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During an oversight visit at two schools in the Amajuba District, Dr Imran Keeka, member of KZN Provincial Parliament and DA KZN Spokesperson on Education, was disturbed to view the conditions learners were forced to endure.
He elaborates, “I did not visit urban schools, which are generally in better conditions. I specifically went to those in rural areas. Going to two schools situated in Madadeni and Osiweni, I found they were in an abhorrent condition.” The challenges faced by the two schools include failing infrastructure, a lack of running water and sanitation, as well as no transport available for the learners (an issue shared with other schools).
Referring to the lack of transport, Dr Keeka explains in some areas; children were forced to walk extensive distances and even cross rivers.
This is concerning, especially when considering the dangers. On 14 February 2021, a 16-year-old drowned, while crossing the Mkhuze River near Pongola, KZN.
Moreover, a grave issue found at the school in Osizweni was a large pit filled with water. Dr Keeka explains he was told the hole was dug a year ago in order to construct pit latrines, and was only recently fenced off.
“This, where there are young children almost every day! We already know of a tragic case of drowning in a pit latrine. Thank God there was no tragedy here.”
This is not the only case in KZN, where the issue of pit toilets was raised. According to the National Teachers Union’s General Secretary, Cynthia Barnes, four schools were recently visited in the rural parts of KZN. During the visit, she explains there were pit toilets where children would fall into—seeing learners opting instead to relieve themselves outside.
In addition, Dr Keeka also went to the Harry Gwala District and points out that teaching has not begun at one of the schools he visited. “This is due to the friction between the unions and teachers.”
Looking for solutions, Dr Keeka clarifies that the bulk of the challenges faced by KZN schools can be resolved by addressing corruption. “Eradicating corruption and improving school facilities will empower children.”
Following his site visits in both the Amajuba District and the Harry Gwala District, Dr Keeka claims that the DA will now be holding the Government accountable for the sordid situation, as the opposition to the ANC.
As the DA looks at taking action, the Department of Basic Education recently acknowledged specific problems needed to be addressed promptly. The department explains a series of meetings were held with the Provincial Education Departments; a survey was also conducted by unions, all of which focus on schools’ readiness at a national and provincial level. “We remain committed to meeting and consulting with stakeholders in guiding and leading the sector, as we navigate our way through these difficult times.”
The school readiness monitoring has focused on the following areas:
- Health and safety.
- School admissions.
- Learner drop-out.
- Provision of teachers.
- Curriculum management and assessment.
- Roll-out of Information, Communication and Technologies (ICTs).
- National School Nutrition Programme (NSNP).
- Infrastructure delivery, with a special focus on water, sanitation.
- Learner transport for qualifying learners.
- School safety; and psychosocial support.
With the above in mind, what are your thoughts on the situation? Share your views with us in the comment section below.
One Response
Al leer ons kommentaar gaan dit nie help nie.
Hier is geen dissipliene nie.
Die in hoër posisies gee nie om vir ander nie.