Must bridge gap between private and public schools
On January 3 basic education minister Angie Motshekga announced the matric pass rate for the class of 2018 of overall 78.2%.
While many celebrated the improvement of 5% from the previous year and a similar margin in 2016, my mind went to the dilemma and the reasons for this were:
I compared IEB results of a 98% pass rate to 78.2% of basic education. Since 2014 the IEB has maintained the 98% pass rate, while basic education has for the eighth consecutive year recorded in the 70% range. Seemingly when we pit wits one against the other the IEB always takes the trophy home.
Based on my observations there are divisions between the two schooling bodies.
Sadly we cannot run away from the fact that many South Africans come from impoverished backgrounds and cannot afford to enrol at former model C schools.
At disadvantaged schools they are faced with an enormity of challenges such as, to name a few:
● Insufficient school teachers;
● Late delivery of stationery to public schools;
● No extramural activities as compared to their counterparts in other schools;
● No proper sanitation. E Z Kabane in 2018 did not have toilets for scholars to relive themselves;
● Vandalism;
● No proper career guidance. With all of the above raised, do we fold arms and annually wait for the basic education minister in anguish to deliver results?
Have we normalised that private schools will always be the best and benefit a minority who can afford them?
We should consider bridging the gap between the two schooling bodies.
It may seem not feasible and not immediately yield results, but will definitely assist in the long run and be seen in annual results.
The government has a responsibility for the creation of a sustainable future for pupils through strong supportive structures to make sure pupils receive quality education.
It also has a responsibility to afford opportunities to disadvantaged schools through programmes and assist them to achieve to their full potential. Those in government with delegation of authority powers must assemble a team to identify how private schools versus public schools do things.
Not only will we be pulling in the same direction, but will build important cohesion to produce better results for matric and those pupils in lower grades in the near future.
Mpumelelo Peter, Ward 30 youth leader
Port Elizabeth