Honourable Chairperson, it is trite knowledge that the Department of Basic Education is one of our most important Departments and receives a greater share of our national budget.
But it is shocking that in KZN, some schools especially in the uMkhanyakude district have not received funding for norms and standards. Some principals run their schools via the services of loan sharks, and even those schools who received some norms and standards funding, only received 50% or less. uBuhlebemvelo Primary School, Gilonki, Qakwini and many other schools are all prime examples of this scam.
Chairperson, there are in excess of 800 qualified teachers in KZN that are unemployed and yet classes remain overcrowded in schools. Infrastructure is very poor in this district. Construction of schools from 2012 until today has not yet been completed. Schools are still using pit toilets which are over flowing with excrement and I was shocked in one school where they are using Jojo tanks as their septic tank system.
The Awarding of tenders for school nutrition programmes remains a challenge and learners in Mkhanyakude might not receive a meal when there is insufficient budget to provide same.
The uMkhanyakude district is in crisis and requires an urgent intervention from the National Department of Basic Education.
I thank you.
Contact:
Hon Xolani Ngwezi, MP
076 975 5555
