Limpopo DA paints a bleak picture regarding the future of the ‘vulnerable’ learners
The Democratic Alliance (DA) conducted an oversight inspection at three schools in the Capricorn region to assess school readiness on the first school day of 2021.
LIMPOPO – “This culture of unpreparedness by the Limpopo Department of Education and its inability to address the historical issues the schools in the province face continues to be major issue.”
These are the words of Jacques Smalle, DA Spokesperson for Education after an oversight inspection at Molautsi Secondary School, OR Mabotja Secondary School and Mmaditshika Primary School, on Monday, 15 February. Smalle added that the visit revealed that the schools are not ready for the new academic year and that the future of the learners , especially the most vulnerable learners who are in our quintile 1 and 2 schools, will remain bleak until the government addresses these historical challenges.
During the visit to OR Mabotja Secondary school, the DA noted the shortage of desks, some textbooks and the lack of water. “OR Mabotja Secondary school has not had water since the School Management Team resumed work on the 25 January. At present the school does not have water and has to use the general assistants to fetch water from the community.”
The inspection team also commented on the issue of food security at the school. “The National School Nutrition Programme (NSNP) food has not been delivered and learners are being fed with the food that was left over from December. The food is also stored and prepared in an unsatisfactory environment and manner.” Challenges being experienced at the Mmaditshika Primary School include the lack of classrooms and sufficient toilet facilities. “The state of a block of classrooms, which was damaged in the 2013/14 storm season, has still not been addressed despite numerous engagements with the department and unfulfilled promises for the provision of mobile classrooms. He added that the school has had to use the staffroom as a makeshift Grade R classroom.
“Molautsi Secondary School highlighted challenges around the high probability of being unable to complete the curriculum due to the rotational basis learners will be attending classes and the reduced contact time with learners. The NSNP at the school was functional and the food was delivered but there were no plans to prepare food for all learners, they only intend to prepare meals for the learners that will be at school on a rotational basis.
Smalle also noted that the school has two vacant teaching posts as well as a shortage of grade 11 books.
“Early indications are also that the system of learner attendance on a rotational basis will have a negative impact on the ability of schools to completely cover the curriculum and reduce the contact time educators have with learners. In all the visits this was highlighted as a challenge in the midst of an increased workload. The Democratic Alliance (DA) in Limpopo has written to MEC Polly Boshielo to urgently address challenges faced by schools for the 2021 academic year. The DA will continue to monitor the progress of schools and adherence to the health and safety measures during this Covid-19 pandemic to ensure that learners, educators and staff are protected. We appreciate the effort of educators, School Management Teams, School Governing Bodies, staff and parents in ensuring the start of the 2021 academic year for our learners.”
In conclusion Smalle noted that each school visited had a fully functional Covid-19 screening station.
