Union expects good matric results

THE National Teachers’ Union (NATU) is confident the Class of 2022 matric results set to be released next week will be much better than the previous year.

Minister of Basic Education Angie Motshekga is expected to announce the results on Thursday, and matriculants will be able to collect them at the centre at which they sat for the National Senior Certificate (NSC) examinations the following day.

ALSO READ: Salga KZN calls for grant consolidation

NATU president Sibusiso Malinga said teaching and learning were not disrupted last year and teachers worked tirelessly to prepare matriculants to pass their exams.

“We appreciate the teachers for their dedication. They worked extra hours, including weekends and public holidays, and dedicated themselves beyond their call of duty,” said Malinga.

“This shows that, to them, teaching is not just a profession but a calling.”

Malinga further said, while they are expecting good results, it must be noted that last year’s matriculants were badly affected by Covid-19 when in grades 10 and 11 as the curriculum was trimmed owing to the Covid-19 pandemic.

“Our main challenge in most schools is that there are shortages of teachers. We have been calling on the Department of Education to provide schools with adequate teachers. There is overcrowding at schools, making it difficult for teachers to perform to the best of their abilities.

“A teacher needs to identify children who are struggling in their subjects and attend to them individually. Teachers cannot do this because classes are over full,” he said.

Malinga added that this does not occur only at the school level, but also in the circuit offices, and at the district and provincial levels.

“We do not have enough subject advisers. For the country to have the best education system, it needs to create teaching posts annually, but that does not happen.

“Our education department needs to be excluded from the budget cut, as we need more libraries and laboratories for our learners. This budget cut also prevents filling these vacant posts,” he said.

Attempts to obtain comment from KZN Department of Education spokesperson Muzi Mahlambi were unsuccessful.

HAVE YOUR SAY

Like our Facebook page  and follow us on Twitter.

For news straight to your phone invite us:

WhatsApp – 060 784 2695

Instagram – zululand_observer