The crisis in South Africa’s education is so overwhelming that it is hard to locate its focal point. To me, the trouble begins in our primary schools.

International comparative research recently published by the South African Institute of Race Relations similarly locates the source of the enduring education crisis in our primary schools, placing them “among the worst in Africa".

The findings are indeed scary. Among Southern and East African countries that participated in the study, South Africa scored below average on reading and mathematics proficiency for pupils in Grade 6. It turned out that only one in our five Grade 6 pupils had attained the desired level of reading mastery.

The research also pointed out that this was despite us having a higher per capita gross domestic product, a higher human development index rating and higher spending per primary school pupil than many of the countries that recorded better scores.

This alone suggests that success in primary schooling is a matter of approach.

The IFP’s preoccupation with education and particularly what appears to be a basic skills deficit at the primary school level goes back a long way. With the advice of experts and the support of parents we have consistently called for a ‘back to basics’ approach in teaching, focusing on reading, writing and mathematics.

We are also aware that no amount of dedication, which is aplenty among our teachers, can be a substitute for sufficient skills. The ANC government accepts this in theory. In practice, it is bent on ignoring the often unbearable working conditions in our schools which are cited as the key reason for teachers’ mass exodus both from the profession and the country.

The government is equally determined to neglect many teacher-training institutions due to their roots in the erstwhile KwaZulu Government. We continue to back them not out of nostalgia, as the ANC maintains, but out of common sense.

Dr Lionel Mtshali MPP
Leader of the Official Opposition

Contact: Dr Lionel Mtshali, 083 256 4902