Chairperson of the Porfolio Commitee on Education Monde Sondaba
Bisho
The Eastern Cape Provincial Legislature Committee of the Whole House on Education recently visited over 30 schools across the province as part of its oversight programme to ensure quality teaching and learning. The committee’s visit followed engagements with key stakeholders held in all district offices.
During the visits, the delegation received reports from district directors on steps taken to implement house resolutions and address 22 findings previously referred to the House by the portfolio committee on education. While some resolutions had been addressed, others were still ongoing and incomplete. The issues included old and dilapidated infrastructure, shortage of classrooms, furniture, and ablution facilities, substance abuse, crime, and network connectivity challenges in rural areas.
The department reported that out of 93 projects it was implementing in the province, 55 were in completion stages, 28 were under construction, and 8 projects were in the planning stages. The committee was pleased to note the progress made in some districts, particularly Joe Gqabi, which demonstrated commendable progress in implementing previous resolutions and improved its matric performance from 85% in 2024 to 88% in 2025.
Stakeholders in some schools raised concerns about substance abuse, with dagga muffins being a particular issue in some areas. The department committed to finalizing deliveries of support material, including furniture and stationery, by the end of the week.
The committee visited the following schools:
– Alfred Nzo: Mzamba CHS, Khaleni PS, Makaula SSS, and Mbonda SPS
– Amathole: Dumalisile Comprehensive High, Dumalisile Primary, Gcato SSS, and Siphumile Primary
– Buffalo City: Amalinda Primary School, Zukhanye High School, Lingelethu High School, and Makunga Mvalo Primary School
– Chris Hani: Isikhoba Nombewu TSS, Isikhoba PS, Hangkilp PS, and Hangklip HS
– Joe Gqabi: Esilindini FSS, Sterkspruit Community school, Tsolobeng JSS, and Matsaneng PS
– Nelson Mandela: Mdengentonga PS, Enkwenkwezini PS, Nkululeko HS, and Mthonjeni PS
– OR Tambo: Ngwenyeni SS, Mkankomo FSS, Ngwayibanjwa SS, Mthatha West, and Fairfield Primary
– Sarah Baartman: Nqweba High School, Thembalesizwe Primary School, Gcinubuzwe Combined, and Jansenville High School
The schools’ visit programme will concluded today.
