Cape Town – MEC for Education Debbie Schäfer has resigned from her position.
She handed in her resignation yesterday to Premier Alan Winde, which he accepted, while praising her for her excellent service to the people of the Western Cape. This was revealed in a joint statement released by the pair.
Schäfer said she received a job offer in the UK and has accepted the new position. Her last day in the office is 15 May.
“I have been in politics now for 20 years, serving in all three spheres of government. I believe I have made valuable contributions in each,” said Schäfer
She has been MEC of Education for the past eight years. “I believe I have left the department in a better place than I found it, and I am proud of the work that we have together achieved.”
Schäfer said she is now ready to bow out of public life and is in the fortunate position to have been offered a job in the legal sector in the UK.
“I will be joining some of my family there which presents a unique opportunity for us to experience together. I will leave the office with effect from 15 May 2022.”
Part of her achievements includes overseeing the establishment of the Schools Evaluation Authority, the first in the country. This entity provides an independent oversight function over the quality of education at schools.
The Western Cape has the highest bachelor pass rate in the country and has reached its highest retention rate ever. Her department also invested significantly in E-learning and embraced innovation to ensure that the education system moves with the times.
She thanked former Premier Helen Zille for entrusting her with the responsibility and Premier Alan Winde for his leadership and support.
“Premier Winde has recently announced bold and exciting changes to the WCG and I am excited for what this will lead to. A new Minister of Education will be afforded an opportunity to both build on the tremendous work of our team to date, as well as to introduce change with their own approach and ideas.”
She also said she remains committed to the DA and has no intention of resigning her membership.
“I also remain of the view that the DA is the only hope to rescue South Africa from the current trajectory, and which can realise the immense potential that we have.”
Premier Winde said: “I would like to express my heartfelt gratitude to Debbie for her excellent service to the people of the Western Cape, especially our province’s children.”
“Anyone who knows Debbie knows that she is a strong and tenacious leader, who fights hard each and every day to ensure a well-run, quality-focused education system in the Western Cape.”
Winde added that her results speak for themselves.
“She has been dedicated to supporting poor schools, with 61% of schools in the Western Cape now being “no fee” schools. This includes the additional assistance to quintile 4 and 5 schools to become “no fee” schools.”
“During the Covid-19 pandemic and the major impact that this had on the education sector, she worked hard to ensure our schools were prepared to protect those we love while ensuring learning continued.”
Winde will announce changes to his cabinet tomorrow. He is expected to announce a replacement for fired Community Safety MEC Albert Fritz and Schäfer’s replacement.
Weekend Argus