Education head retires
AFTER dedicating more than 47 years to improving the education system in the province, the head of the Western Cape’s Education Department (WCED), Brian Schreuder had his last day at the office yesterday.
Schreuder, who retired yesterday, said it has been “an unbelievable privilege” to work with the people there.
He said there have been “fantastic principals, committed teachers, wonderful officials” and “particularly the amazing children of this province and this country”.
“I am very proud of the initiatives launched during my time. The literacy and numeracy strategies were an example, the e-learning strategy that has now moved to digital learning and blended learning, will set them on the way for real 21st century education," he said. WCED spokesperson Bronagh Hammond said it was a sad day in their head office, as they said goodbye to two wonderful colleagues and influential leaders in the organisation.
Hammond said Schreuder and Dr Peter Beets, the deputy director-general: curriculum and assessment management, both retired yesterday.
“As Schreuder retires, we have been celebrating his achievements, but also mourning the loss of a giant in the education sector.” Education MEC Debbie Schäfer wished Schreuder a restful and relaxing retirement. She said, his character does not lend itself to too much leisure.
“I have no doubt that he will continue to make a contribution to our cause of delivering quality education to every learner in our province, or wherever else he has the opportunity.”
Federation of Governing Bodies of SA Schools (Fedsas) deputy provincial manager Tony Marshall said Schreuder has led through wholesome, inclusive values that Fedsas Western Cape has been able to support. Brent Walters, the newly appointed HOD, said he was excited to take over the job which had been filled with “Schreuder’s big shoes”, and looked forward to living through the vision of quality education for every learner, classroom and school in the province.
ANC provincial spokesperson on education Khalid Sayed said he hoped that Schreuder would continue to share his perspectives on the administration and management of education as an experienced official.