Plan to convert unviable schools into skills centres

By Xpress Reporter

At the time of going to press this week, the affected municipalities were yet to convene special Council sittings to elect replacement deputy mayors. New coalition negotiations were still ongoing behind the scenes, with strong indications that EFF would

At the time of going to press this week, IFP still had its Mayor and Speaker at the hem of Maphumulo, but the duo stood on extremely shaky ground, as the IFP holds only ten seats, in a Council of 23 seats. The ANC controls 11 seats, while the EFF and the Independent Alliance control a seat apiece.

Dube-Ncube has outlined the provincial government's plans to convert non-viable schools, with dwindling enrolment numbers, into vocational skills centres.

Dube-Ncube was speaking last week as he led the provincial government on its schools functionality monitoring programme throughout the province.

During the visits, issues related to the viability of schools with dwindling enrolment numbers came under sharp focus.

The Premier heard that there are approximately three million learners who have enrolled in over 6 000 schools in the province for the 2023 academic year.

Dube-Ncube said the provincial government is in discussion with the Departments of Education and Higher Education and Training to discuss the possibility of converting some of the schools with good infrastructure into vocational skills centres to address the shortage of technical skills.

“Our view is that some of the schools that have good infrastructure but are unused or have been closed because of dwindling enrolment numbers must be converted into vocational skills centres to address the shortage of technical skills, as we are experiencing a shortage of technically skilled personnel that we need as a country to develop.

“The skills training required, among others, includes artisans, plumbers, electricians, construction and carpentry, so that the youth in townships and rural areas can be equipped with skills to start their own businesses,” Dube-Ncube said.

The Premier also expressed concern over reports of theft and vandalism at schools, and called on the community to demonstrate active citizenry and partner with police to protect school assets and buildings from vandalism, theft and destruction.

“The safety and security of teachers, school children and property are also the responsibility of communities who must work with law enforcement agencies to bring perpetrators to book. We cannot afford to keep replacing vandalised infrastructure when we should be focusing on producing top quality learners by building libraries and laboratories, so that we equip learners with the requisite skills for the digital economy,” the Premier said.

The issue of multi-grades, where a teacher teaches multiple grades simultaneously, was also raised.

The Department of Education said teachers who fall under that category, are capacitated and trained to ensure that effective learning and teaching takes place.