Newly elected Members of the Executive Council for Education (MEC) have a mammoth task ahead as the academic year is left with two terms before closing.
However, the South African Democratic Teachers Union (SADTU) has expressed confidence in them, particularly those who are new to the portfolio.
While some are new, others have made a comeback for the seventh administration. KwaZulu-Natal, Free State and Mpumalanga have appointed new MECs, who will need a quick catch-up on what has been happening in the portfolios they now lead.
In KZN, Sipho Hlomuka has been appointed education MEC, moving from the department of transport, community safety and liaison.
Hlomuka will have big shoes to fill, after the previous MEC, Mbali Frazer, led the province to the second spot in the national rankings of the 2023 National Senior Certificate (NSC) results.
However, the provincial education department is facing infrastructure challenges, brought about by the recent heavy rains and devasting storms.
SADTU in KZN says it believes Hlomuka is capable to deliver on the demands of his new department, adding that his time in government will be beneficial for him.
“The MEC must know that he is taking over a very complex department with more than 100 000 workers of which the majority are teachers. The new MEC is now responsible for a department with millions of learners who depend on people like him as the MEC to realise the aspirations of our Constitution which declared education as a basic human right,” says Provincial Secretary Nomarashiya Caluza.
In Mpumalanga, Cathy Dlamini takes over the leadership in the education department, having served as a member of committees in the National Council of Provinces and mayor of the Mbombela Local Municipality.
SADTU in the province expressed hope that Dlamini will use her expertise from the portfolio committee on education to effectively run the department.
“The MEC admittedly has never worked as an educator, but we acknowledge it’s not the only criteria for occupying the position, the union is aware of the role she played previously in the education committee of the NCOP which we think will benefit her,” says Provincial Secretary Walter Hlaise.
Hlaise says the union will have ongoing consultations with the MEC to hear her plans for the department.
In the Free State, Dr Mamiki Maboya will serve as the new education MEC.
Dr Maboya is not new to the sector. She was a Chief Director for Curriculum in the province before taking the position as Deputy Director for Curriculum, Assessment and Examination at the Department of Basic Education.
MECs who have retained their positions are Limpopo’s Mavhungu Lerule-Ramakhanya, Fundile Gade in the Eastern Cape, Viola Motsumi in the North West, David Maynier in the Western Cape and in Gauteng Matome Chiloane.
In the Northern Cape, Premier Zamani Saul appointed Abraham Vosloo as education MEC. Vosloo who is an educator, previously served as MEC for Finance, Economic Development and Tourism. He takes over from Zolile Monakali
Gauteng Premier, Panyanza Lesufi, is yet to announce members of his executive, with political squabbles causing the delays.