WHY NO BOOKS?
IT’S very disturbing that we are halfway through the year and some schools in Limpopo don’t have textbooks yet. How have their pupils been studying?
Is the government taking the education of these pupils seriously? The fact that Angie Motshekga, the basic education minister, has apologised to the parents and pupils for the delay does not change the situation.
This is one of the many situations we are facing and yet we are quick to say there is no crisis in the education system. Are we turning a blind eye to the fact that the system is failing those who need it the most – those in the rural areas?
There shouldn’t be a gap between urban and rural schools.
Instead of coming up with a plan to help these pupils catch up on what they have missed, the ANC Youth League says they should be given a free pass.
One has to ask why should they be given something they didn’t work for.
And besides, it’s not helping them, they are just setting them up for failure.
How are they expected to pass matric when they didn’t receive a good and proper foundation phase which the youth of 1976 fought and died for?
In his state of the nation address earlier this year the president said they will continue to fight for a better education by fighting the problems facing education, including the non-delivery of textbooks.
With all the education department’s problems, the system is really in shambles.
The department needs to provide support to the pupils so they don’t have to face a bleak future.
This is totally unacceptable and those responsible for this debacle should be held accountable.