* DA write to KZN Education portfolio committee chairperson to formalise agreement to ensure MPL school access
* DA to explore options following school oversight abuse by MK Party
Note to Editors: Please find sound bite by Sakhile Mngadi MPL in English and IsiZulu
The DA welcomes the decision to amend the KwaZulu-Natal (KZN) Education departments deeply flawed Circular 29 – aimed at stifling school oversight by MPLs – following intense scrutiny by the province’s Education portfolio committee.
Despite MEC, Sipho Hlomuka and his department’s desperate attempts to defend this blatant attempt to block unannounced oversight by MPLs and shield schools from accountability, the DA’s unwavering and principled stance has ensured that – at the very least – committee members will now be able to conduct their rightful oversight in schools.
This is a major victory for transparency and accountability within KZN’s education system.
KZN’s ANC-run Education department’s initial position was indefensible, designed to stifle oversight and conceal the chronic failures plaguing our schools. However, through sound argument and relentless pressure, the DA has forced this necessary concession, ensuring that those responsible for monitoring KZN’s education system are not arbitrarily barred from doing their jobs.
To ensure that this commitment is properly implemented, the DA has written (view here) to the KZN Education portfolio committee Chairperson, Hlengiwe Mavimbela to formally secure this agreement and prevent any future backtracking by the department. We will not allow vague assurances to replace clear, enforceable rules that guarantee MPLs’ access to schools for oversight.
The DA further notes that the 30-day permission rule remains in place for all other individuals seeking access to schools. While we support legitimate measures to protect the integrity of learning environments, we call for stricter enforcement against those who abuse this access – in particular political opportunists such as the uMkhonto weSizwe (MK) party, which recently shamelessly exploited school premises in Shakaskraal for its own gain. Such reckless conduct is unacceptable and must face the full force of the law.
The DA remains the only political party in KZN committed to fearless oversight, exposing corruption, and ensuring that our learners receive the quality education they deserve. The ANC may try to erect barriers, but we will tear them down – because the future of our children is not up for negotiation.