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Professor Kader Asmal today wished the new Minister of Education, Ms Naledi Pandor, every success in her new position. He said that while he had indicated to the President that he wanted to retire from the Cabinet in order to give way for younger leaders, it had been both an honour and privilege to serve our people in education.

During the first ten years of freedom and democracy, dramatic changes have taken place in education. Once a source of despair, education is now a repository of hope.

Professor Asmal was proud of the accomplishments of the Department of Education. Much has been done to achieve education for all; to create more efficient and effective institutional structures; to make our schools centres of community life; to create safe and healthy environments for learning; to ensure the highest quality of education; to instil values in education; and to transform our country into a literate and learning society.

With regard to his future role Professor Asmal indicated that he remained committed to serving the public good and that he looked forward to new challenges. He remained a loyal and disciplined member of the African National Congress.

Professor Asmal is mindful of the great and precious gift that he was given to serve the Government during our first decade of freedom. He said that 'over the past ten years, we have travelled far. And our journey continues, as we work towards realising our mission of a better life for all'.

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Issued by the Ministry of Education

28 April 2004