South Africa: Parliamentary Committee Evaluates Kwa-Zulu Natal Schools’ Readiness for 2024 Academic Year

A delegation from the Portfolio Committee on Basic Education recently conducted a comprehensive two-day assessment of schools in Kwa-Zulu Natal to ensure their preparedness for the upcoming 2024 academic year.

During the visit to five schools in the uThukela and uMzinyathi education districts, the delegation engaged with various stakeholders in the education sector.

Led by Ms Nombuyiselo Adoons, the delegation focused on critical areas such as infrastructure, sanitation facilities, monitoring of Grade R/early childhood development sites in alignment with the 2022 departmental migration shift, delivery of learner-teacher support materials, nutrition, learner transport, support for special schools, and discussions with stakeholders regarding the state of education in 2024.

Ms Adoons acknowledged that some of the schools visited had experienced damage from floods and strong winds, requiring urgent repairs. While temporary measures were implemented to address immediate challenges, she commended the provincial department for its prompt response, albeit recognizing potential impacts on the budget allocated for infrastructure and planned repairs.

Highlighting specific school observations, Ms Adoons praised a full-service school with Grade R facilities, piloted for Robotics and Coding, as a model for others. At Njeza High School, where storm damage affected buildings, mobile classrooms were deployed to ensure uninterrupted teaching and learning.

The delegation also noted challenges at Ngibongeleni High School and Sihayo Technical Comprehensive School, emphasizing the need for interventions to improve Grade 12 results.