During a two-day oversight visit, a delegation from the Portfolio Committee on Basic Education visited schools in Kwa-Zulu Natal to evaluate their preparedness for the 2024 academic year. The delegation engaged with various stakeholders in the education sector and visited five schools in the uThukela and uMzinyathi education districts.
The focus of the visit was on infrastructure, ablution facilities, Grade R/early childhood development sites, learner-teacher support material, nutrition, learner transport, special schools support, and discussions with stakeholders about the state of schooling in 2024.
The leader of the delegation, Ms Nombuyiselo Adoons, commended the provincial department for its speedy action in assisting schools that were damaged by floods and strong winds. However, she noted that this would impact the budget, particularly for infrastructure and repairs that were planned.
The delegation highlighted the excellent performance of Muntuza Primary School, which is a full service school with Grade R facilities and has been piloted for Robotics and Coding. They also noted challenges at Njeza High School and Sihayo Technical Comprehensive School with fluctuating Grade 12 results.
Additionally, the delegation visited Pro Nobis Special School, which mostly caters to learners on the autism spectrum. The school has adequate infrastructure but needs refurbishment, and new scholar transport has been fitted for learners with special needs.
Common challenges noted at many schools included high electricity and water bills, vandalism, and burglaries due to lack of security. Ms Adoons appealed to communities to assist with these challenges, emphasizing the impact on children’s education and future.
The oversight visit concluded with a meeting with stakeholders, including the MEC for education in the province. The delegation’s concerns were noted and responded to, with the provincial department of basic education indicating that it has been impacted by budget cuts from National Treasury.
Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Department of Basic Education: Republic of South Africa.