NORTHERN CAPE – In a scathing statement released today, prominent COPE Congress National Committee member, Pakes Dikgetsi, pointedly places the blame for the dismal matriculation results in South Africa’s Northern Cape province squarely on the shoulders of Premier Zamani Saul. Dikgetsi accuses Saul of failing to live up to the ambitious slogan of a “Modern Growing Successful Province” and challenges the credibility of the province’s leader.
The media statement dissects each component of Saul’s slogan, asserting that it exists only in the Premier’s mind, with no buy-in from social partners or stakeholders. Dikgetsi questions the disconnect between the promised progress and the stark reality of the province’s academic performance, noting that the class of 2023, under Saul’s leadership since 2019, is languishing at the bottom of the educational ladder.
Saul’s leadership style comes under scrutiny, described as dictatorial and quantity-focused rather than quality-driven. Dikgetsi highlights a mere 1.3% change in quantity as a meager achievement that underscores Saul’s prioritization of quantity over educational excellence.
The media statement further delves into Saul’s unfulfilled promises, particularly his commitment five years ago to turn around the Department of Education by establishing his own “desk.” Dikgetsi claims that this “desk” was never realized, and instead, Saul has allegedly destabilized the department by questionable personnel changes, including the removal of a competent Head of Department (HOD) on the eve of examinations.
Dikgetsi accuses Saul of appointing a junior crony, reportedly lacking qualifications in education, to a crucial leadership role within the education department. The removal of a serving woman Deputy Director-General (DDG) with a PhD. in education is also highlighted, raising concerns about the Premier’s commitment to the well-being and education of the province’s children.
The media statement concludes with a stark warning about the irreversible damage Saul’s alleged incompetence, dictatorial leadership style, and self-interests may have on the majority of learners, particularly those without the resources to seek additional support. Dikgetsi urges accountability, asserting that every day Saul remains in power is a day complicit in jeopardizing the education and future of South Africa’s children. The Premier is ominously referred to as “Idi Amin” in the corridors of power, with a reminder that the province once achieved excellence until Saul’s tenure began in 2008.
As the controversy unfolds, many are left wondering whether the chickens will indeed come home to roost for Premier Zamani Saul and his leadership in the not too distant future.