EXCELLENT performance by Grade 12 pupils largely depend on the foundation laid while they are still in beginners' grades, Limpopo education MEC Dickson Masemola said yesterday.

Addressing teachers, principals, school governing bodies chairpersons and other stakeholders at the Ranch Hotel outside Polokwane at the Limpopo Education Summit yesterday, Masemola said the nation entrusted teachers with the education of their children so that they could become responsible and productive citizens in the future.

He accused some teachers of playing truant during the time meant for teaching and of not being punctual.

He said a lack of commitment, dedication and hard work by school principals were some of the problems that often led to poor performance.

He said principals were managers of schools and needed to make sure that the work of their educators and pupils "is well-managed at all times and that discipline becomes the order of the day".

He also called on parents to take a keen interest in their children's school work.

His words were echoed by senior manager responsible for curriculum in Limpopo, Onnica Dederen, who said: "The monitoring of the school programme will be conducted by officials from head office, districts and circuits and will include an assessment of learners' progress in reading, writing and basic mathematics skills".