The IFP warned from the outset that OBE was doomed in South Africa because it failed in other countries years before the ANC-led education department thought it was a workable concept for South Africa.  

"The ruling party's costly effort to resuscitate a dead policy has been a disaster, turning an entire generation of school children into victims of yet another social experiment," said IFP spokesperson on education Alfred Mpontshane. 

The IFP contends that the sudden move in the ruling party to rethink OBE is a belated response to the criticisms this policy received from the ANC breakaway party in recent days. 

"The National Convention for Democracy held in Sandton and attended by the opposition parties two weeks ago did not mince words about the failures of OBE. The ANC is merely trying to stay relevant by appearing to disown one of its flagship policies. The momentum is clearly with the opposition," said Mpontshane. 

The IFP has long questioned OBE's failed credentials in other countries as well as the lack of resources and training to meet its elaborate objectives in the South African context. 

"We have been sadly vindicated by the consistently poor performance of South African pupils in international maths and literacy tests," said Mpontshane. 

Contact:
Alfred Mpontshane
083 441 6201