Plans to convert non-viable schools to vocational skill centres

KwaZulu-Natal Premier, Nomusa Dube-Ncube, has outlined plans by the provincial government to convert non-viable schools with dwindling enrolment numbers into Vocational Skills Centres.

Premier Dube-Ncube, was speaking during the school monitoring visits in Umbumbulu to assess the progress since the start of the 2023 academic year, where issues related to the viability of schools with dwindling enrolment numbers came under sharp focus.

The Premier was accompanied by members of the Provincial Legislature and officials from the Department of Education.
They visited Ekudeyeni Primary School and Madundube Primary School in Umbumbulu and were armed with a checklist to evaluate the school’s enrolment capacity, attendance of pupils and educators, school nutrition programme, delivery of pupil support material and the involvement of the school governing body.

There are approximately three million pupils who have enrolled in over 6000 schools in the province for the 2023 academic year.
Speaking during the school functionality visits, Dube-Ncube said: “We are in discussion with the Department of Education and Department of Higher Learning and Training because our view is that some of the schools that have good infrastructure but are unused or have been closed because of dwindling enrolment numbers must be converted into Vocational Skills Centres to address the shortage of technical skills as we are experiencing a shortage of technically skilled personnel that we need as a country to develop. The skills training required among others includes Artisans, Plumbers, Electricians, Construction and Carpentry so that youth in townships and rural areas can be equipped with skills to start their own businesses.”
Premier Dube-Ncube also expressed concern over reports of theft and vandalism at schools.

“We call upon the community to demonstrate active citizenry and partner with police to protect school assets and buildings from vandalism, theft and destruction. The safety and security of teachers, schoolchildren, and property are also the responsibility of communities who must work with law enforcement agencies to bring perpetrators to book. We cannot afford to keep replacing vandalised infrastructure when we should be focusing on producing top-quality learners by building libraries and laboratories so that we equip learners with the requisite skills for the digital economy,” said Dube-Ncube.
She added that the issue of multi-grades, where a teacher teaches multiple grades simultaneously, was also raised.
Dube-Ncube said the Department of Education said teachers who fall under that category are capacitated and trained to ensure that effective learning and teaching takes place.
The Premier also emphasised that providing quality education remains an apex priority for the Provincial Government.

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