The Joburg East District of the Department of Education hopes to resolve the high demand for school enrolment in Alex through the creation of more schools.
On 7 August, district director, Mnyamezeli Ndevu, said at an education stakeholders meeting held at SanKopano Community Centre, that they were waiting for the Joburg Development Agency to advise on when three schools in Marlboro and nearby areas would be constructed.
Ndevu said the district was inundated with a migration of local children wanting enrolment in school. “It happens all the time, especially at the beginning of the school year and results in local children failing to get places in school. This is partly caused by parents delaying to register their children in time.”
He said this in reference to next year’s enrolment which is still below 100 percent, despite public notifications.
“We expect to be inundated with frantic and disappointed parents at the beginning of next year, even though parents had ample time to register their children.” he said.
Ndevu added that they were also working to improve the quality of education through e-learning using tablets which, in turn, would improve technology skills for both children and teachers.
An official of the district, Thabo Bochardt, said they would also introduce career weeks earlier at secondary school level to help pupils with career guidance, information on subject selection for their chosen careers and study methods to help them pass matric.
Another district official, Klaas Mackeke, called for improved moral responsibility in the community to help improve children’s education. “Parents and school governing bodies should redirect their energies to curb ill discipline and disruptions in schools and to engage in campaigns for improved quality learning and teaching,” he said.
