MEC Makupula praises teachers
EDUCATION MEC Mandla Makupula yesterday lavished praise on teachers for their dedication, especially those who worked in rural Eastern Cape schools.
He was speaking in Qunu where he addressed rural villagers as part of the annual Matthew Goniwe International Teachers’ Day celebrations hosted by his department.
The MEC acknowledged that the department had failed to provide proper schools in many parts of the province so far, but argued that government could not be expected to undo 350 years of damage caused by apartheid in just 22 years.
“Even though we haven’t been able to build their schools, they continue to work under very demanding and extremely challenging circumstances,” he said.
“Thank you. Continue doing the noble job. Teaching is a calling. Even those rural children belong to this country and should receive an education.”
Narrating the background to the celebrations, Makupula said three of the Cradock Four, Goniwe, Fort Calata and Sicelo Mhlauli, were teachers.
But after approaching their families, it had been agreed that Goniwe, who was a brilliant maths and science teacher, should be used as the face of the celebrations.
“He left Cradock and went to teach in Holomisa Senior Secondary School in Mqanduli in the 1970s,” Makupula said, adding that his department had applied to the SA National Heritage Council to have the classroom at the school that he used as well as a rondavel he lived in, turned into heritage sites.
The MEC said all those involved in education in the province could use the values of Goniwe to improve the standard of education.
The Daily Dispatch has reported in the past that many schools had been torched by angry pupils in the O R Tambo district. Commenting on this, Makupula warned: “We all want schools that have electricity and scholar transport but it’s not going to happen overnight. Parents, let’s intervene. If you chase away a teacher you won’t be able to employ another because that one leaves with that post.”
The MEC also had strong words for school principals saying they should ensure transparency in dealing with school finances to avoid conflict. He also lashed out at communities, who shut down schools when aggrieved. —