 and 12. Certainly what the department does is in relation to your system. We have a National Curriculum Statement for the GET band, which is from Grade R to Grade 9, and the FET band, which is Grade 10, 11 and 12. We are trying to work towards a single system from Grade R to 12. This means that there shouldn't be a distinction between grades. There should be continuity; education should be a continuum.
Secondly, we do believe that assessment is critical and central. External moderation is very important so that learners are not allowed to pass from grade to grade without having the appropriate ability to move to another class because ultimately you then pay the price in Grade 12. So, the external moderation from circuits and districts becomes central to the performance of schools.
Thirdly, we have produced guidelines in terms of assessment and in terms of the teaching and learning of different subjects so that teachers would have a better sense of how to assess learners.
With regard to Bushbuckridge in particular, besides the abject poverty in which the community lives, there have been huge problems in relation to the support that the schools receive from districts. There have been a lot of political battles fought in the particular area in relation to management issues. These have now been corrected.
There has also been poor leadership, which has contributed to nonfunctioning in schools. The Minister has sent out a team to the place and she personally visited the schools on no fewer than two occasions. I personally had the benefit of going to Bushbuckridge in the previous term.
This is quite amazing, and perhaps I should share this with you anecdotally. We have two high schools within a kilometre of each other. The one is performing at over 80% and the other is performing at less than 30%. The reason for this is the commitment, leadership and management of the schools. So, these are things that the department is looking at. We have a dedicated team that has been sent to Bushbuckridge to assist the provincial department in ensuring that we improve on the overall results of the school.
So, our focus is not only on Grade 12, but on the school as a whole because it's how a learner progresses from grade to grade that counts. So, the hon member is indeed correct to say that one can't pay attention to Grade 12 and forget about Grade 11. Thank you very much, Chairperson.
Progress made with building of dam in Vioolsdrift area and possibility of partnering with Namibian government to build dam
23. Mr C J de Beer (ANC) asked the Minister of Water and Environmental Affairs:
(1) What progress has been made with the building of the dam in the Vioolsdrift area in the Orange River;
(2) whether any talks were held with the Namibian government on the building of the dam in partnership; if not; what is the position in this regard; if so, what was the outcome?