KING Cetshwayo District Director, David Chonco has questioned the commitment of some parents in the involvement of their children’s education.
Speaking at the District Achievement Gala Dinner Awards at the Umfolozi Casino Resort last week, Chonco said he was disturbed by the recent incidents of school violence, which was tarnishing the image of the education fraternity.
‘We condemn, in the strongest possible terms, these attacks at our schools. We are still in shock after the killing at Ikhandlela Secondary School, where a learner was stabbed to death.
‘A week before that, two learners from Nkandla schools fought over a girlfriend, and one died after being stabbed. Without pointing fingers, when you look closer at the schools that are chaotic and under-performing, you find that parents are far from the action.
‘Some don’t even attend school meetings. Teachers cannot do their jobs and parents’ jobs. Parents must play their roles and be intimately involved in the education of their children,’ he said.
Challenge educators
During his message of support, Tronox South Africa Manager for Sustainable Development and Public Affairs Nick Bulunga challenged educators to rise above any challenges confronting them to get the best results for their schools.
‘We are aware that some educators tend to hide under the pretext of unionism, by missing classes, while expecting good results at the end of the year.
‘We have a challenge with school principals who perform below par, knowing nothing is going to happen to them. It can’t be business as usual to such schools that under-perform. There has to be consequences when you don’t perform. We want schools to succeed.
‘We are pleased to be associated with the King Cetshwayo District. We commit ourselves to continue assisting schools like we have done in the past, by providing mobile laboratories, classrooms and ablution facilities,’ said Bulunga, whose company sponsored the Gala Dinner.
The event was also addressed by King Cetshwayo District Mayor Ntombenhle Mkhulisi who said while it was good to celebrate excellence, there were also depressing elements.
The district scored 63,42 % in last year’s matric results, an improvement of 8% from the previous year’s performance of 54,6%.
Schools that were recognised for improving their performance included Dover Combined School with 71% from 69,69 in 2015. Others were Old Mill High School (80,7%), King Zwelithini High School (82%), Hluma High School (86%), Khombindlela High School (87%), Iphozonke High School (93%), Empangeni High School (95%), Birdsview Academy (100%), St Catherine High School (100%) and eShowe High School (100%).
HAVE YOUR SAY
Like our Facebook page and follow us on Twitter.
For news straight to your phone invite us:
WhatsApp – 072 069 4169
Instagram – zululand_observer
