Fiddling while education system collapses

South Africa’s renowned poor standard of education in the past two decades begs for intervention by government.

However, the latest intention of the Gauteng Education Department to force all schools that have names associated with apartheid to a name change is truly baffling.

Surely, at this stage of development of our “new” education system, where almost all levels of education are in a state of crisis, primary, secondary, post-school, tertiary, etc. there are far more important matters demanding the attention and energy of educational administrators than fiddling with school names. Makes one hark back to one’s own education when we read that ‘Nero fiddled while Rome was burning’. There is so much that needs attention in our education system, even besides the fact that the pass mark has, in many cases, been dropped to a mere 30%. Only knowing 30% of a subject means there is no understanding of the subject concerned.

Instead of politically driven cosmetic transformation like changing schools’ names, government should rather focus on the provision of school buildings without structural problems; adequate provision of decent toilets, water and electricity supply; providing schools with furniture where there is none, and make competent teachers available where there are shortages. Not to mention acting against absurdities such as principals and teachers who are absent or regularly arrive late at schools.
There are many more issues of concern like the continual changing of curriculum and teachers’ inability to teach the new subjects; the totally inadequate delivery of learners competent in mathematics and science; the whole issue of teaching of technical skills facilitating possible employment. And, what about the social problems? Teenage pregnancy, sexual assault, robbery and violence in schools. The impact all of these have on a young person’s capacity to learn, and on a teacher’s capacity to educate, is unquestionable.
While all these problems confront educators, suddenly the naming of schools becomes a burning issue. Which of those schools that have built up a reputation for excellence, receive national Z if not international Z recognition, are suddenly being accused of having unacceptable names, in spite of their success?
When will we ever learn Z when will we ever learn! – Editorial comment by Dr Alan Pittendrigh, a retired educational administrator, residing in the Vaal Triangle.