SUFFER THE POOR KIDS OF MFULENI

THERE are roughly 1 000 children in Mfuleni still not in school because the provincial education authorities are unable to accommodate them. It is one the worst areas for overcrowding, according to the Western Cape Education Department where officials ought to know that a dire shortage of classrooms was a recurring problem.

The department and its political head, Education MEC Debbie Schäfer, know it happened last year and the year before.

Where’s the planning? Why do these children have to miss out and forced to play catch up if and when they eventually get placed? Is it because they are poor and black?

Would this situation be allowed had it been in a white area? Yes – these are awkward questions, but they have to be posed.

We anticipate Schäfer and the WCED to offer an excuse along the lines of: “The numbers are increasing every year and everything is being done...”

But we challenge Schäfer to find a permanent solution. Her job is to look after all the pupils in the Western Cape, including from Mfuleni. The MEC should put in as much effort and determination into resolving the Mfuleni classroom shortage as she invested in the dreaded schools booze bill, and shutting down of Uitsig High.

If Schafer cant, or won’t – then she should do the honourable thing and step aside for someone who can and will.

Peace.