The Portfolio Committee on Basic Education, today commenced with its oversight visit to schools in the Western Cape to assess their readiness for the 2022 academic year.
The committee visited seven schools in the Cape Metropolitan area. The schools visited include special needs schools, primary schools and high schools. The committee Chairperson, Ms Bongiwe Mbinqo-Gigaba, said the committee commends the schools it visited today for what seems like good management and strong leadership. “This was clear from the schools we visited. It is also clear from the performance of these schools,” said Ms Mbinqo-Gigaba.
The committee has, however, noted with concern the issue of gangsterism and criminality that was highlighted in most schools visited.
“We understand that the issue of gangsters and criminality stems from our communities and society. In most instances this follow learners into our schools and school grounds,” emphasised Ms Mbinqo-Gigaba.
She appealed to the Western Cape Education Department (WCED) as well as the South African Police Services, together with communities to assist in making schools safer.
She said: “It is very difficult for teaching and learning to happen in an environment where learners and educators fear for their lives.”
The committee also noted that the WCED still has a number of unplaced learners. “We understand the influx of learners in both the Western Cape and Gauteng provinces and this is where it stems from. We appeal to the provincial departments together with the Department of Basic Education to try and find a solution to this,” she continued.
At some schools the committee also noted the delay in infrastructure development and scheduled maintenance. “This is worrying as basic maintenance of toilets, sanitation and roofs should not be delayed as our learners and educators should attend in habitable schools. However, we know this is a national challenge.”
The committee also raised concerns about scholar transport especially at special schools. It learnt about the great expense this is to special schools as this item is not covered at other schools. “We need to find ways to assist these schools as they have to put more resources into scholar transport.”
The committee will continue with its oversight visit tomorrow in the Cape Winelands and Breede River education districts.