JUST like the class of 2023, the Department of Education in KZN has been urged to pull up its socks.
The Democratic Alliance (DA) said they applaud the class of 2023 for pushing against all odds hence they're calling on the education management to match the pupils' effort to fix the problem faced by KZN schools, especially those in rural areas, which are crippling.
The class of 2023 showed a massive improvement as they managed to get a 3,3% increase and scooped a whooping 86,3% and second position at the national level.
Basic Education Minister Angie Motshekga announced that KZN is the most improved province and a leading province in producing distinctions.
A DA member of the provincial legislature, Dr Imran Keeka, said the results for the class of 2023 are not a true reflection of the state of education in KZN.
“The reality is that our country and our province’s education system has been systematically destroyed by an ANC that does not care."
Keeka said that KZN’s Education Department lacks leadership, school infrastructure is crumbling, parental involvement is poor, and the finances are ill-directed.
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“Regrettably, the matric class of 2024 are set to face the same challenges as their predecessors, if not more. Shortages of books, stationery and classroom furniture, insufficient learner transport and unsafe environments are only the tip of the iceberg,” he said.
Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) provincial chairman Mongezi Twala said KZN is a province with the largest number of rural schools, many of which are under-resourced.
“It must be commended that against all odds KZN did not only become the second highest province but went on to record the highest number of distinctions in the country,” he said.
KZN Education MEC Mbali Frazer said the sterling results are not only a testament to the hard work and dedication of their education collective but also the resilience and maturity of the KZN education system.
“Just as we stood shoulder-to-shoulder as a collective during challenging times, today KZN stands together to congratulate the class of 2023,” she said.
Frazer said that they characterised 2023 for KZN as the Year of the Underdog.
“The term underdog is not just a label; it embodies the spirit of triumph over adversity. It symbolises the ability to rise above challenges, to overcome obstacles that may seem insurmountable."
