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KWAZULU-NATAL has a new MEC for Education – Mbalenhle Cleopatra Frazer.
Frazer, who replaces Kwazi Mshengu following a cabinet reshuffle last week, is a former teacher and a trade unionist.
She commenced her work last Friday.
The South African Democratic Teachers Union’s (SATDU) in KwaZulu-Natal has welcomed the appointment of Frazer as the new KZN MEC for Education.
“As a teacher herself, the new MEC understands the Department and the needs of schools. SADTU hopes she will embrace unions and other stakeholders and work with them to further stabilise the department and ensure that the environment in schools is truly supportive of quality education delivery,” said SADTU provincial secretary Nomarashiya Caluza.
SATDU thanked Mshengu for the work he has done since his appointment as the MEC for Education in the province.
“His open-door policy allowed all stakeholders to feel free to raise issues with him. This, SADTU believes was based on his understanding that all stakeholders are equally important and central in the delivery of quality public education. Honesty and transparency were his guiding principleswhich enabled him to survive in the department.” Caluza.
SADTU said that Frazer is taking over a stable department.
“By saying the Department is stable does not suggest that there are no challenges. The Department that she is inheriting is facing the effects of budget cuts which is why there are not enough teachers in schools, backlog in infrastructure, safety and security challenges in schools and many other known challenges.”
Caluza urged Frazer to prioritise the province’s Quality Learning and Teaching campaign.
“Prioritise the Quality Learning and Teaching campaign through mobilising all stakeholders and
education loving people to participate in protecting schools. Making schools safe and ensuring that there are no lesson losses.”
Newly appointed KZN Premier Nomusa Dube-Ncube said Frazer will be meeting with organised labour, school principals, school governing bodies and communities.”
The South African Principals Association -KwaZulu Natal, has congratulated also Frazer on her new appointment.
SAPA KZN said “through our collective and professional participation, strive to excel in our task through self-development and interaction as an independent, non-racial and non-aligned Association.”
Mshengu has been the MEC for Education since 2019 said he was grateful for the opportunity given to him by the ANC to serve the people of KZN.
“I have always understood and appreciated that I serve at the behest of my organisation and that it reserves a right to make any decision and at any given moment concerning the position I held on its behalf. Acting in accordance with this appreciation, I have always regarded this assignment not as career but a service,” said Mshengu.
“I wish to sincerely thank all staff members from the Department of Education for being a cornerstone of the victories we scored. Collectively we have steered the education sector in the province to what I verily believe is the right direction,” he said.
INSIDE EDUCATION