IF parents had involved themselves more in the education of their children, the 2015 matric results in uThungulu District would have been much better.
This was the sentiment expressed by uMlalazi Municipality Mayor Thelumoya ‘Jeke’ Zulu, speaking at the uThungulu District Achievement Awards function held at the Umfolozi Casino Resort last week.
The district scored a disappointing 54% pass rate in last year’s matric exams – a 6% drop from the 60% in 2014.
‘Teachers and school managers can do their part, but if parents distance themselves from the education of their children, there will never be an improvement.
‘As a society we need to ensure that schools perform. Education is not like a Lotto, you need to work hard to achieve success.
‘As we know our economy is not doing well, and for any economy to grow we need an educated nation. We need to put the past behind us and surge ahead with a positive attitude,’ he said.
Speaking on behalf of corporate business, Nick Bulunga of Tronox South Africa said they were aware of the challenges faced by the Department of Education in the district.
‘We were not entirely saddened by the matric results, given the struggles you face on a daily basis.
‘You might not have achieved what you anticipated, but that little you achieved must be celebrated. As corporate business we remain committed to the education of an African child. Education is close to our hearts,’ he said.
District Director David Chonco said he initially did not see the need to hold such an event, because there was little to be happy about.
‘But I want to commend our business partners for not losing faith in us. We are here to commit that we will deliver,’ Chonco said.
‘Our plea to our partners is to support our schools so they can yield good results. We want to start turning things around, not just with matric, but with the whole school system.’
Recognised for excellence was St Catherines High School for having achieved a 100% pass rate for 40 years and Richem Secondary School for achieving 100% for the first time.
