THE poor 2015 matric results from the uMbumbulu area has prompted the amakhosi to intervene in the daily teaching and learning in local schools.
Early this year a non-profit organisation, the uMbulumbulu Education Forum (UEF), was formed by academics and education enthusiasts together with seven local amakhosi to address the low matric pass rate, drugs, weapons and post fixing in schools.
The executive committee of the newly formed UEF is iNkosi N Maphumulo, Dr BW Ngcobo, Dr T Langa, Mr D Makhanya, Mr B Hlela, Rev S Hlophe, Mrs NM Jele and Ms M Gumede.
iNkosi K Mkhize of iSimahla, iNkosi LD Mkhize, iNkosi N Maphumulo of Mdumezulu, iNkosi Makhanya of Sokesimbone, iNkosi N Hlengwa of Thoyana, iNkosi P Luthuli and iNkosi V Cele of Vumengazi applauded and supported the move by academics to restore the integrity and the academic status quo that the uMbumbulu area was once famous for.
“We need to restore smooth learning and teaching in our schools
The area has produced the respected Dr Oscar Dlomo, Dr Made and Dr Nembula, to name a few. Adams College has produced statesman like iNkosi Mangosuthu Buthelezi, Robert Mugabe and many more.
One of the co-founders of the forum, iNkosi Nathi Maphumulo said when KZN obtained poor results and uMbumbulu was the worst contributor, he felt they as leaders would have not done justice in the future of the nation during their tenure if they don’t step in to do something.
“Most of the schools were built by preceding amakhosi and named after them,” he said. “It would be reckless if we folded our arms while the state of our education is in limbo.” Recently the forum intervened successfully when Mbambangwe High School closed down, after pupils protested post fixing. It is now back in operation.
“We need to restore smooth learning and teaching in our schools,” said iNkosi Maphumulo. “Those who don’t want to learn must join amabutho and teachers must teach as they are hired to do.”
Local education inspector, Nhlanhla Ngcobo believes the forum will make her job easier and hopes the area will achieve better results by the end of the year.
The recent spate of protests over elections of councillors compounded the problem, as some pupils failed to complete quarterly exams due to the disturbance.
The UEF called an urgent meeting with the ANC eThekwini regional leadership and chairman, Zandile Gumede where the amakhosi urged the ANC leadership to address political feuds as schools become a target. Gumede promised swift intervention.
