Midrand 03 July 2024. The African Peer Review Mechanism (APRM) Focal Point for the Pan-African Parliament, Mr. Germain Tshinu, representing the Chief Executive Officer of the Continental Secretariat, H.E. Amb. Marie-Antoinette Rose Quatre, presented the key findings of the Country Review Reports (CRR) of the Republics of Namibia and South Africa before the members of the Pan-African Parliament at the 3rd Ordinary Session of the Sixth Parliament. The presentation was in line with the African Union (AU) theme of the year: “Educate an African fit for the 21st Century: Building Resilient Education Systems for Increased Access to Inclusive, Lifelong, Quality, and Relevant Learning in Africa”.
The findings of the Namibia CRR are in alignment with the AU Continental Education Strategy for Africa (2016-2025), with education spending accounting for about 20% of the national budget, which reflects the government’s commitment to improving educational infrastructure, teacher training, and student acquired skills. Despite this commitment, it was found that the country still faces challenges in ensuring equitable access to quality education likely to equip the youth and most of the previously disadvantaged people with the skills required in the job market.
As regards the South Africa CRR, it was noted that since the transition to democracy in 1994, building both state and individual capacities to deliver basic services, has been a priority for the South African Government. This is exemplified by the continuous increment of the education budget which stood at 20% of the national budget in the 2023 fiscal year. However, there is need for substantial investments to improve educational infrastructure, teacher training, and access to quality education. These efforts are crucial to fostering a skilled workforce that can drive economic growth, enhance governance structures and correct the injustices inherited from the Apartheid system.
Honourable Members of the Pan-African Parliament welcomed the country review reports presented to them as an effort by the APRM to ensure that the findings and recommendations are subject to scrutiny and discussions by representatives from all member states. The Pan-African Parliament urged the APRM to ensure adequate dissemination and popularization of its reports, including at the grassroots level. This will contribute to promoting public awareness, empowerment, transparency, localised solutions, civil society engagement, and alignment with AU goals, and ensure that governance and development processes are inclusive, participatory, and responsive to the needs of all citizens.
