Klerksdorp Record, Klerksdorp - North West retained its fourth place in the top performing provinces with an improvement from the class of 2023 by 5.9%.
However, the DA is concerned by the decline in the uptake of gateway subjects, specifically physical sciences, accounting, and mathematics. “We are encouraged by the announcement by Education Minister, Siviwe Gwarube, that she will prioritise efforts towards improving early childhood education and foundational phase support which will capacitate young learners with the language and numeracy skills required for these subjects in later grades, which will improve overall academic performance,’’ said DA spokesperson, CJ Steyl.
He added that while the North West Provincial Department of Education may celebrate the performance of the Class of 2024, it should not forget that the department must improve school infrastructure and address the growing concerns around the safety and security of teachers and learners at schools.
“In addition, the Department of Education must improve on its financial management to limit irregular, fruitless and wasteful expenditure to ensure that every cent is applied towards supporting education and learning in school environments that are safe, clean and fully resourced. This is crucial to limit the impact of budget constraints on education.’’
The DA called again on Premier Lazarus Mokgosi, to appoint a substantive Head of Department of Education, without delay.
