INTERFERENCE by workers’ unions and internal squabbles; late delivery of books to schools and lack of proper infrastructure were raised as major barriers to education by most uThungulu principal’s at uMfolozi FET College on Thursday.
Members of the KZN legislature, led by Education Portfolio Committee chairperson Linda Hlongwa, provincial leaders, school governing body (SGB) chairpersons and principals had a discussion to ensure the smooth running of schools in the new year, and aimed to take immediate action where necessary.
Former KZN Education MEC and Premier Senzo Mchunu reported on the district’s performance for the year 2013, emphasising the importance of improving the educational system.
‘We must not only focus on matrics. All grades needs special attention. Our standard of education should be the same from Grade R to 12’.
Mchunu also congratulated the district on their exceptional 2013 matric results, however she said Maths and Science remain a major challenge for the lower grades.
‘The Annual National Assessment (ANA) revealed that in Grade 3, 6 and 9, there is still a major challenge regarding Maths and home languages such as English and IsiZulu. The average pass rate in Maths for Grade 3 was 55%, for Grade 6 was 42.8% and for Grade 9 12.9% which is a shocking number,’ said Mchunu.
UThungulu Education Department director David Chonco and other leaders such as uMhlathuze Municipality Deputy Mayor Vera Gumbi, uThungulu Mayor Thembeka Mchunu, member of parliament Dr Celiwe Madlopha and members of the KZN Legislature also participated in the discussions.
School challenges
The school books delivery delay remained a major obstacle in the district, while allegations surfaced about the newly appointed government food suppliers.
Principals pleaded with officials to return to the old system, when schools chose their own suitable supplier.
‘They are rude and always deliver late. Sometimes we have to send children home because there is no food. The old system worked better,’ said one principal.
They also raised their concerns about the increase of union interference and squabbles in the area.
‘Educators take their union fights to the schools. Unions should not be part of the running of the school. It shouldn’t matter whether an educator belongs to SADTU of NATU, at the end of the day our main purpose is to educate these children. What we must remember is that we are all employed by the Education Department not by unions,’ said principal Mlambo.
Other issues raised included the lack of water supplies, electricity and working hygienic toilets.
