1. INTRODUCTION

1.1 The affiliates and the executive centre of NAPTOSA wish to put on record their sincere appreciation for the opportunity to comment on the Adult Basic Education and Training Bill, 2000.

1.2 NAPTOSA acknowledges the existence of 3 283 290 adults between the ages of 16 and 65 who have not had any schooling and 9 439 244 who have not completed Grade 9. The envisaged legislation is supported in principle as it could contribute towards the eradication of illiteracy and enable adults to acquire knowledge, skills and understanding and to develop their abilities in order to actively participate economically, socially and politically in society. Section 29 of the Constitution which encompasses the right of the individual to a basic education including adult basic education and training, will then become a reality if pursued vigorously by all concerned roleplayers.

2. SPECIFIC COMMENTS ON THE ADULT BASIC EDUCATION AND TRAINING BILL

Clause 4: NAPTOSA welcomes the responsibility entrusted to the Head of Department to provide facilities for use by the public sector to perform its functions in terms of this legislation (Clause 4(1). The regulations mentioned in Clause 4(5) are truly necessary.

2.1.1 It is, however, unfortunate that no specific mention is made of the status of the educators at these public centres. NAPTOSA is acutely aware of and concerned about the present position of these educators.

2.1.2 The following should be considered with regard to the ABET educator:

• The roles of an educator, as stipulated in the Norms and Standards for Educators Act of 1998, should be adjusted to accommodate the ABET educator more fully.
• Mainstream educators involved in ABET should receive formal assistance/ training to equip them for the demands of teaching adults.
• The recruitment of ABET educators should focus on qualified, unemployed educators instead of simply utilising the services of mainstream educators.

2.2.1 Clause 7-12: The inclusion of the composition and functions of governance structures in this legislation is welcomed.

2.2.2 Clause 13: The provision made for the enhancement of capacity of governing bodies to perform their duties is necessary and is supported. The training should, however, not be restricted to the governing bodies per se. Officers of the education department and centre managers might be incompetent for this task due to a lack of training and they should first be trained to prevent an inadequate situation from developing.

2.3.1 Clause 21: The funding of the ABET programme from the coffers of the provincial departments and their education budgets is of major concern to NAPTOSA. Provinces are already struggling to provide effective mainstream education. A separate budget for ABET, or a conditional grant specifically for ABET is recommended.

Clause 32: The success of ABET both in the public and private sectors, will depend on the application of quality assurance procedures and the system of continued assessment to meet the requirements of the predetermined outcomes, as well as the promotion requirements. The clause, however, refers to the contemplated Basic Further Education and Training Quality Assurance Act, 2000 which we hope will address NAPTOSA’s concerns.

1. CONCLUSION

3.1 NAPTOSA acknowledges the need identified by the Minister of Education to regulate adult basic education and training centres as institutions distinct from other institutions such as schools and further education and training institutions.

3.2 The continual monitoring of the implementation of the regulations by the appropriate provincial officials will be crucial to the success of making it possible for the almost 13 000 000 illiterate and half-literate adults to complete a general level of education.

3.3 NAPTOSA wholeheartedly supports the initiatives to ensure a more structured and formal ABET sector, but wishes to caution that the new policy should be phased in to ensure sound management and healthy growth towards a fully functional system. The main concern here is whether provincial departments have the means and capacity to ensure the envisaged success.

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