Schools' Functionality: Challenges Out there are Overwhelming (isiZulu)

Honourable MEC for Human Settlements and Public Works, Mrs Neliswa Peggy Nkonyeni MPL, and also ‘champion’ of iLembe District was at the forefront in the company of a delegation that spearheaded a hectic 3-day schools’ visit within the areas of KwaMaphumulo and Ndwedwe respectively. The programme took place according to a scheduled time sheet and visits targeted the Velangezwi High, Macaphuna Secondary, Njubanjuba Secondary, Sinenhlanhla Secondary and Manzini Secondary schools. Amongst other delegates who attended were Members of the Provincial Legislature (MPLs), namely Mrs Sibidla-Saphetha, Mrs Gumede, Messrs Moodley, Nxumalo and Meyer. Other esteemed participants included Traditional Leaders – Amakhosi and Izinduna, Mayors and Deputy Mayors of relevant municipalities, Mr Madondo, the iLembe District Director for Education Department, the iLembe District Schools’ Inspectorates and Principals, Educators, members of the School Governing Bodies, members of the surrounding communities, and other stakeholders including representatives from the KZN Education Labour Sector.

Mr Jomo Sibiya, the Chairperson of the KwaZulu-Natal Portfolio Committee on Education has been instrumental in leading and chairing all the meetings and activities during the visits. The school functionality and monitoring programme is centred on the successes and challenges of daily teaching and learning. In addition, education infrastructure has been a pillar item of discussion and handling as it defines the most basic and fundamental elements necessary to ensure that access to learning facilities that are well structured and conducive for the learners is realised. School functionality and monitoring programme is nothing but service delivery – but it must be the best of it.

When he delivered the State of the Province Address on 28 June 2019 under the theme “Breaking the grimy restraints for a United, Healthy, Safe, and Prosperous KwaZulu-Natal”, the Honourable Premier, Mr Sihle Zikalala, MPL raised serious concerns on growing social ills. “We are seeing a rise in the number of stunted children, teenage pregnancy and high level of drug abuse and alcohol. KZN, of late has been grabbing the headlines for all the wrong reasons. Some of our schools have become war zones and centres of crime, drugs, and sexual abuse.” Furthermore, the statement read “Indeed, we are faced with extreme difficulties and serious restraining socio-economic challenges. But because of our conviction with the genuine course of our liberation, democracy and development, we have no doubt that we will triumph. Definitely, light will prevail over darkness, good over evil, friendship and human solidarity will defeat greed and exploitation, just as growth and prosperity must win over underdevelopment and social decay. Because our cause is genuine and our mission entails noble goals, we have no doubt that victory is certain.”