Parents are furious that the Grade eight to 11 internal examinations have been suspended until further notice.
This was communicated to them in letters issued by the South African Democratic Teachers’ Union (SADTU) after members had picketed at schools throughout KwaZulu-Natal (KZN) on Monday (November 6).
Sadtu KZN provincial secretary, Nomarashiya Caluza said principals were forced to run schools out of their own pockets and that many schools in the province had still not got their annual budget allocations from the DoE, nor had salaries been increased.
The letter issued by Sadtu on November 6, indicating that all grade eight to 11 examinations would be suspended from November 7 until further notice, left parents feeling despondent.
Matric examinations, however, will continue as scheduled.
The reason for the picketing on Monday was due to concerns over allocation of funds, safety of teachers and pupils at school and the filling of vacancies.
Umlazi mother, Zanele Xhosa, who has a son in Grade 11, said she wants to know why the department was not funding the schools.
“They are playing with our children’s lives. They need to write their examinations. I understand the plight of the teachers and principals and support them. The education department has to play their part. This is just not fair – our children will suffer the consequences of this,” said Ms Xhosa.
Another Durban parent, Sharitha Singh, said her daughter is in grade eight and she is “worried sick”
“The children are concerned and rightfully so – what will happen if the exams are not written this year? This is a sign that the education department has no idea how to run their schools, it’s a shame,” said Ms Singh.
Winston Smith of Merebank said Sadtu should not punish the children and should allow them to write their examinations.
“This fight is between the teacher’s union and the department. Why get the children involved? Let them write their exams and go and enjoy their holidays,” said Mr Smith.
“As parents we are worried, our children’s future is at risk here. The education department needs to listen to what the principals need to run the school and give them what they need. We are paying school fees, our children need to get educated.”
In October, Sadtu held a march during which a memorandum was handed over to Education MEC Mbali Frazer and head of department Nkosinathi Ngcobo. Ms Caluza said the union was disappointed with the response from the KZN DoE.
“Both Frazer and Ngcobo gave an explanation on why they have not been doing the right thing. For us the response was just compliance. The MEC of Finance raised the issue of budget cuts and cash blocking,” said Ms Caluza.
“After numerous engagements with the union and the department we decided to picket. Sadly, there was no resolution on the issues that Sadtu raised. This meant deteriorating support for schools. Principals are being undermined and schools have been left without resources,” she said.
Muzi Mahlambi, spokesman for the KZN Education Department, said they had met with Sadtu on Monday, and would be releasing a statement soon.
