The Inkatha Freedom Party in KwaZulu-Natal calls for a thorough assessment of the districts that performed badly in the 2016 matric exams even though the province achieved a 66.4 percent pass rate.
“We are concerned about the poor performance by the Zululand, Harry Gwala and Ilembe Districts respectively in the matric exams. This calls for urgent action from the MEC because this proves that there are serious problems facing these districts. We congratulate all those learners who have passed, especially those who have done well in maths and science, but it is obvious that the department has not done enough in providing learning resources in many rural schools. We want to see more science laboratories being built in rural schools and more exposure of rural children to maths and science careers that they can pursue. To start career guidance and exhibitions for only Grade 12 learners is not enough, this must start from Grade 8,” said IFP KZN Provincial Spokesperson on Education, Mrs Thembeni Madlopha-Mthethwa MPL.
“This assessment must include the performance by the teachers themselves, leaner discipline, learning infrastructure and resources, performance by district managers and learner transport. We believe that the poor performance of matric pupils in these districts encompasses many things. It must be investigate whether the above mentioned concerns had a negative impact on the matric results. The fact that four schools were allegedly implicated in mass copying tells us that the department did nothing to address this issue from the time it first occurred a few years ago. This is a very serious matter which casts doubt on the overall results in the province,” continued Mrs Madlopha-Mthethwa.
“We urge the KZN MEC of Education, Mthandeni Dlungwane to ensure that he comes up with a concrete plan to address issue of poor performing schools. We want him to take necessary action against all district managers who fail to perform their allotted duties. Furthermore we want him to ensure that all schools are well resourced and learners are provided with scholar transport to avoid lame excuses when the results are announced,” concluded Mrs Madlopha-Mthethwa.
The IFP will continue to be a thorn on the side of the MEC in the KZN Legislature to ensure that he implements best strategies to solve problems facing the poor performing schools in the province.
Issued by:
Mrs Thembeni Madlopha-Mthethwa MPL
IFP KZN Education Spokesperson
079 114 3015/ 071 884 3844
