21 January 2003
In support of the start of the school year, the KwaZulu Natal Province of the South African Communist Party (SACP) will visit various schools in the province tomorrow and Thursday. These visits will be conducted by hundreds of SACP Red October Brigades (Volunteer).
The KwaZulu Natal Red October Brigades will be led by the SACP General Secretary, Comrade Blade Nzimande, in visiting the various schools.
The programme for Comrade Nzimande’s visit is as follows:
1. 08h00 - Umdepha High School – KwaXimba, Durban West
2. 11h00 – Amaoti Lower Primary School, Amaoti, Durban North
3. 11h30 – People’s Forum (Public Meeting) in Amaoti
4. 14h30 – Teachers’ Forum, Cato Crest High School, Chesterville Hall,
Durban South
Similar to visits conducted in other provinces, these visits to KwaZulu Natal schools will be the SACP’s contribution in ensuring that the admissions and registration process is smooth and that effective learning and teaching from day one.
The SACP in KwaZulu Natal is currently dealing with cases where school governing bodies, principals and school administrators have turned away pupils from poor families because they do not have school fees or uniforms. “This is unconstitutional and denies poor children access to education. Central government must also ensure that schools are adequately funded”, said Smiso Nkwanyana, SACP KwaZulu Natal Provincial Secretary.
Following the month of January, the key challenge which must be addressed by government, schools. communities and local organisations, is problems such as the return of material and books removed from schools, the building of School Governing Bodies, maintenance of schools, and continuing learning and teaching. The SACP will play its role to ensure that these problems are effectively addressed.
CONTACT
Mazibuko Kanyiso Jara – SACP spokesperson – 083 651 0271
Smiso Nkwanyana – SACP KwaZulu Natal Provincial Secretary – 082 468 7184