In an event that was held at De Vos Malan High School in King William’s Town, Buffalo City Municipality District, The Eastern Cape Department of Education hosted Principals, Teachers and School Governing Body members as it launched the Learner Admission Programme. This is a programme driven by the Institutional Development, Support and Governance (IDS & G) Section under the leadership of Chief Education Specialist (CES), Mrs Pula Mtila. Its aim is to sensitize parents and schools about the processes of Admission of Learners, also encourages early registration of learners for the 2018 Academic Year.

Mtila gave a precise and detailed presentation that outlined what needs to be done, when, where and how things should be done during this period, giving reference to legislation that govern Admissions in South Africa. The section has commissioned to engage in roadshows around the province, preparing schools for and making noise about early admission of pupils. Also encouraging parents to secure and submit application forms as soon as possible.

“The purpose of these roadshows is to address challenges relating to admissions and to ensure that there is uniformity in the way things are done”, said Khaya Nakani, Customer Care Public Liaison Officer.

Both the Head of Department and the MEC for Education were present to give words of support and encouragement. The Surintendent General (SG) used this platform to highlight his expectations from principals in terms of performance management and leadership in schools. In his address Mr Temba Kojana spoke largely to underperforming principals, warning them that they would be brought to account regarding the near to the ground performance of their schools and that a prospect of a demotion is on the cards should all interventions fail.

Speaking on early learner admissions, he said that “Admissions should be done the previous year”. He also indicated that poor planning and management of this process affects other aspects of education, such as allocation and provision of Learning and Teaching Support Materials (LTSM), school nutrition and other benefits. Excess students or those who registered late are usually not catered for. Also the school runs the risk of inability to accommodate all learners due to capacity challenges. “Teaching and Learning should start on the first day schools open in January”, said Kojana. This period should not be used for registration of learners as all admissions should have been done the previous year. He commended those schools that are already doing this.

The MEC, Mr Mandla Makupula also pledged his support for this initiative and encouraged all involved to take heed of the information brought to them.

“Education is a societal matter”, said Makupula as he encouraged all involved to participate fully in the education of the African child and do what is required on time.