Officials to keep eye on schools
IT IS back to school for thousands of learners across the Northern Cape today with senior political leaders keeping any eye on day one.
Northern Cape Premier, Sylvia Lucas will visit three high schools in De Aar to assess their readiness for the academic year.
Spokeswoman for the Premier’s Office, Bronwyn Thomas-Abrahams, said Lucas will be at the Monwabisi, Orion and Veritas high schools today.
“The premier will engage with the principals on a number of issues, including learner admissions, learner transport provision, the staff establishment and the basic functionality of the schools.
Support
“She will also give a message of support to the learners to encourage them for the year ahead,” Thomas-Abrahams said.
The MEC for Cooperative Governance, Human Settlement and Traditional Affairs, Alvin Botes, will be at three schools in Upington.
Botes will assess the state of readiness at the SC Kearns High School, AJ Ferreira High School and Oranje-Oewer Primary today.
Spokesman Xhanti Teki said Botes will interact with learners, parents and teachers at the schools.
He added that the assessment will, amongst others, focus on learner transport, the implementation of the staff establishment, school nutrition programmes, payment of municipal accounts, parental involvement as well as infrastructure challenges.
The Sol Plaatje municipality’s speaker, Mangaliso Matika, will visit the Thabane High School and Tshiamo Primary School in Galeshewe.
The Northern Cape Department of Education earlier this week said that they are on track to kick-off the year.
Spokesman Sydney Stander said all necessary arrangements have been made to ensure that the first day of school is a success.
He, however, added that a few problem areas have been identified.
“Learner transport for all existing routes will be fully functional on the first day of school and no problems are expected.
“However, the appointment of service providers for additional routes, mostly in the John Taolo Gaetsewe District, is a challenge.
“We are also expecting overcrowding in classes at some schools, but the department is in the process of procuring new mobile units.”
Stander also said they are aware that there will be parents who will be knocking on the department’s door to assist with regards to late admissions. “These parents are advised to go to their nearest district office for assistance,” he said.