Eastern Cape Department of Education (ECDoE), together with New Leaders Foundation are in high spirits and are rearing to get started on their second day of training for Circuit Managers, on the Data Driven District Dashboard.

The enthused Superintendent General (SG), ThembaKojana has come to address his circuit managers with pride.  Kojana started by recognizing all officials present and assured everybody that it was his honour to be here.  Kojana focused on key areas, which are change and accountability.

Kojana proudly stated, “I want to lead the transformation agenda, set out for this Department, from the front.”  He continues by saying, “If we take a conscious decision for the system to change, you need to be hands on to be effective, the Department will never improve unless we drive that change with yourselves.  The image of this Department is determined by you.”

“You are the ones that support our schools daily, therefore you are the ones that know exactly what is going on there, decision making is going to be a key issue in your everyday life, and you cannot make decisions on assumptions, you need to visit your schools regularly and make decisions on facts.”

Kojana tasked circuit managers and the core task team to develop a Score Card which he would like to be used when managers are visiting their schools, and can rate the school.  In this way it could be determined where the strong performance areas are and where the shortfalls lie at each school in the Eastern Cape. By doing so, the school could be supported in the areas they lack confidence.  Kojanarequested a draft score card by weekend.

He addressed other issues which are crucial to the performance in the districts e.g. working tools and displaced officials.  He has requested and it has been agreed upon, that after four months he meets with the same group of circuit managers for feedback on the progress at schools in the form of presentations.

Dashboard, because it is a useful tool that will inform the Department on so many different aspects on performance at schools.

“Let us be the change that you want to see. Let us restore and claim our dignity back, as long as I am here, I am going to support you.”  The crowd of circuit managers applauded with excitement as Kojanaended his speech.