The MEC for Education in Limpopo, Mr Dickson Masemola, says the disruption of schools in the province impacted negatively on the poor 2009 matric results.

Speaking at a media conference at Bolivia Lodge outside Polokwane last Thursday, Masemola said that a disruption of classes at various schools in the province affected the performance of learners. He dismissed rumours, however, that the new national curriculum statement was failing learners.

“The negative impact that the disruption of schools had on the results could have been avoided if things were managed differently. The new curriculum, which is the primary responsibility of the Department of Education, was welcomed by its essential constituencies and the education community. It is right, necessary and implementable and therefore should continue to offer a vision and leadership through consultation, training, listening, reasoning, mentoring and coaching and advisory services,” he said.

It was also announced that the department will held a provincial education indaba in the first quarter to develop a coherent plan.

Masemola praised the learners who wrote in 2008 and 2009 for displaying commitment and dedication in this education era. He further outlined that learners who would like to take teaching as a profession and major in mathematics, science and technology and languages for the 2010 academic year will be offered bursaries from his department for the duration of their studies.

“I would also like to invite principals and deputy-principals to apply for a bursary to study for an advanced course for Education in School Leadership Management to be offered at the University of Venda, University of Limpopo and University of Pretoria.”

During the ceremony, Mr Benny Boshielo was also introduced at the new head of the department.