Mr Bongani Msomi
UDM Secretary General
The United Democratic Movement is aware of the shutdown of Zanokhanyo Junior Secondary School in Butterworth because of dilapidation. This illustrates the failure by the Eastern Cape and National Department of Education.
On a daily basis, the ANC-led government emphasizes how important education is, but the condition of schools in the villages leaves a lot to be desired. Government does not walk the talk.
The Eastern Cape is one of the provinces that still have mud classrooms, in some instances teaching and learning take place under the trees. The pupils are exposed to adverse weather conditions and puts them at a learning disadvantage.
President Ramaphosa has promised that his government will improve conditions in our schools but nothing has been done thus far. Instead Minister of Basic Education Angie Motshekga is busy introducing new subjects like Swahili or Mandarin into our curriculum as if all is normal. We understand that the government means well by this gesture, but it demonstrates that its priorities are skewed.
The UDM believes in a government that is proactive, that does not wait until something terrible happens before it acts.
We want a government that focuses on basic necessities such as teaching material and the development or maintenance of school infrastructure. This will be enough to boost the morale and motivate educators to do their job and learners to concentrate on their work.
The United Democratic Movement urges the provincial government to do all in its power to get Zanokhanya Junior School renovated with the R1.5bn that is available; and reopen it with immediate effect as the future of 471 pupils is at stake.
Mr Bongani Msomi
UDM Secretary General
