Dear Editor
As we begin the new school year tomorrow, the DA wishes all the learners and teachers well as they commence a new year of learning and progress.
This year signifies a key milestone in the country’s effort to bolster the quality of education, especially among younger learners.
The Minister of Basic Education, Siviwe Gwarube, yesterday announced a critical focus on strengthening the Foundation Phase – which comprises Grades R up to 3. This period is vital because it is during this time that reading and mathematical skills are established, which are key to progress in science, innovation, and economic development.
This pragmatic shift towards high-quality Early Childhood Development (ECD) and better teaching practices in the early grades ensures that learners are not only sufficiently prepared for the next level but are also fully equipped to succeed.
As we start this new school year, remember that every lesson learned in these formative years shapes the path to success. The DA wishes all learners a year filled with growth, discovery, and confidence.
Regards
Delmaine Christians MP
DA Spokesperson on Basic Education

Kingfisher
Alaska: You have two cows. Their combined IQ is higher than that of your most popular governor.
Chameleon
Fun South African Fact: South Africa’s natural and human fossil history dates back hundreds of thousands, even millions, of years. Early dinosaur fossils have been discovered in the Western Cape and up to 80% of mammalian fossils found so far have been discovered in the Karoo.