Picture: The North West MEC for Economic Development, Environment, Conservation and Tourism, Virginia Tlhapi and delegation/Supplied
By OBAKENG MAJE
North West MEC for Economic Development, Environment, Conservation and Tourism, Virginia Tlhapi in collaboration with ward councillor, Tshidiso Makonoto, officials from the North West Department of Education, Community Development Workers (CDW) and the South African Police Services (SAPS), conducted visits to seven schools in Brits on 17 January 2024.
Tlhapi said this was part of the North West Provincial Government’s State-of-School Readiness Programme. She said the visit and inspection were conducted at Isaac Mokoena Primary School, Mothotlung Secondary School, and Rantsou Primary School in Brits.
“The purpose of the visit was to assess the school’s readiness for the 2024 academic year. Several important areas were assessed, including performance management, school planning, learner admission procedures, and the accessibility of crucial strategic documents like policies.
“Other essential elements of the assessment were financial concerns, textbook and stationery supply, infrastructure requirements, and interaction with school principals and the School Governing Body (SGB),” said Tlhapi.
She further said issues highlighted during the assessment include an over-subscription of learners leading to a shortage of classrooms, limited furniture, insufficient toilets, as well as bullying amongst the learners and undocumented learners, particularly in lower grades.
“Other challenges noted include substance abuse, a lack of parental support in addressing learners’ ill-discipline and underperformance, and dishonesty among parents in completing learners’ special needs assessment forms.
“To uphold the quality of education, we took proactive measures by verifying the strategic planning documents, workforce, and policies of schools for the 2024 academic year. This demonstrates a commitment to ensuring that, educational institutions are adequately prepared and equipped to provide a high standard of education,” said Tlhapi.
She added that, despite the challenges, they commended the school management for ensuring that, teaching and learning resumed on the first day of school reopening. Tlhapi also praised the management for developing plans to raise extra funds.
“We highlighted the significance of using the funds for maintenance and operating needs such as replacing windows, ceilings, roofs, grass mowing, plumbing, and payment of auxiliary personnel.
“Acknowledging the challenges faced by schools is a crucial step in addressing issues head-on. So, we are committed to engaging with the North West MEC for Education, Viola Motsumi, and school management of Rantsou Primary School, which has extra classrooms to serve as overflow for the other two schools,” she said.
Tlhapi requested an invitation to one of the parents’ meetings to address concerns about their lack of support for the schools. She said they are firm in their commitment to addressing these challenges and collaborating with schools to create an environment that allows every learner to excel.
“We applaud the dedication of school administrators and emphasise the need for community assistance in overcoming these obstacles.
“The government is investing a lot of money and resources to ensure learners become future leaders. So, I personally make a call to learners to stay away from substance abuse and emphasised the need for dedication and discipline in achieving success,” she said.
The Guardian 