UNITED DEMOCRATIC MOVEMENT

MEDIA RELEASE

 

LITERACY PROGRAMME FAILURE

STATEMENT ISSUED BY PROF MTUTUZELI MBADI, MP
UDM SPOKESPERSON FOR EDUCATION

The literacy programme that was so strongly advocated by the Minister of Education seems set for failure. Just over two years later only 250 of SA’s estimated 3.2 million illiterate people are benefiting from the multimillion rand programme.

It is shocking that even though 150 000 illiterate people have registered countrywide, only 3 644 have been enrolled in classes, whilst the balance have to wait until volunteers have been trained to teach them. Equally worrying is that the initiative has yet to complete its four-year business plan.

The UDM calls upon the Minister of Education to deliver on his promises regarding this project.

Enquiries:
Prof. Mtutuzeli Mbadi, MP
UDM Spokesperson for Education

Cape Town
19 September 2001