Education
With regard to a study tour by Western Cape Education Department (WCED) officials to Israel in December 2019:
(1) (a) Who organised the study tour, (b) what was its (i) purpose and (ii) objectives, (c) what lessons were learned from the study tour, (d) how were these applied to the curriculum in the province, (e) who formed part of the WCED delegation, including their (i) names and (ii) designations and (f) what was the (i) total cost of the study tour and (ii) cost to the WCED, including a detailed breakdown of costs incurred for the tour; (2) whether there was any funding received externally for the tour; if so, (a) what are the relevant details and (b) if this was declared; (3) what are the relations between her Department and (a) the Israeli government and (b) any Israeli entities in South Africa.
(1) (a) The Cape Town Holocaust and Genocide Centre in partnership with Yad Vashem School of Holocaust Studies in Jerusalem, invited 20 WCED officials to attend an international seminar: Teaching about the Holocaust from 10 – 19 December 2019.
- (i) The purpose of the visit was for professional development and to strengthen the teaching of the Grade 9, Social Sciences History CAPS. The following content and concepts need to be taught in Term 1 according to the Curriculum and Assessment Policy Statement (CAPS) as outlined on page 41 with the focus on the rise of Nazi Germany, the outbreak of WW II and WW II in the Pacific the:
- End of WW I, Weimar Republic, Treaty of Versailles 1919
- Hitler and the Nazi 1920
- The great Depression of 1929 and effects on Germany
- Failure of democracy in the Weimar Republic
- Reasons for public support for Nazi Party and 1932 and 1933 elections
- Enabling Act of 1933and dictatorship (including concentration camps for opponent)
- Nuremburg laws and loss of basic rights of Jewish people1935
- Persecution of political opponents, Jehovah’s Witnesses, Roma, homosexuals, black and disabled people
- Extermination camps and genocide, the Holocaust and the Final Solution
- WW II in the Pacific
(ii) The objective was to build capacity to teach the relevant content and concepts outlined in the Grade 9 History CAPS.
- Lessons learnt:
- Participants felt that their learners and colleagues would benefit from their positive experience and new-found knowledge.
- History is not about the past, but an interpretation of the past.
- The importance of including different perspectives in the historical narrative.
- To teach pedagogy, not dilemmas and empathy not judgement.
- How to work with sound historical sources.
- How to apply digital resources.
- How to use films, understanding and teaching fictional films.
- How to use art in history teaching.
- Protect and serve all, especially minorities.
- Respect and preserve life.
- Speak out against unrighteousness.
- Professional Development workshops were planned to strengthen the capacity of the Grade 9 Social Sciences teachers per district as part the approved operational plan for Grade 9 Social Sciences.
- (i) and (ii):
Nominees for Israel trip
Name and Surname | District | School |
Karen Grosch | Metrople South | Teacher Lotus River HS |
Shaun Rossouw | Metropole Central | Teacher Kensington HS |
Winona Liebenberg | West Coast | Teacher Schoonspruit HS |
Nolene Manual | Metropole South | Teacher Grassdale HS |
Nancy Qavane | Metropole East | Teacher Luhlaza HS |
Mpumezo Kebeni | Metropole East | Teacher Siphamandla HS |
Thabo Mokhanya | Metropole East | Teacher Hopolong PS |
Catherine Standers | Metropole North | Teacher Excelsior HS |
Tessa Cloete | Metropole North | Teacher John Ramsay HS |
Celeste Potgieter | Overberg | Teacher Barrydale HS |
Trevor Barry | Overberg | Teacher Grabouw HS |
Lizwe Gagu | Cape Winelands | Teacher Luckhoff HS |
Andre Louw | Cape Winelands | Subject Advisor - District |
Aubrey Adonis | Cape Winelands | Teacher Luckhoff HS |
Joseph Matsau | Cape Winelands | Subject Advisor - District |
Zondi Plaatjie | ECK | Teacher Murraysburg HS |
Carol – Ann Kaboni | ECK | Teacher Pacaltsdorp HS |
Millicent Faro | West Coast | Teacher Steynville HS |
Karen Dudley | Head Office | Director: Curriculum GET |
Noleen Dodgen | Head Office | DCES: Social Sciences GET |
- (i) The total costs of the study tour were paid by the Cape Town Holocaust and Genocide Centre.
(ii) The minister approved the trip as per approved submission IMS number: 20191021-639. A daily allowance paid to N. Dodgen and K. Dudley @ R19 183.00 each.
(2) The costs were paid by the Cape Town Holocaust and Genocide Centre.
(3) The WCED has no relationship with the Israeli Government or any Israeli entities in South Africa.
