Parliamentary News Digest 6 August 2003
Here is the latest news from Parliament:
1.No marks for Matrics a bad idea
2. Paedophile register will protect our children
3. Global Fund signed at last
Indien u sou belangstel om in te teken op die ACDP se weeklikse Afrikaanse
e-nuusbrief, skryf aan Johan Kriel by johankriel@acdp.org.za. Hierdeur sal u
op die hoogte bly van 'n wye verskeidenheid sake wat die ACDP landswyd raak.
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1. No marks for Matrics a bad idea
Media Statement by ACDP leader Revered Kenneth Meshoe
The introduction of the new Further Education and Training Certificate
(FETC) system, which does away with Matric examinations and symbols, is an
unwise move by the department of education, says ACDP leader Reverend
Kenenth Meshoe.
The changes to the education system announced by Minister Asmal, include
written assessments that will replace examinations, symbols or aggregate
marks and the option to take subjects on higher-grade will no longer exist.
"We regret the move by Education Minister Kader Asmal to do away with Matric
examinations," Rev Meshoe said. "Examination results are one of the only
ways of effectively assessing the knowledge a pupil has of a particular
subject.
"The department's plan to use subjective assessments instead of objective
examinations encourages corruption and nepotism. There have been many
reports of corruption and irresponsible behaviour by teachers in schools. We
are convinced that assessors will be bought or that in situations where
teachers conduct relationships with their students, these pupils will be
given favourable assessments while those who may have rebuffed moves from
teachers will not be given favourable marks," Rev Meshoe said.
"We disagree with Minister Asmal's claims that the FETC is going to raise
the standard of performance in schools. We believe that the opposite is
true. He cannot talk about the new system offering tougher qualifications
for students when their real knowledge has not been tested.
"The FETC is going to put pressure on universities and Technikons who will
have to admit students that are not ready for university courses. We are
going to see an increase in bridging courses because of the many unqualified
students that have received unfair favourable assessments," Rev Meshoe said.
"We call on South African parents who have children in high school to object
to the government's move. The government's claim that no country in the
world has a system like this confirms that it is not workable and will not
produce better students," Rev Meshoe said.
For more information: Rev. Kenneth Meshoe MP at 082 962 5884
Media Liaison: Charmaine Horne at 084 370 3550 or 021 403 3307
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2. Paedophile register will protect our children
Media Statement by Steve Swart
A planned paedophile register to protect children from sexual abuse is long
overdue, says ACDP spokesperson on justice Steve Swart.
Responding to suggestions that such a register be included in the Criminal
Law (Sexual Offences) Amendment Bill, as discussed in the Justice Committee
on Wednesday, Swart said that the ACDP had consistently called for such a
register.
"This type of register should be accessible to all, especially to schools
and crèches, in order to prevent paedophiles from being in a position of
authority or care of children," Swart said.
"A person who chooses to commit such crimes must know that the consequences
will be severe, and hopefully, such a register will serve as a deterrent."
"These offenders will be subject to public scrutiny and in addition will
have a duty to disclose any previous convictions for sexual offences when
applying for employment in a position of authority or caring for children,"
Swart said.
"Such a duty to disclose this information, together with a register of
paedophiles should go a long way towards protecting our children from sexual
abuse."
For more information: Steve Swart MP at 083 285 6290
Media Liaison: Charmaine Horne at 084 370 3550 or 021 403 3307
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3. Global fund signed at last
President Thabo Mbeki has at last signed the Global Fund agreement which
promises financial support for HIV/Aids programmes in South Africa,
particularly in KwaZulu Natal. The only outstanding signature is that of
Deputy-President Jacob Zuma who is expected to sign by the end of the week.
ACDP spokesperson on health Cheryllyn Dudley has welcomed the signing of the
agreement, but voiced her concerns that the fund appears to have problems
securing the promised funds from European and US donors. Their financial
problems coupled with the Fund's perceived lack of political will on behalf
of the government to implement antiretroviral treatment programmes may delay
funding. However, fund administrators SANAC (South African National Aids
Council) has reviewed submissions from various community projects requesting
funds for their HIV treatment programmes. Those interested in finding out
more about obtaining funds, can contact Siyabonga at 082 330 5772 for more
information.
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Indien u sou belangstel om in te teken op die ACDP se weeklikse Afrikaanse
e-nuusbrief, skryf aan Johan Kriel by johankriel@acdp.org.za. Hierdeur sal u
op die hoogte bly van 'n wye verskeidenheid sake wat die ACDP landswyd raak.
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