The identification of common ground for cooperation was the positive outcome of a meeting between the Federation of Governing Bodies of South African Schools (FEDSAS) and the Gauteng MEC for Education, Mr Panyaza Lesufi. The meeting took place in Johannesburg on Friday, 7 December 2018.
 

“We discussed several aspects pertaining to education in Gauteng and both parties had the opportunity to set out their expectations in terms of education in the province,” says Mr Paul Colditz, CEO of FEDSAS. Colditz says both FEDSAS and the MEC have confirmed their commitment to open, direct communication in order to improve cooperation.

“In the end both FEDSAS and the MEC’s office have the same goal, namely quality education in public schools. We have agreed that this should always be at the forefront of every discussion and decision. As a result of this meeting we now have common ground on which to focus our collective resources and expertise.”

Lesufi was equally satisfied with the outcome of the meeting. “We always appreciate a constructive way of resolving education matters. It is within this context that I truly thank FEDSAS for these frank and robust discussion.”

FEDSAS has always been committed to cooperation between role-players as the only solution to solve the many problems that face education in South Africa. “From parents in school communities all the way to the Minister of Basic Education we should be working together to improve our children’s access to quality education. Combining the variety of skills of the various role-players is the only way that we can establish a credible and successful education system,” says Colditz.     
     
FEDSAS’ experience with and expertise in school governance and education law is a valuable resource that the organisation is willing to share for the benefit of education. “Education departments on the other hand have access to resources and networks that can be combined with that of FEDSAS. This type of cooperation will not only improve service delivery in education but will also assist in setting an example of how the State and civil society can work together.

           
Colditz has expressed the hope that this meeting will not only create a solid foundation for cooperation in Gauteng but that it will be extended to other provinces as well.

 
Photo FEDSAS_MEC: From left to right are Mr Edward Mosue (Gauteng Education HOD), Dr Jaco Deacon (FEDSAS’ Deputy CEO), Mr Panyaza Lesufi (Gauteng Education MEC), Mr Paul Colditz (FEDSAS CEO), Ms Alisson Benston (Gauteng Department of Education), Dr Jean van Rooyen (FEDSAS Gauteng Manager) and Mr Albert Chané (Gauteng Department of Education).