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Article by Mali Mtima
In the most recent round of school visits by the national Minister of basic education, Ms Angie Motshekga, two Butterworth schools, Ncaphayi Junior secondary and Gobe Commercial School received a courtesy visit due to their success pass rate despite the district’s 49% pass rate for the year 2010.
Upon her arrival to the school, the happy Motshekga passed through a guard of honour by Gobe commercial school learners to join the school choir assembled to welcome her with songs before a formal meeting set between the minister’s entourage, the honourable MEC Mandla Makuphula with his few selected officials, the district officials and the school management team.
During the meeting, the Gobe school management team led by its principal Zwelitsha Ngolo updated Motshekga about issues relating to school functionality and resourcing that are affecting their school. Amongst the pressing issues raised by the school team was the school furniture, equipment for the science and computer laboratories, the availability of scholar transport, the stopping of school nutrition and the appointment of a maths teacher.
The 83% pass rate achieved by Gobe Commercial School has prompted the minister to reach-out and applaud them for their astounding work. “I’m happy with the good infrastructure the school has and its performance which proves its functioning. The way this school’s teachers have presented proves that they know that education starts with their commitment and dedication”, said Motshekga.
The minister also promised to return in two weeks time to check if the necessities needed by the school have been sorted out by the district. “Appoint the maths teacher now and the paper work will be done latter as we cannot allow our learners to be without a maths teacher and in two weeks time I’m coming with a team to asses if these necessities have been addressed”, urged Motshekga.
Another school visited by the minister, Ncapayi Junior Secondary within the same district obtained a 94% pass rate. This junior secondary has enrolled 940 learners this year alone with 27 educators. According to this school’s principal, Tembinkosi Zamxaka the school has performed very well despite being situated in a community with about 80% of its community members unemployed.
“The good working relationship between the staff and the community especially the School Governing Body is amongst the contributing factors to the school’s performance”, said Zamxaka.
Minister Motshekga welcomed the good working ethics showed by the school and urged the school to sustain or improve its performance. “I have decided to make this courtesy visit to the functioning schools in the district and congratulate them for their performance. As people in the coalface of service delivery, your performing reflects that you know best how to steer the ship to the right direction”, concluded Motshekga.
As soon as the meeting with the performing schools ended, the minister met the district officials in the meeting organized by the district office.
Article Tags: Ncaphayi Junior Secondary, Gobe Commercial School
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