Answer to Question #230639 in English for Amanda Gambushe

Question

1. Identify a government department of your choice and visit the department's website.

2. Compile the biography of the minister of that department.

3. Compile the biography of the director-general of that department.

Answer 1

The Department of Basic Education is one of the departments of the South African government. It oversees primary and secondary education in South Africa. Born in Soweto, Transvaal, Motshekga was born on 19 June 1955. From various schools in Soweto, she received her primary school education. She enrolled in Matatiele's boarding school. Motshekga studied for a bachelor of arts in education at the University of the North. Motshekga holds a bachelor's degree and a master's degree from the Witwatersrand University. During the 1980s, Motshekga was a member of the Soweto Education Crisis Committee that later formed part of the National Education Coordinating Committee. Motshekga was sworn into the Gauteng Provincial Legislature following the general election of 1999. She was appointed chairman of the Education Committee of the legislature.

In April 2009, Motshekga was elected to the Assembly. The Education Portfolio was unbundled by newly elected President Jacob Zuma into two distinct new ministries. The minister of basic education was appointed Motshekga. On 11 May 2009, she assumed office. During its first term, between December 2011 and June of 2012, textbooks were not given to the impoverished Limpopo schools. She faced resignation or removal calls, but she remained in the position.