IFP Applauds Pupils and Teachers but Slams Department

December 28, 2006

The IFP congratulates KwaZulu-Natal’s pupils, teachers and parents on this year’s matric pass rate, but contends that the provincial Department of Education could have done a lot more. The party is particularly proud of the province’s female achievers.

“These results have been, in many cases, achieved despite, not thanks, to the efforts of the province’s Department of Education,” said IFP provincial spokesperson Blessed Gwala.

The IFP has consistently criticised the department’s failure to distribute school books and stationery evenly and timeously across KwaZulu-Natal.

“Many schools, mostly in the province’s rural areas, have had to contend with the department’s galloping bureaucracy, ignorance and failure. Despite this and thanks to the admirable dedication of most teachers, this year’s matric pass rate has been a relative success,” said Gwala.

The IFP pledges to work closely with the teachers, their unions and the provincial government to energise the education system in KwaZulu-Natal in 2007.

“There is much room for improvement, especially where school discipline and the relevance of the school curriculum to the requirements of the job market are concerned. As a party with a life-long commitment to high-quality education, we are reaching out to all stakeholders with an offer of constructive co-operation,” said Gwala.

Contact:
Blessed Gwala
078 690 5777