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Quality education was the key to KwaZulu-Natal's economic and social success, the province's Premier, Dr LPHM Mtshali, said in Durban today (Thursday).

Delivering the keynote address at a two-day Education Stakeholders Forum, organised at the International Convention Centre by the provincial Department of Education and Culture, he said he was impressed by the vigour with which education was being pursued in the province and the innovative thinking, which was being brought to bear.

"I believe education is beginning to turn the corner in KwaZulu-Natal from those rather desperate days soon after 1994 when the challenges seemed to bear down on us like tidal waves, threatening to swamp and sink us. Strategic partnerships have been formed to find new and innovative ways to surmount the problems. I detect a new confidence among senior officials.

"And I must say I am most impressed by the open and transparent way in which the affairs of the Department are being conducted. To call together all the stakeholders - all the role-players - so that all can have an input in determining the future of education is not just a first in South Africa, is not just democratic, it indicates a most open and constructive frame of mind. Also, it makes absolute sense. Every one of you here today in some way has a stake in education and in its success. Every one of you has at least one good idea to share."

Dr Mtshali said the forum was a pooling of the professional skills of the province's educators and administrators with the wisdom of an entire cross-section of the community. Something worthwhile and effective had to come out of it.

"I think you have the opportunity over the next two days to fashion a strategic plan for education that will last us well into the future; also to become part of it yourselves and to see that it succeeds."

About 700 delegates are at the forum, representing teacher unions and professional associations; school management bodies; parent associations; tertiary education; the private sector; the consular corps; sports organisations; and the learners themselves. The intention is that the Department should apprise them of its strategic plan and receive their input.

Further information: Joshua Mazibuko - 082-7863115

Issued by KwaZulu-Natal Provincial Government

17 July 2003