1. Introduction

Madam Speaker, it is with great pleasure and honour that I stand here before this august house to present the 2019/20 policy and budget speech on behalf of the Eastern Cape Department of Education. It so happens that this is the first policy speech presentation since we took office following the 2019 National Government elections.

This budget presentation takes place just months after the passing of our beloved father, Mathematics teacher, educationalist, activist, gallant fighter and doyen of our struggle, the Honourable Mandla Makupula. A commissar of the liberation movement, who paved the way for me to stand here before you and present a tale of development and improvement within the department. This story, penned by our Honourable Mandla Makupula, is a tale of triumph within the department and demonstrates the great strides education has made within the province to date. Had it not been for his departure, he undoubtedly would be standing here before you, sharing this extraordinary news of great progress within the nation.

Speaker: FD Gade