Highs and lows on first school day

TWO Zululand schools have been hailed as ‘models of quality education’ by KZN Premier Senzo Mchunu during inspections on day one of the 2015 academic year on Wednesday.

There were ‘pluses’ and ‘minuses’ as thousands of Zululand pupils headed back to school, but at most urban and rural schools throughout the region teachers wasted no time in getting down to serious work.

At eXhaphozini Primary School in eSikhaleni, the Premier, accompanied by uThungulu District Director David Chonco, was impressed with the school’s organisation.

‘They were well-managed with textbooks and stationery already been distributed. The Premier commended them for starting work promptly. Everything was up to scratch. We will intervene through negotiations to ensure that neighbouring schools that have available space can assist with further enrollments,’ said Chonco.

At Empangeni High, which obtained a 98% matricpass rate last year, Mchunu said the school was a ‘model of excellence’ that could be emulated throughout the province.

‘Overall, we were happy with the smooth start. At Mdlamfe High where there were 831 enrolments, we discussed certain challenges faced by the school, including lack of support from parents, the high number of teen pregnancies and drug abuse,’ Chonco said.

Overcrowding

However, overcrowding and late admissions remained a problem at many other schools, with parents desperately trying to enrol pupils at the last minute.

At Bajabulile Primary in eSikhaleni, parents queued for hours outside the school as security guards locked the gate.

‘Some parents wanted to register their children and were forced to go back home,’ said community member and CPF Chairman, Muzobanzi Ntuli.

‘It is not fair for a security guard to make that decision without anyone from the school explaining the procedure for registration. Some parents were there for the first time. Other parents had queries and just brought in their proof of payment,’ Ntuli said.

While they experienced a smooth start, Empangeni Christian School Headmaster Pierre Cito said they also had admission problems with walk-ins from parents who had been sent away from schools that were already full.

The government delegation monitoring the reopening of schools targeted both good and bad performing schools.

‘We wanted to get a first-hand understanding about the differing school environments, the problems they encounter, and how to address those challenges.

‘For instance at Mashananandana High near Mtunzini where the pass rate was very poor, we already have a plan in place to improve the learning environment at the school, which has been plagued by pupil disruption and vandalism,’ said Chonco.

@RonelleRamsamy