KZN learner still not placed in school

THE Da-led Western Cape has already received almost

60 000 online school placement applications, while working hard to build new classrooms at an unprecedented rate through its unique rapid school-building programme. Yet here in Kwazulunatal, I am still trying to get a learner placed in school.

Confirmation from a parent that the learner is still sitting at home due to inaction from the province’s Department of Education (DOE) is simply devastating for this young person.

A term of schooling has already been lost simply because the resolve to place learners first is lacking. The adage that one swallow does not make a summer is true and an entire case against MEC Mbali Frazer and her department cannot hinge on one learner. However, one learner disadvantaged in any way is one learner too many.

The DA has for years advised that, at the very least, the piloting of online placements in KZN schools should take place within a single district. While there was commitment to the idea, the reality – yet again – is a dearth of political leadership to ensure that every learner is placed in a classroom and no learning opportunity is lost.

Every year, my office is inundated with numerous placement queries for various reasons. Some parents simply make no effort to start the application process early.

Among the very early changes that the DA will make when it governs KZN is to pilot online learner placements and begin modelling the Western Cape rapid school-building programme, adding brick-and-mortar classrooms to schools that desperately need them.

Citizens of KZN can rescue our province from a government that has run out of ideas by ensuring they vote for a Da-led government that comes with evidence-based innovation and proper governance. There is hope in this.

DR IMRAN KEEKA, MPL | DA KZN Spokesperson on Education