Top performing school hit by overcrowding crisis
At present, the Grade Ten class has 105 learners while one Grade Eight class has 115.
Their school has an impeccable academic record and in 2019 again returned a 100 per cent matric pass rate.
Despite this, Ebusi Combined School in the rural Wasbank area is now under severe pressure, from learners whose parents are eager to send their children to the high performing school.
A recent visit to the school by the Courier revealed packed classrooms and while learners listened attentively to their teachers, they had to share desks and chairs. Teachers admitted they were doing their best under trying circumstances.
At present, the Grade Ten class has 105 learners while one Grade Eight class has 115. The Department of Education in Pietermaritzburg was asked to comment on the situation, but has yet to provide a response.
Dr Imran Keeka, DA spokesman for education in KwaZulu-Natal, said infrastructure collapse and destruction were large-scale obstacles in the way of delivering quality basic education in the province.
“While we have some 6 200 schools, the infrastructure budget is nowhere near what is expected to ensure proper delivery of teaching and learning. Overcrowding is commonplace in many districts and this one is no exception. The reasons cited for the lack of repair and expansion is the lack of funds to accomplish this. While this may have some merit, the reality is that corruption in the department must be rooted out and external revenue sources must be looked at,” he told the Courier.
“I made suggestions in this regard to the KZN MEC for Education, [Kwazi] Mshengu, during last year’s budget sittings, but he fobbed them off as nothing more than playing politics and coming from a ‘racist party’. With this kind of irresponsibility, learners and the provision of quality education are the victims of narrow political agendas. I will write to the MEC with regards to the overcrowding at this school.
“It may require temporary classrooms to be brought in. However, this requires an assessment which will take time; that is, if money can be found.”
Dr Keeka concluded he was hoping for the overcrowding crisis to be eased by installing mobile classrooms as ‘a matter of urgency’, before the quality of education at the school was compromised.
“I hope the department can attend to this within 60 days.”
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