NW commits to deliver all 2014 textbooks before end of November

Provincial government spokesperson, Moses Kgwele, said the commitment was made during the North West Executive Council (Exco) meeting, which was held in Mahikeng this week.

"Exco has expressed optimism that all schools across the province would have taken delivery of their stationery and textbooks for the 2014 academic year before schools close for the year-end holidays in November," said Kgwele on Thursday.

"We want to avoid a situation whereby learners start the curriculum year without textbooks."

He said the Exco was satisfied that the provincial Department of Education was on track with its 2013/14 implementation plan.

"In terms of the plan, capturing and consolidation of requisitions for the R329m allocated for stationary and main textbooks for Grades 7, 8, 9 and 12 were completed by the end of June."

Kgwele said the technical problems that were experienced were resolved within a reasonable period to ensure all districts met the deadline for submission of consolidated figures to publishers.

"Exco also noted that service providers have commenced with the printing of exercises and bulk sourcing of items such as pens and calculators for delivery of stationery to commence in the next two weeks. The delivery programme is expected to be finalised in October," he said.

Premier Thandi Modise commended the provincial Education Department for establishing a forum consisting of district officials that meets on a monthly basis to discuss challenges related to curriculum delivery.

"The forum has assisted to obviate misinformation, communication gaps and also deal with learner/teacher support material and textbook problems experienced by schools," Modise said.