Gloomy matric pass rate forecast
'The turnaround strategy plan they presented to us has already failed to bring about positive change'
DESPITE the examination readiness of the Department of Education in uThungulu District, there is little hope of expecting any major improvements in the district’s matric results.
This was the opinion of the KZN Legislature’s Education Portfolio Committee Chairperson, Linda Hlongwa-Madlala.
Speaking to the Zululand Observer after the conclusion of a two-day School Opening Functionality Monitoring Programme, Hlongwa-Madlala said, ‘We have seen teaching and learning taking place in most of the schools in this district, including Saturdays and winter classes.
‘However, teenage pregnancy, drug abuse and late coming of teachers do not bode well for a convincing bounce back strategy.
‘If I were to guess, I would give this district a 10% increase. I don’t see them getting a 70% improvement in matric pass rates.’
The monitoring programme targeted schools such as Manxele, Siphosethu and Manqandi high schools.
These schools were identified by the department as the worst performing in the uThungulu district.
Hlongwa-Madlala was accompanied by other members of the provincial Legislature. Their visit was part of the programme to assess the district schools’ readiness as the second half of the academic year resumed last month.
Read the full story in the ZO Monday edition.
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