Governing bodies essential in education
Middelburg played host to the provincial elective conference of the National Association of School Governing Bodies at the Midway Inn Hotel, where the assembly was addressed by Mpumalanga Education MEC Bonakele Majuba.
The elective conference was hosted under the theme of ‘Optimal Knowledge and Wisdom to Protect Governance in Schools’.
In his formal address, MEC Majuba told attendees that it went without saying that educational leadership needed to foster a deep understanding of good governance principles to make sound decisions.
MEC Majuba said the department was thrilled by the leadership shown by the NASGB towards bettering education for all.
The MEC conceded that education is a delicate and valuable commodity that can never be left in the hands of the education department alone.
“I must forthrightly say that the support received made the current, sixth administration in education, able to weather the storm of Covid-19,” MEC Majuba thanked delegates.
He highlighted the department’s Risk-Adjusted Differentiated Strategy during the pandemic, during which only some learners would attend classes on a rotational basis, while teachers and department officials succumbed to the virus, “It was scary for everyone, but we soldiered on to salvage the education of our children. I am here today to say thank you for being there.”
According to MEC Majuba, Mpumalanga has 31 000 educators in 1 666 schools.
In Nkangala alone, the department has 8 975 teachers, the highest number in the four districts.
He said the department was concerned over allegations of corruption with the filling of vacant posts and called on governing bodies “to actively root out such tendencies, please help us”.
More than 50 per cent of teachers in Mpumalanga are aged 50 and above.
MEC Majuba alluded to an exodus of young teachers towards other sectors and said the guidance of SGBs was needed to create a favourable environment for young teachers to grow within the system.
The MEC addressed shocking reports “that 82 per cent of ten-year-olds cannot read with meaning”, resulting in the province adopting a “drop all and read” strategy, as well as the MEC’s own book club for youngsters.
On October 30, the Class of 2023 will sit down for their final grade 12 exams, and the MEC called for all-round support for matric students.
He urged no disruptions in schools and said the department fully intends to attain a pass rate of 83 per cent.
He said the department will roll out spring classes for matrics from this week.
