Question 33
Ms MW Makgate to ask the Minister of Basic Education:
(1) Whether she has been informed of the effect caused at some farm schools in Mamusa by persons moving to townships, causing a drop in farm school’s enrolment and overcrowding to schools in the townships; if not, what is the position in this regard; if so, what are the relevant details;
(2) whether her department has any plans to ensure that the department does not end up with (a) farm schools not being utilised and (b) a shortage of classes in the townships; if not, why not; if so, what plans?
Draft response
No I have not been informed of the situation specific to Mamusa. However my department has received reports from the North West Department of Education indicating the challenges created by persons moving to townships from farms for education planning.
The migration of people from farm areas to townships is an ongoing challenge faced by provinces when planning education delivery. There is no one-size-fits-all solution. Learners at farm schools are often affected by the plight of their parents and the circumstances in commercial agriculture generally. A decline in the admission of learners at rural or farm schools often creates challenges on the cost effectiveness of maintaining such schools.
Together with the provincial Departments of Education we have developed an accelerated infrastructure delivery initiative plan to address the issue of overcrowding in township schools.
The minister will make an announcement in due course. As for farm schools, my department has identified the retention of learners at farm schools as a key focus area for action. Our interventions include the national school nutrition programme, providing learner transport where required and improving the quality of teaching and learning at farm schools through the foundations for learning programme, ensuring that grade R to 6 learners have workbooks for literacy and numeracy and attracting quality educators through the Funza Lushaka bursary scheme and providing incentives for educators teaching in remote areas.
During 2009 the department also published guidelines to assist provincial officials with the implementation of SASA Section 14 Agreements at farm schools. These guidelines have aimed to expedite resourcing, promote access and ensure the retention of learners at farm schools.
Building effective school governance and management at farm schools is another key focus area for action. This needs to happen in conjunction with relevant and reliable district support. Promoting sustainable partnerships to implement programmes directed at broader rural development and community participation in farm schools will be essential. Our plans must therefore also be informed by the comprehensive frameworks and plans of the Ministry of Rural Development, as well as other relevant ministries such as Public Works, Health, Water Affairs
and Transport.
Issued by: Department of Basic Education
1 June 2010
Source: Department of Education
(http://www.education.gov.za/)
