Zuma appoints rescue team for Eastern Cape schools

President Jacob Zuma said that he has appointed a team including five ministers to take over the Eastern Cape's failing education department.

The department was put under administration in February after many problems, including the firing of thousands of temporary teachers, difficulties with school feeding, non-delivery of textbooks and stationery and the suspension of pupil transport.

The team includes Basic Education Minister Angie Motshekga, Finance Minister Pravin Gordhan, Justice Minister Jeff Radebe, Higher Education Minister Blade Nzimande and Public Service and Administration Minister Richard Baloyi.

Also on the team are five Eastern Cape MECs: Xoliswa Tom (sport), Phumulo Masualle (finance), Mcebisi Jonas (economic development), Mlibo Qoboshiyane (local government) and Mandla Makupula (education).

Presidency spokesman Zizi Kodwa said: "The president wants the Eastern Cape issues attended to as quickly as possible to bring stability and improve education. We want to restore the culture of learning and teaching."

First priorities were to get textbooks delivered and transport and feeding schemes working again.

National Professional Teachers Organisation of South Africa Eastern Cape chairman Peter Duminy welcomed the move.