Education in the spotlight

SABELO Jayiya of Queenstown writes: Shouldn’t we accept that education in this province is on the brink of disaster? Is it not the time we stand up to save the future of our children and of our country? Are we not killing the future, thereby condemning our children to perpetual slavery in their own country, where their lives depend on the crumbs from the tables of the rich and the middle class? When shall we take them to the country of “milk and honey?” Is this not a re-enactment of Nongqawuse of 1856 where our children are today’s cattle and crops?

If we wish to change our education for the better, we need to be brutally frank and honest, even if it means getting heaps of hatred and insults.

There was once a time when education was valued and respected, where passing was a norm and failure an aberration, due to the commitment and dedication by all. During those times, teachers were not as educated as today’s teachers are, but they produced the best results. The state of buildings used were mostly shameful mud structures with no electricity, copiers, computers, internet, televisions, libraries and laboratories, but the best results were produced.

Because of this commitment and dedication, students would move from afar to get education from rural areas and they got the best. What went wrong? Most rural and township schools have become academic slaughter houses. I hope the newspapers will dedicate space for people to debate this issue.

*Over the next few weeks, The Rep will be accommodating letters specifically on the issue of education in the Eastern Cape and possible remedies. Send by email to sonjar@timesmedia.co.za or fax to 045- 839 4059.