“NO political party can fix the Department of Basic Education as long as the policies are not changed.”
This was said by education activist Hendrick Makaneta, giving his view on political campaigns from various political parties.
Makaneta said all the parties are singing the right tunes on education but feels all these will be in vain if the policies remain unchanged.
He said even if they can get a younger and wiser minister, the same struggles facing the education sector will remain.
Speaking to Daily Sun, Makaneta said almost 30 years into democracy, little has been done to fix the infrastructure in public schools.
He said most political parties have not raised the concern or even energetically fought for it.
“The state of infrastructures in schools is of concern. Policies that would make it a priority are needed because this will not just assist the learners but also the quality of education given,” he said.
Makaneta also mentioned a need for quality teachers to assist with the passing rate in public schools.
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“Many of these things needed for quality education don't need a political party but need changes in the DBE policies. Whether the ANC is in charge or not if we get such changes, our education system will be in a good state,” he said.
Makaneta told Daily Sun that there are a lot of dropouts at school, and the issue was not getting the much-needed attention from the government and its counterparts.
“The fact that we get 100% admission in grade R and when they reach matric the number has dropped below 60% is worrying and needs to be attended to,” he said.
The activist also spoke about the nutrition programmes in schools and how they play a role in keeping pupils in schools.
He said some pupils sometimes come to school because they know they will be fed since they come from disadvantaged areas.
“The nutrition programmes need to be upgraded in a manner that the children get food even when they are at home, this will motivate them even more to come to school and work hard,” he said.
Makaneta said some of the political parties, such as Democratic Alliance (DA), have also shown their work in communities.
He said they lead in terms of what might happen if they were to be in power after the 2024 elections.
Makaneta said there have been gaps between urban areas and the township, where the DA is governing.
“In the suburbs the DA have shown that they are able to provide quality education while they fail those in township. The question is: once DA gets in power will they be able to accommodate everyone, or will they continue working for those who can pay for education?” he said.
Makaneta said he hopes whoever leads the country after the 2024 elections will be able to enforce changes in the education sector and not rush to get political about it.
