Today, I want to introduce you to a remarkable young boy named Nkululeko. At just 10 years old, he embodies the dreams and the struggles of countless children in KwaZulu-Natal. He wakes up each morning in a small, cramped home in a community where opportunities and resources are scarce. Despite the challenges of poverty, Nkululeko carries a spark of hope in his heart. He dreams of becoming a doctor, inspired by the desire to uplift his family and serve his community.
As we discuss Budget Vote 3 for basic education today, let us keep Nkululeko in our minds and hearts. He is not just a statistic; he is a living testament to the potential that lies within every child in in our province. If we prioritize early childhood development (ECD), improve school infrastructure, and ensure safety in our educational environments, we can help children like Nkululeko realise their dreams. Let us not allow his aspirations to be stifled by the shortcomings of our education system. Together, we have the power to change the narrative for Nkululeko and for all the children of KZN who look to us for guidance and support
As we examine the budget allocated for basic education, we cannot ignore the slow pace of change that has plagued our education system for far too long. Despite the promises made and the plans laid out, the reality is that many of our schools are still operating under dire conditions. Classrooms are overcrowded, resources are scarce, and infrastructure is crumbling. Our children are learning in environments that are not conducive to their growth and development.
Progress under previous Minister of Basic Education, Angie Motshekga was painfully slow. The DA therefore welcomes commitments made by the new Minister Siviwe Gwarube to address this chronic issue. South Africa is being left behind in the global education race, and our children are paying the price.
We cannot afford to be complacent while other nations invest heavily in their educational systems, ensuring their children have access to quality education and the tools they need to succeed in an ever-changing world. Nkululeko is still required to write notes in a notebook whilst his counterparts in the Far East enjoy the luxury of learning through encoded apps designed to kickstart interest and knowledge in robotics and coding, a language of the future. At 10 years old, Nkululeko is already behind.
Let us consider the budget shortcomings that continue to hinder our progress. The allocation for ECD is woefully inadequate. Research shows that the foundation for a child’s future success is laid in their early years. Yet, we are failing to prioritize this critical stage of development. Without proper investment in ECD, we are setting our children up for failure before they even step into a primary school classroom. Moreover, the infrastructure of our primary schools is in desperate need of attention. Many schools lack basic facilities such as clean water, proper sanitation, and safe learning environments. How can we expect our children to thrive academically when they are learning in conditions that are not only uncomfortable but also unsafe?
Instead, we counterfeit progress by gerrymandering legislation and educational policy to manufacture statistical success instead of creating it in the lives of kids like Nkululeko. We lower the standard, condone millions of children’s passes and create obscure definitions to hide our blatant failures.
The government of provincial unity (GPU) must take decisive action to rectify these issues. We need a comprehensive plan that addresses the infrastructure needs of our schools, ensuring that every child has access to a safe and conducive learning environment.
The Democratic Alliance (DA) in the lead-up to up to the formation of the GPU assured KZN’s people that we would rescue a failing education system. We implore the MEC and his department to take the following recommendations seriously if we are committed to the creation of an ethical and progressive government;
• We must establish the KZN Education Evaluation Authority – an independent body tasked with evaluating government’s performance and the conceptualisation, implementation, and monitoring of necessary education reform, free of political interference in our province
• We must support a stand-alone infrastructure development agency that will manage the affairs of all government infrastructure projects and pool resources, particularly for the maintenance of quintile 1 – 4 schools
• We must reform the way we implement ECD in its entirety and;
• We must work with school governing bodies (SGBs) and local communities in keeping our schools safe.
These reforms oppose the regression expressed by the Basic Education Laws Amendment Bill which seeks an authoritarian consolidation of power in the hands of unions and officials – rather than communities. This is a regression the DA can never support.
Despite Nkululeko’s daily challenges, he is a bright and determined child. However, without the support of a robust education system that prioritises ECD, better primary school infrastructure, and safety in schools, Nkululeko’s dreams may remain just that—dreams.
Imagine what Nkululeko could achieve if this government truly prioritised his education. If government invested in ECD programmes, he would have access to quality learning experiences that nurture his potential from a young age. If government improved the infrastructure of his primary school, he would learn in a safe and supportive environment, free from the distractions and dangers that currently hinder his education. If government ensured safety and security in KZN’s schools, he would feel valued and protected, allowing him to focus on his studies and reach for the stars.
Nkululeko is a representation of countless children across KZN who are yearning for a chance to succeed. It is government’s responsibility to ensure that they are given that chance. We must hold ourselves accountable for the decisions we make regarding the budget for basic education. We must advocate for the necessary changes that will uplift our education system and provide our children with the opportunities they deserve.
The DA urges KZN’s Education portfolio committee to recognise the urgent need for change. Let us not allow our children to be left behind. Let us prioritise ECD, invest in better primary school infrastructure, and ensure safety and security in our schools. We make decisions that impact the lives of children like Nkululeko, let us tread softly because we indeed do tread on their dreams.