Being an MEC for Education in Gauteng is no walk in the park. Ask Panyaza Lesufi, the province’s MEC for Education, he will tell you. Gauteng, the country’s economic hub, is a complex province to lead.
Lesufi is not new to education. He is the former Education spokesperson both at provincial (Gauteng) and national levels. His last position before he became MEC was that of acting director general for Basic Education. So he has vast experience in the department.
In addition, he is likable and enjoys good relations with the media – a rare thing with politicians, particularly those from the governing party. He is also hands on, energetic and ambitious. Some see him as the future minister of Education.
That said, Lesufi is facing serious challenges in Gauteng. For instance, the Roodepoort Primary is burning. Parents are up in arms protesting against a black principal. Who said racism is dead and buried?
This has been going on for a while now.
The Gauteng MEC for Education has done everything possible to solve the problem in that school without success. He is even considering transferring the black principal to another school. Though that would set a bad precedent, his back is against the wall.
The other challenge confronting the MEC is that of Glenvista Primary in the leafy suburbs of Johannesburg South. Apparently the principal, in cahoots with the SGB, have embezzled the school funds. But the culprits since have been suspended.
The issue of financial misappropriation of school funds by principals is not isolated to Glenvista Primary. The problem has become cancerous. In many schools principals use school funds as they wish. Of course, they do so with the consent of SGBs. The Department of Education needs to do something about this.
Gauteng is a dynamic and vibrant province. It also has an active citizenry. Hence the increase in community protests and challenges in education. Lesufi needs all the support he can get from all the stakeholders. He also needs prayers.
