Recently, the media reported some schools in the Eastern Cape have closed because of a lack of learning material.
Apparently, the provincial Department of Education is yet to deliver stationery at the schools.
The Eastern Cape has a very poor record of matric results.
And unfortunately, matric results are used as a gauge of a school's performance in provinces, which is wrong.
Therefore, that province should be treated as a special case.
It should also be given attention and support.
It is very sad that schools in that province had to close due to a lack of learning material.
I don't support the move.
However, I think it is a desperate measure to force the government to do the right thing.
This shows that the government does not care about the education of a black child.
It is just paying lip service.
I expected the South African Democratic Teachers' Union (Sadtu) to make noise about this.
But instead Sadtu, which is part of the tripartite alliance, has kept mum.
Which side is it on?
Minister of Basic Education Angie Motshekga should be held accountable for failing to deliver the learning material.
The same should apply to the MEC for education in that province. Children have a right to an education.
- Letter by Thabile Mange
