A delegation of the National Catholic Board of Education (NCBE) and CIE met with Minister Gwarube on 9 April to introduce the Catholic education network and discuss issues that continue to affect the schools in the different provinces. The delegation comprised Bishop S Sipuka (NCBE President), Fr H O'Connor (NCBE Chairperson), Mrs J Seland (CIE Director), Mr M Qwabe (CIE Deputy Director) and Fr Sean Addinal (Western Cape CBE). Owing to last-minute changes to the meeting, apologies were noted from representatives of the Religious Congregations.
The first purpose was to introduce the Catholic Education Network, the NCBE and CIE to the Minister which was done jointly by Mduduzi and Janice. The Minister was made aware of the programmes delivered by CIE and the background of Catholic Education in South Africa. The challenges were then raised by Fr Hugh O’Connor for both Public Schools on Private Property (PSPPs) and Independent Schools. These challenges were raised already with the DG, Mr Mweli, on the 10th of February 2025.
The Minister acknowledged the fact that the issues raised with the DG were taking too long to be addressed, and went on to promise that DBE would intervene where provinces were failing to act. She also requested that where there are already pressure points, the delegation needed to list these and the provinces involved, in order to avoid a crisis in our collaboration. The issue of rentals and maintenance was of particular concern, as she did not understand why provinces were failing to adhere to the agreement - though it was emphasised that not all provinces were non-compliant. The delegation was also requested to send a document stating the rental paid in each province.
It was also stated that the Registration Guidelines for Registration and Accreditation of Independent Schools have been approved by the Council of Education Ministers, and were now in the hands of HEDCOM. The issue around subsidies relating to different categories of independent schools needed more thought and careful research.
The Minister implored the owners to think about making the rental uniform across provinces, and perhaps making a proposal to DBE in future in this regard. It was stated that DBE is following the rates tax case in Gauteng to see what the court finally decides and it will help inform other provinces on this issue. The Minister will have discussions with COGTA around the rates and taxes imposed by municipalities. There was a request for the CIE to get involved in ECD as a priority for the sector.
The Minister closed the meeting by acknowledging the role that the Catholic Church plays in Education, and by stating that the DBE supported working in partnerships.
