Public representatives do spot checks on local schools

For immediate release

Whilst some schools were praised for ensuring that the culture of teaching and learning proceeded on the very first day of the school calendar for 2010, some principals were slammed for not having their affairs in order. This was during a visit by public representatives to schools that did not do well in last year's matric results. The delegations consisted of, among others, MEC for Arts, Culture, Sports and Recreation Weziwe Thusi, speaker of KZN legislature Neliswa Peggy Nkonyeni, MPs, mayor of the Ugu District Sithembiso Cele and those from local municipalities and councilors. Speaking in one of the visited schools, Ugu mayor Sithembiso Cele said by doing these spot checks, the delegation was on a fact finding mission, checking whether all is well as the schools got underway for this year. Principals, ably assisted by their deputies, had to answer a questionnaire that was specially prepared for school visits. There were also clarity seeking questions on the state of the schools with regard to matric results for the past three years, enrolment, absenteeism for teachers and learners, problems encountered by teachers in their respective schools and many other things. Delegation leader Nonzwakazi Swaartbooi, MPL, was impressed by the state of affairs at Sizathina and Siphapheme High schools, located in the deep rural areas of Vulamehlo, despite the limited resources they have in their disposal. "The teachers in those schools are really motivated. They do their best in making sure that learners receive the best education yet they are working under very difficult conditions," said Ms Swaartbooi. However, this was not the case with two prominent schools in Gamalakhe, Galeni and Olwandle . There seems to be serious problems in both these schools. Matric results have not been satisfactory in the last couple of years and teachers are not motivated to do heir duties. "I'm not happy with what I've seen here. Some teachers came late which is a bad example to learners. Teachers must lead by example," said the MEC for Arts and Culture Ms Weziwe Thusi. It was clear that most schools are faced with more or less the same social problems which include alcohol abuse by children, teenage pregnancy, lack or no support from parents and those children that come from very poor backgrounds. The team assured teachers that one of the reasons for doing school visits were to assess the situation themselves and see how they can assist in solving some of the problems. After the visits were completed, a debriefing meeting was held between the delegation and the department of education to find a way forward as to how to best improve the state of education in these schools.

ISSUED BY: MAYORS OF THE UGU DISTRICT FAMILY OF MUNICIPALITIES For more information and media queries contact: Brian Fikani Dube Mobile: 079 525 7177 Email:brian.dube@ugu.org.za