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Mashatile fails to address education

In his review of the last five years of government in Gauteng, Premier Paul Mashatile failed to touch on key factors, planning and budgets for addressing huge challenges that militate against the delivery of quality education.

In his review of the last five years of government in Gauteng, Premier Paul Mashatile failed to touch on key factors, planning and budgets for addressing huge challenges that militate against the delivery of quality education.

In-migration will cause Gauteng's population to soar from 10,6million to 15million by 2014. Already there is a backlog of 174 new schools and 2800 classrooms. The costs in 2007 were estimated at R7billion. Another R9billion is needed for urgent maintenance and refurbishment of existing schools.

Yes, early childhood development is vital, but where is the money to build two more classrooms at each primary school ? Where is the budget to pay Grade R teachers proper salaries, not monthly stipends of R2500?

We need more quality teachers. South Africa has been producing about 7000 a year. We need 20000 a year. And quality teachers - especially in maths, science and technology. Where will Mashatile find them and how will he pay and retain them?

David Quail, DA Gauteng

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