By Chris Speldewinde

Summer is a wonderful time for families to go the beach and for small children to get to know the water and the sand.

But aside from being a place to relax, my new research shows how the beach provides many ways to teach young children about science.

My ‘beach kinder’ research

I research science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) learning in bush kinders. These are programs where preschool children regularly go into the natural environment with their daycare centre or kinder/preschool, to gain an appreciation for nature.

Educators do not take any toys, balls or games, so children are reliant only on what is available in nature for play.

Bush kinders often happen in parks, forests and gardens but educators and researchers are increasingly looking at the benefits of education around beaches. These “blue spaces” provide children with wide open spaces to learn through play.

But so far there has been little research on educational benefits of beach learning in early childhood settings.

Last year, I observed a “beach kinder”: where childhood educators and four- and five-year-old children went to the beach along Victoria’s Surf Coast. They were spending between three and five hours per week at the beach for a term as part of their regular kinder/preschool program.

What I noticed was how many opportunities the beach provides to teach little kids about science. Here are a three examples families can try on their next visit to the beach.

1. Rockpool life

When the tide is low, the ocean can expose a wide range of plant and animal life. Small fish, crabs, starfish, sea plants and maybe even an octopus can be found in rockpools. You can ask your child:

How many different animals can you see?

You can also search for barnacles that look like small volcanoes or periwinkles – the little snails that live in the splash zone. You can talk about how animals can sometimes be very small or hiding – just because we can’t see them does not mean they are not there.

You can talk to children about how these small animals survive as the tide rises and falls. For example, crabs bury themselves in the sand away from the water or other types of shellfish can shut their shells tightly to keep the water out. If possible, gently lift one for a look and then replace it just as gently.

You can explain life cycles and simple biology as you walk among the rockpools. For example, sea turtles lay their eggs on sandy beaches, then the baby turtles make their way to the sea where they mature into adults.

2. Sticky sand

Sand is an amazing thing to play with and it changes, depending on where you are on the beach.

Far away from the waters’ edge, have your child take a handful of dry sand and watch what happens as it slips through small hands. Walk closer to the water and do the same thing. Ask your child:

Have you ever wondered why dry and wet sand are so different?

You can explain how the water in the sand actually acts like glue, making the sand grains stick together. This lets us talk to young children about chemistry and how different materials interact with each other.

Try making sandcastles with wet sand and dry sand and see the difference.

Is one version harder to work with than the other other? What happens if you mix wet and dry sand together?

3. Watching the waves

The waves can teach us about floating, sinking and the force of water.

Children can have a lot of fun using pieces of seaweed or small sticks as boats, letting them bob up and down on small waves. They can even have “seaweed races” learning about how waves can move materials around.

Sea waves and ocean currents are really important as some marine animals such as dolphins and turtles use waves to move around. In fact, some animals migrate thousands of kilometres to and from breeding grounds.

You can then replace the seaweed pieces with shells and ask your child to observe what happens:

Why does the seaweed stay on top of the water, but the shell goes underneath?

Talk about how the shell is heavier than the water and so will sink. This helps them understand the physics of floating and sinking as well as the patterns associated with wave motion.

This summer when you’re at the beach, think about all the science happening around you. This could include the animals and habitats you encounter, as well as all the many, changes things happening with the sand and surf.

Speldewinde is a research fellow, Research for Educational Impact Institute, Deakin University.

This article was originally published in the Conversation

By Johnathan Paoli

Basic Education Minister Siviwe Gwarube has applauded the achievements of top-performing schools and districts, saying they illustrate the country’s commitment to transforming education in the face of challenges.

Gwarube, along with other top officials from the department, hosted the 2024 National Education Excellence Awards in Ekurhuleni, marking a decade of the awards for best performing schools and districts under the theme “Recognising Excellence in Education”.

“This event is one of the most inspiring moments in our annual calendar, as it allows us to reflect on and celebrate our schools and districts’ extraordinary contributions to shaping South Africa’s future,” Gwarube said.

The minister emphasised the transformative power of consistency and collaboration, reflecting on the awards’ evolution, and noted that while initially focused on district offices, they now included schools, acknowledging a broader spectrum of contributions.

The awards recognise schools maintaining a 100% matric pass rate for five years in Quintile 1-3 categories, showcasing the dedication of educators, learners and communities to fostering excellence in challenging environments.

Top-performing districts were lauded for their leadership and academic outcomes, with awards given based on metrics such as mathematics and science proficiency, Bachelor pass rates and effective school management.

Districts achieving over 85% performance consistently for five years would receive special accolades, serving as benchmarks of educational success.

As the minister celebrated achievements, she also reminded attendees of the ongoing journey toward equitable and quality education.

Gwarube said challenges such as resource disparities and access barriers required innovative and accountable approaches to service delivery.

She called on all stakeholders to renew their commitment to transforming education, ensuring no learner was left behind.

Schools excelling in health promotion received trophies and certificates, including Hani Park Primary and Meqheleng Primary in the Free State, and Reamohetsoe Primary in Gauteng.

The Star of the Sea Convent Primary was recognised for its outstanding performance.

Schools in quintile 1 to 5 were also celebrated, with top performers from quintile 1 to 3, hailing from KwaZulu-Natal, while Potchefstroom Gimnasium in the North West and Bloemhof High in the Western Cape led in Quintile 4 and 5.

Luna Primary in the Eastern Cape was recognised as the top full-service inclusive education school.

Awards for maintenance of school facilities were presented to Sekutupu Primary in Limpopo, while districts achieving a consistent pass rate above 85% from 2019 to 2023 included those from the Free State, the Western Cape and Gauteng.

Tshwane South in Gauteng emerged as the top-performing district in overall quality indicators, with districts like Umlazi and Ugu in KZN being recognised for outstanding Bachelor pass rates and science performance.

Bojanala District in the North West received top honors for leadership and management, while Motheo in the Free State led in improving primary school learning outcomes.

Districts demonstrating the most improvement in National Senior Certificate results over five years included Joe Gqabi in the Eastern Cape and Vhembe-East in Limpopo.

In closing, the minister honoured educators, principals and district officials for their foundational role in shaping South Africa’s future.

INSIDE EDUCATION

By Willemien Strydom

The jump that a Grade 7 learner takes from primary school to Grade 8 in the high school system has a tremendous impact on your child and on you, as a parent. The change especially, affects your logistical arrangements and existing routines.

The typical Grade 7 learner has become accustomed to being one of the “seniors” of their primary school over the period of his/her primary school career: concessions are granted to them and certain responsibilities are fulfilled by them. These learners have grown and developed in a predictable system. They know the routine, they know what the average school day entails, and they know the teachers and what is expected of them. They are familiar with the learning content and know what to expect from assessments and exams/test series. In the process, their self-image and identity get the necessary boost to cope with the outside world.

During the last few months of their Grade 7 year, they attend high school open days, registrations are made, and admission letters are issued to welcome learners to the chosen schools. The process is accompanied by a multitude of circulars and orientation booklets containing everything they want/need to know about their new school – from the school song, vision and mission, to school clothes, school rules and complicated maps and graphics of the new school’s buildings and layout.

For your Grade 7 child, this may mean great stress.

It is important for you as a parent to remember that change is not easy. How much more so then for a child of 12 or 13? Some children handle change better than others.

In the meantime, start preparing your child for high school in an informal way. He or she needs to know that it is normal to feel a little scared and that you, as a parent, will be there to offer support. Talk to your child about what is included in the information received from the school – its orientation programme, the purchase of new school clothes/supplies etc. It is important that you empower your child so that he or she has a sense of knowing what to expect and looks forward to the new experience with excited anticipation.

Going to high school comes with new responsibilities for learners. Chat with your child about what this entails.

The pace of a high school programme is significantly different from what your child experienced at primary school level. High school learners themselves must remember about activities at school, especially where you as a parent will most likely not always receive formal notices about these matters from the school. Invest in a good diary / notebook for your child. An increase in the amount of homework and workload is very challenging for Grade 8 learners. Encourage your child to cultivate the habit of writing down homework, tasks and dates in time because the information is usually only communicated in class.

The school’s orientation programme in the first few weeks is usually full of activities that include initiation camps, day camps, auditions, sports heats and generally raising school spirit. Make sure your child gets enough sleep. Ensure that your child follows a balanced diet during this adjustment period, to ensure that energy levels are maintained throughout the day. Also consider a vitamin supplement and sunscreen.

The social adaptation usually presents our children with the greatest challenges. They are suddenly overwhelmed by unfamiliar and new friends and greater competition on a number of fronts both in and outside of the classroom. Prepare your child for that; it is what happens in life. Make time to listen to your child. High school is an important time in the life of a teenager.

Finally, as a parent, you are strongly advised to be involved in your child’s school – especially at the beginning of their high school career. Attend parents’ night to meet teachers and other parents. These people become your support team for the next 5 years. It is also important for your child to see that you are actively involved in school matters.

Strydom is the SAOU Professional Advisor: Independent Schools & ELSEN.

INSIDE EDUCATION

By Johnathan Paoli

Gauteng education MEC Matome Chiloane has announced his rejection of the recent agreement signed between Basic Education Minister Siviwe Gwarube and Solidarity concerning certain provisions of the Basic Education Laws Amendment (Bela) Act.

In a statement on Friday, the MEC called for a more inclusive and consultative approach to addressing the transformation challenges in education, ensuring that the interests of all South Africans were considered in shaping the future of the sector.

“This bilateral agreement entered into by the minister, the National Economic Development and Labour Council and Solidarity, represents the minority and as such undermines what was intended by the President,” he said in a statement on Friday.

Chiloane said the agreement to introduce Sections 4(d), 4(f) and 5(c) on a phased basis was made undemocraticall,y and expressed concern over the possibility of effectively isolating certain public schools for the exclusive use of specific societal groups.

Additionally, he questioned the recommendation that Heads of Departments (HoDs) must seek the permission of School Governing Bodies (SGBs) to change a school’s language policy or to administer learner admissions.

This could enable SGBs to block attempts at transformation, the MEC contended, allowing certain single-medium schools to resist introducing additional languages, even when local demographics dictated inclusivity.

The MEC said that it remained paramount to note that the national and provincial spheres of government have concurrent legislative competence in accordance with Schedule 4 of the Constitution, in terms of Sections 43 and 44 of the Constitution.

“It is our view that the approach adopted by the minister is against the constitutional principles, that of engaging the provinces for matters of concurrent powers. In our opinion, the clauses that have been put on hold allow for sufficient consultation and adequately follow due processes with regards to admissions and language,” Chiloane said.

He raised concerns about Gwarube making public statements and agreements that implicated provincial HoDs and MECs without prior consultation, describing this approach as foreign to a sector that thrived on collaboration and consensus for effective governance.

His rejection comes on the heels of the call made by the South African Democratic Teachers’ Union, who called on MECs to publicly declare their commitment to transformation.

Meanwhile, the African National Congress has welcomed the Deputy President Paul Mashatile’s clarification of the processes surrounding the legislation.

Party spokesperson Mahlengi Bhengu-Motsiri said it was important that all parties within the Government of National Unity uphold the principles of integrity, transparency and collective decision-making.

“The ANC strongly condemns attempts by the Democratic Alliance (DA) to bypass established processes in a desperate effort to perpetuate apartheid-era standards in our education system,” Bhengu-Motsiri said.

Gwarube is a member of the DA.

She said her party was committed to ensuring collaboration and the transformation of the country for the benefit of all South Africans.

Afrikaans unions and advocacy groups are opposed to two sections in the Act that grant provincial education departments to power to override SGB decisions in certain circumstances, such as directing schools to adopt additional languages of instruction or change their admissions policies.

INSIDE EDUCATION

By Johnathan Paoli

Deputy President Paul Mashatile has clarified the position of the Government of National Unity regarding the Basic Education Amendment Laws (Bela) Act, following agreements involving the Basic Education Minister Siviwe Gwarube and Solidarity.

In a media statement, Mashatile’s office expressed concern over an informal process that appeared to bypass the established procedures of the GNU’s Clearing House Mechanism, which has been discussing the contentious clauses in the Act for more than a month.

Mashatile emphasised on Friday that the agreement, which was signed at the National Economic Development and Labour Council, was reached outside the official channels and was not aligned with the GNU’s sanctioned processes, or the cooperative framework outlined in its statement of intent.

He said that only one party from the GNU seemed to have been involved in the parallel discussions, along with the minister, raising concerns about their alleged complicity in the unauthorised meeting.

“The Bela Act, like other Acts, is a product of Parliament and the president, and no intervention can therefore downplay the centrality of these key role players,” Mashatile said.

Reaffirming the GNU’s commitment to transparency and due process, Mashatile called on all signatories to the statement of intent to act in good faith and fully cooperate with the official procedures.

He assured stakeholders that the GNU remained engaged in its deliberations on the Bela Act and aimed to finalise the process soon.

Mashatile further assured representatives of all political parties within the Clearing House Mechanism that efforts were underway to collectively manage the situation and reach an amicable resolution.

The next official meeting, where the sub-committee’s recommendations would be presented, would be communicated to all stakeholders in due course, he said.

Meanwhile, the SA Democratic Teachers’ Union (Sadtu) has expressed vehement opposition to the bilateral agreement, condemning it as anti-transformation and accusing Gwarube of aligning with groups seeking to reverse educational reforms aimed at addressing historical inequalities.

“She has declared war on Sadtu and the African majority whose children are being discriminated by racists school governing bodies. She failed in respecting and promoting the Constitution of our country and she must therefore be ready for the real fight on the Bela Act,” the union said.

In a strongly worded statement, Sadtu’s secretariat described the agreement as a regressive move reminiscent of apartheid-era policies, arguing that language and education were being used to perpetuate discrimination.

“Apartheid used language and education to oppress and discriminate against the black majority. History is repeating itself,” the statement read.

The union criticised Gwarube for her alleged failure to consult the union, the largest in the education sector, while signing agreements with what it referred to as non-representative groups.

It also took aim at President Cyril Ramaphosa’s decision to sign the Act while excluding certain provisions, describing it as an unprecedented, illegal and a dangerous precedent.

Sadtu warned that this decision undermined the constitutional commitment to non-racialism and equitable access to education.

Asserting that the agreement violated children’s constitutional right to education without barriers, the union has vowed to challenge what it described as a “right-wing agenda” on multiple platforms.

“The white supremacists must never be allowed to use the department of education to practice their racism,” the statement declared.

The union urged all provincial education MECs to reject the agreement publicly and begin immediate implementation of the Act by 13 December – the deadline the president gave parties to reach a consensus on the contentious sections.

It also called on its members at all levels to prepare for “a war against racism and the minister”.

INSIDE POLITICS

By Johnathan Paoli

The contentious sections of the Basic Education Laws Amendment (Bela) Act will be phased in, according to a deal signed by Basic Education Minister Siviwe Gwarube and Solidarity.

Gwarube has welcomed the resolution of the dispute, which began at the beginning of October. It followed Solidarity’s request for authorisation to undertake a protected protest against Sections 4 and 5 of the Act.

“This validates my long-held view that dialogue is the best remedy for conflict resolution,” she said on Thursday.

The contested sections primarily relate to the powers of provincial education departments and the role of school governing bodies (SGBs) in decision-making regarding school admissions and language policies.

The department confirmed that following a series of consultations through Nedlac and bilateral talks, both parties reached a consensus that would help to address the concerns raised by Solidarity and other groups that advocate for the Afrikaans language and culture.

Solidarity has maintained that the provisions would undermine the autonomy of SGBs in managing school admissions and language policies.

Specifically, Solidarity opposed the power granted to provincial education departments to override SGB decisions in certain circumstances, such as directing schools to adopt additional languages of instruction or change their admissions policies.

These sections were seen as potentially infringing on the rights of schools to make decisions in the best interests of their communities.

After weeks of negotiations, the parties have reached a mutual understanding on how to address these concerns.

The deal was formalised through a Bilateral Settlement Agreement, signed on Monday, according to which, the minister will recommend to President Cyril Ramaphosa that Sections 4(d), 4(f), and 5(c) of the legislation be postponed until certain national policies, norms and regulations have been developed to support their implementation.

The agreement stipulates that the recommendations be guided by several key principles, including the constitutional right of learners to receive education in their mother tongue, the importance of balancing the powers between national, provincial, and school-level authorities, and the best interests of learners.

The recommendations will also ensure that there is greater clarity around the decision-making processes for altering school policies.

Policies, norms and standards to be developed will address issues such as when and how the provincial education head can override an SGB’s language or admission policy.

Furthermore, the recommendations will call for more comprehensive consultation mechanisms, ensuring that affected communities are consulted before such decisions are made.

“Section 4 and Section 5 of the Bela Act should be commenced on phased-in basis subject to the successful execution of the recommendations,” the Nedlac deal reads.

In addition to the agreement between Gwarube and Solidarity, a Multilateral Settlement Agreement was signed between Gwarube, Solidarity and the Presidency on Thursday. It formalises the process by which the minister will present the recommendations to Ramaphosa for his consideration.

Under the legislation, the president must proclaim the commencement arrangements for the Act, including the timing and conditions under which the contested sections will be implemented.

Ramaphosa had given parties three months to iron out difference and reach a consensus. That deadline is 13 December.

The parties involved in the settlement agreed that the minister would take the necessary steps to ensure the smooth implementation of the recommendations and the overall effectiveness of the Bela Act.

Gwarube emphasised that the settlement was a positive step toward ensuring that the Act was implemented in a manner that considered all stakeholders’ concerns, including those of educators, parents and learners.

Solidarity chair Flip Buys said the agreement was the outcome of a variety of processes including talks with Ramaphosa, political parties, traditional leaders, the Pan South African Language Board and Nedlac.

Solidarity CEO Dirk Hermann has welcomed the settlement as a breakthrough, but warns that hard work ahead remained.

“We now have time on our side again that Afrikaans schools whose capacity is full, will not receive an instruction about language and admission. Schools don’t have to allow themselves to be bullied by officials,” Herman said in a statement.

INSIDE EDUCATION

By Levy Masiteng 

The University of Johannesburg (UJ) has emerged as the top-ranked institution, up from second place last year, according to the Times Higher Education Sub-Saharan Africa University Rankings. 

Three other South African universities have also made the top 10. The University of Pretoria is ranked second place, followed by the University of the Witwatersrand Wits (3) and the University of KwaZulu-Natal (4).

The universities rankings are measured by assessing institutions’ performance across five pillars including, resources and finance, access and fairness, student engagement, ethical leadership and Africa impact. 

According to the latest rankings, which were released on Wednesday, UJ’s exceptional performance in access, fairness, resources and finances has earned it the coveted number one spot. 

“It is particularly gratifying to see UJ being recognised highly, not only for its outstanding teaching and research programmes, but for its accessibility and excellence,“ UJ Vice-Chancellor Letlhokwa Mpedi said in a statement. 

“The latest rankings reaffirm the excellence of our academic programmes, especially considering the fact that the pool of competing universities in this ranking system has increased.”

 He added that the university’s commitment to education and innovation for societal impact was all demonstrated by this win.

“The rankings are a testament to the work and dedication of our staff, postdoctoral fellows, students, research associates, research divisions, centres and institutes,” Mpedi said. 

A total of 171 universities participated this year. 

INSIDE EDUCATION 

By Johnathan Paoli

Basic Education Minister Siviwe Gwarube has welcomed the conclusion of the 2024 National Senior Certificate examinations, saying that she is pleased with how they were administered.

“Despite some challenges, the overall administration of the exams has been smooth, with minimal irregularities thanks to the collective efforts of our dedicated educators, administrators and learners themselves,” the minister told reporters in Cape Town on Wednesday.

The exams commenced on 21 October with the English paper, and involved over 727,000 full-time candidates and 155,000 part-time candidates.

Gwarube pointed to several successes during the examination process, including the stringent monitoring of high-risk centres, where a minimum of 70% of locations were monitored during each session.

She said this rigorous oversight was designed to maintain the integrity of the exams despite external disruptions.

The minister also acknowledged that in regions like Jan Kempdorp, Gert Sibande and Limpopo, protests and inclement weather disrupted exam schedules for several learners.

Most notably, 319 students in the Eastern Cape were unable to write their exams due to flooding.

However, she welcomed the contingency plans that were in place to accommodate these learners, underscoring her department’s readiness to address unforeseen challenges.

“We are prepared to support learners affected by these disruptions and ensure that they have the opportunity to complete their exams,” Gwarube said.

The minister also spoke about five female learners who were gang-raped while preparing for their exams in the Eastern Cape, followed by another similar attack earlier this month.

Gwarube called for a collective societal response to violence against women and children, particularly during the observance of the 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence.

“These incidents serve as a painful reminder of the dangers that many young learners, especially girls, face in their daily lives. We must do everything in our power to create safer environments for our children,” she said.

Now with the exam writing phase complete, the department will shift its focus to marking.

The department has set up 181 marking centres across the country, which are expected to begin operations on Wednesday, with over 70,000 markers expected to be involved in grading the exams over the next 13 to 15 days.

Gwarube said ensuring that marking was conducted fairly and consistently was her top priority, noting that 60 out of 164 planned Marking Standardisation Meetings had already been completed to finalise marking guidelines.

On food safety, she said new regulations have been implemented to ensure that all food vendors at school and marking centres complied with regulations.

Workshops have been conducted for examination managers and school principals to maintain hygiene and safety protocols.

“We are committed to ensuring that our learners and markers are safe from preventable health risks, and we are taking significant steps to monitor food safety across all centres,” Gwarube said.

As the exam period concludes, the minister has urged matriculants to celebrate responsibly, especially in light of recent concerns around alcohol consumption during “pens down” events.

While recognising the achievement of completing the exams, Gwarube reminded students that this time should be marked by safe and responsible celebrations.

“Matric is a major milestone and it’s important that our learners celebrate their achievements safely. I urge them to avoid risky behaviours, such as alcohol abuse, which can endanger their lives and the lives of others,” she said.

Following the double capturing of almost 12 million marks by 16 December, Umalusi is expected to hold its standardisation meeting on 23 December and give its satisfaction of the fairness of the exams by 7 January.

The minister called for continued vigilance and hard work throughout the next phase. She is expected to announce the results on 13 January.

INSIDE EDUCATION

By Johnathan Paoli

The Basic Education Department has maintained its obligation and intent to publish the results of the 2024 National Senior Certificate (NSC) examinations on media platforms, despite a halt called by the Information Regulator (IR).

Chief Director for National Assessment and Public Examinations, Rufus Poliah, made the remarks during the department’s media briefing on the exams in Cape Town on Wednesday.

“The DBE is of the view that we are fully compliant, and well within the ambit of regulations, to publish the results,” Poliah said.

He explained that the decision rested on three important factors.

Firstly, it was the department’s duty to make the information readily available and accessible to all learners including those who lived in remote areas and experienced challenges in travelling to writing centres.

Secondly, he stressed the anonymous nature of the results, saying only examination numbers were used.

Lastly, he highlighted the 2022 ruling from the North Gauteng High Court which ordered the department to publish the results, despite its previous decision to stop.

When asked whether the department intended to approach the court again in its engagement with the IR, Minister Siviwe Gwarube said it was too early to announce a decision.

“I think it will be premature to indicate any kind of court action right now,” the minister said.

She reiterated Poliah’s point about the anonymity of the results and that learners needed to be accommodated.

However, Gwarube said that perhaps the department and the IR could find each other and collaborate in finding a way to balance both the rights of learners and the regulations on the spreading of private information.

Department director-general Mathanzima Mweli said that the issue was one of law, considering the 2022 ruling, but agreed with the minister that the two would find ways of resolving disputes in line with the Intergovernmental Regulations Act.

The regulator has accused the department of non-compliance with the Protection of Personal Information Act, issuing an enforcement notice earlier in the month.

It argues that the department violated Section 11 of the Act by publishing matriculants’ personal information without consent.

Civil society organisation AfriForum has indicated its willingness to approach the courts again for the judicial confirmation of the right of the department to publish.

INSIDE EDUCATION

By Thapelo Molefe

The Department of Basic Education has committed to addressing ongoing challenges in school infrastructure, including substandard construction, water shortages and delayed projects, with a particular focus on accountability and transparency. 

The updates came during a briefing to the select committee on education, science and creative industries, in a presentation led by the Director-General Mathanzima Mweli.

He acknowledged delays in several ongoing projects, including 18 schools in Gauteng. 

“Out of 275 projects, 55 are completed, 90 are under construction and 23 are in the final stages of planning,” Mweli reported. 

He explained that procurement hurdles, such as a lack of contractor interest in smaller projects, had been a significant bottleneck.

The department’s acting chief director, Solly Mafoko added: “We visit sites weekly to ensure progress and address issues with provincial education departments. Framework agreements are also being promoted to streamline contractor appointments.”

Mweli specifically referred to Nokuthula Special School, which he had visited. Poor workmanship had left the school with poor quality paving and stormwater systems. 

“I fully agree with the observations that the work is completely shoddy,” said Mweli said on Tuesday. 

“We are going to raise this with colleagues in Gauteng to hold the contractor accountable and get them to fix these issues. The professional service providers who approved such work must also be held to account.”

The department’s head of infrastructure, Tsholofelo Diale, agreed with Mweli.

“It shouldn’t only be the contractor. Professional service providers must also face scrutiny for approving work of this standard.”

The water crises in municipalities have left many schools struggling to provide basic amenities, Mweli admitted. 

“Learners without sanitation facilities, especially in provinces like the Eastern Cape, face immense challenges,” he said. 

However, he pointed out progress in sanitation infrastructure in the region, noting that “virtually every village in the Eastern Cape now has sanitation facilities we’ve built”.

“Though challenges remain, we’ve turned the corner,” Mweli said.

He stressed the importance of conducting assessments on state of infrastructure for all 25,000 schools. 

“We need an updated database of every school’s infrastructure,” he said.

“Unfortunately, our request to the National Treasury for funding this vital initiative has not been successful.”

Committee chairperson Makhi Feni expressed alarm over dangerous conditions at schools, particularly at Nokuthula Special School.

“The roof structure is very dangerous for those kids,” he warned. “This isn’t a minor issue, and we will follow it up until this administration’s term ends.”

Feni also emphasised the importance of the department’s follow-up written report, which was expected within seven days to provide clarity and accountability for the issues raised.

The department outlined plans for an annual training programme to equip school governing bodies and management teams with skills for maintaining school facilities. 

“We aim to train all districts and schools by June next year,” Mafoko revealed. 

The initiative would also include refresher courses to adapt to staff turnover.

Despite the challenges, Mweli reiterated the department’s commitment to progress. 

“We’re on the ground almost weekly, addressing issues as they arise,” he said. 

“While we face systemic challenges, from contractor inefficiencies to funding gaps, we are confident that with collaboration and oversight, we can deliver safer, better-equipped schools for all learners.”

The committee pledged its continued support and oversight to ensure that the promises made translate into meaningful change on the ground.

INSIDE EDUCATION