MEC told to take action

Premier Phumulo Masualle has given education MEC Mandla Makupula seven days to attend to the problems of St Thomas School for the Deaf, which recorded a dismal 0% matric pass rate.

The school was one of the Eastern Cape schools that added to the province’s dismal matric results earlier this year.

St Thomas and Jama Senior Secondary School, both in the King William’s Town district, received special attention from Masualle on Friday when he called a meeting with school representatives, heads of departments, principals and school governing body members (SGB).

Following the dismal failure of Jama’s 22 matric pupils, provincial government spokesman Sizwe Kupelo said pupils from Jama would be merged with those from Amazizi High School in the same district, as part of the rationalisation plan.

Kupelo said the premier was expecting a solid report from Makupula on St Thomas’ ongoing challenges.

Makupula is also under pressure to appoint permanent principals in vacant positions by the first of next month.

Kupelo said parents complained about the principal, teachers and caretakers at St Thomas.

“The SGB said teachers were coming late to the school, while pupils spent morning classes alone,” Kupelo said.

“They also said the principal became arrogant when asked about the situation.”

Cleaners and caretakers were accused of stealing groceries from the nutrition programme and taking them home.

“The premier is very concerned about the state of affairs, and although he does not run the department, he is the overall leader of the province’s administration.

“He is now walking the talk by ensuring that the problematic system of education is turned around.

“People who are not doing their jobs should be fired. Retired teachers need to be replaced. Teachers who attend to private commitments while on sick leave and get paid need to addressed.”