The Portfolio Committee on Basic Education has raised concerns about the inadequate resources at Namakwaland Schools. This followed a two-day oversight visit on Sunday, October 6, in the Namakwa District of the Northern Cape.
Joy Maimela, the committee’s chairperson, said that the visit aimed to evaluate the province’s and schools’ preparedness for the upcoming National Senior Certificate (NSC) examinations scheduled for 2024.
Additionally, the committee assessed the curriculum support and various interventions designed to enhance learners’ performance in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) subjects.
During their visit, the committee toured three schools in the Nama-Khoi Municipal area: Kharkams Combined School, Nababeep High School, and Matjieskloof Intermediate School.
Maimela highlighted that, according to the re-evaluation of the quintile system used to classify schools based on the average income of their communities, a quintile 4 or 5 school should not be located in impoverished areas, as this disqualifies them from receiving subsidies. “No child should be disadvantaged due to poverty,” she said.
The committee observed that several schools lack adequate laboratories and computer facilities equipped with necessary resources, including tablets that were stolen years ago. They also noted that infrastructure and hostels are not being properly maintained. “These conditions are troubling. This is concerning and must be addressed,” said Maimela.
In light of the use of Afrikaans as the medium of instruction in Namakwa schools, Committee Member Reneiloe Mashabela suggested a review of the language policy.
Committee Member Delmain Christians urged the provincial Department to explore solutions to the challenges faced by the schools. “They receive a reduction from the conditional grants. If they are underfunded, it’s due to the funds they receive,” he said, pointing out that the issues stem from resource allocation.
