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Eastern Cape Provincial Government has set aside R147 million to engage critically needed teachers for teaching essentially Mathematics, Science, Commerce and Technical Studies in the provincial schools.

Eastern Cape Education MEC Stone Sizani made this announcement during a public debate that was broadcast live on Unitra Community Radio at the Umtata Town Hall. The public debate was part of a week-long outreach programme of the Eastern Cape Government to Mount Frere, Qumbu and Tsolo.

MEC Sizani said the province needed over 4 000 teachers to fill vacant positions in mainly subjects that are not readily available to the majority of students in the Province. These posts include 265 for principals and 2 111 for heads of department. "Unfortunately, the costs for these posts amounts to R204 million but the department has only R147m to fill the vacancies. In order to be able to know who to employ and who not to employ we have to prioritise those critical vacancies."

He said this led to delays in the employment of these teachers as the department had to ensure the costing of every post as well as filling the right post for the right school. The process undertaken by the department is expected to be completed in the next week or two so that the employment of interviewed teachers could be confirmed. Sizani said the outstanding R67 million for filling other posts would be budgeted in the next financial year.

Responding to questions about the recruitment of Cuban teachers, Sizani said that the project is the competence of the national departments of Education and Foreign Affairs on the one hand and the Cuban Government on the other. "We are only beneficiaries of that project," Sizani concluded.

Enquiries: Manelisi Wolela on 082-4147768

Issued by: Office of the MEC for Education, Eastern Cape, 16 May 2001