Community activists in Phoenix are calling for the KZN Department of Education to reprioritise funding to support schools which are forced to lease out parts of the school to ensure that they can keep the doors open.
The investigation into Havenpark Secondary has highlighted the plight of struggling schools in the area, with many being forced to take drastic measures to stay afloat.
Struggling Schools
The lack of funding has led to a crisis in education, with many schools unable to provide even the most basic necessities for their students.
According to community activists, the KZN Department of Education has failed to deliver on its promise of free education, leaving many schools to fend for themselves.
Free Education
The concept of free education is one that is deeply ingrained in the South African constitution, but the reality on the ground is far from it.
Many schools are struggling to make ends meet, with some being forced to lease out parts of the school to generate income.
This has led to a situation where schools are being run more like businesses than educational institutions.
Here are some of the ways in which schools are struggling:
- Lack of funding for basic necessities such as textbooks and stationery
- Insufficient infrastructure, including classrooms and toilets
- Shortage of qualified teachers
For more information on the state of education in South Africa, visit the Department of Education website.
Community activists are calling on the government to take immediate action to address the crisis in education and ensure that all schools have access to the funding they need to provide quality education.
As noted by the TimesLIVE, the issue of free education is one that requires urgent attention from the government.
