What is next for MoESD?

Mmegi Editor | Wednesday May 28, 2014 14:44

On Monday, four deputy permanent secretaries went to the National Assembly where the Public Accounts Committee (PAC) is currently sitting to examine state expenditure for the financial year 2013-2014.

Whether or not the MoESD delegation knew what their mission to the Parliament Building was, is a topic for another day.

However, it should be noted that the officers were not prepared to answer any questions, not even what their positions were in the public service.

This is the ministry tasked with moulding the youth who are the future of this country. But that can only be achieved if there is good management.

If the officers at the ministry headquarters are unable to account to the highest body in the land, what about a head teacher in the jungles of Bobirwa, Okavango, Kgalagadi and others? What about a regional education officer who reports to this lot? Most importantly, what is going to happen to our education system if these men and women in suits are unable to account for the money they spend? Could this be the reason why we have so many cases of teacher-student love affairs; student pregnancies and all sorts of evils?

Perhaps it is time this monster called MoESD is divided into two ministries of lower and higher education.  In fact, it is already clear that the ministry is too big for one person if President Ian Khama’s recent cabinet reshuffle is anything to go by.

Khama’s sleight of hand has resulted in the docket having an unprecedented four ministers.  In the process, some say he broke the law on the number of cabinet ministers allowed in the country.  We urge whoever will be in charge of the state after the general election to subdivide the ministry as a matter of priority.

This will save the country from more disaster that obviously awaits us and help the people charged with running the portfolio to do a better job. The ministry was also mentioned as a home for ghost employees who are said to cost the government millions.

                                                                 Today’s thought

“Each day you are leading by example. Whether you realise it or not or whether it’s positive or negative, you are influencing those around you.”

 

                                                               -   Rob Liano