NUM Eastern Cape Youth Structure congratulates the 2019 matric class

Press Statement, 10 January 2020

NUM EASTERN CAPE YOUTH STRUCTURE CONGRATULATES THE 2019 MATRIC CLASS

The National Union of Mineworkers (NUM) Eastern Cape Youth Structure congratulates the class of 2019 on the recently announced matric results. The Eastern Cape achieved 76,5%, therefore we would like to congratulate all the best and deserving hard-working learners who worked tirelessly in making sure that we achieve this milestone. The results are an indication of passion and dedication from the class of 2019.

As the NUM Youth Structure (NUMYS), we pride ourselves as we played a role in improving the results due to our continuous involvements in providing schools with equipment such as calculators and other educational materials through our "Back To School Campaign".

We further wish to acknowledge the great impactful leadership of the MEC of Education in Eastern Cape comrade Fundile Gade who steered the ship under difficult storms. We take special note of the great work by teachers, SGBs, communities and other stakeholders.

"We also call for an improvement in infrastructure development in our schools, particularly in rural areas. The Eastern Cape province is still experiencing the legacy of apartheid and underdevelopment. We call and reiterate to our government to continue prioritising with the allocation of adequate resources, as well as providing amenities such as libraries, laboratories and computer labs that are relevant to today's schools," said Abongile Baliso, NUM Eastern Cape Youth Structure Secretary.

NUM Eastern Cape Youth structure calls the private sector to continue with the efforts in providing bursaries to the students to further their studies.

We urge learners to consider all available options for their tertiary education for them including TVET college. We urge those in power or management of the TVET to align with big businesses to make these institutions more attractive to the youth and the benefits of getting these trades and the benefits it entails in the broader economic spectrum.

In the same breath, NUM Eastern Cape Youth structure applauds the department in adopting "Mother Tongue Bilingual Writing". We have the confidence that learners will better articulate themselves and understand the curriculum better. We also believe that things will be better for teachers as well. This is such a much-needed change in our learning experience. We are very proud of our languages and anything that make our languages a priority is highly welcomed.

For more information, please contact:

Abongile Baliso, NUM Eastern Cape Youth Structure Secretary, 060 679 3596

The National Union of Mineworkers
7 Rissik Street.
Cnr Frederick Johannesburg
Tel: 011 377 2111 Cell: 083 809 3257
Twitter: @Num_Media

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