KZN MEC to make surprise school visits

KwaZulu-Natal education MEC Senzo Mchunu will pay surprise visits to schools opening on Wednesday, his spokeswoman said.

“The MEC will be visiting three schools tomorrow [Wednesday]. It will be a surprise visit for schools opening to check whether everything is in order,” said Muntu Lukhozi.

Mchunu would criss-cross the province for three days to visit unsuspecting principals.

“We are hoping by this stage that everything is in place. We are calling on principals and educators to be at school on time ensuring that teaching and learning starts on time,” said Lukhozi.

Spokeswoman for the department Mbali Thusi said parents, educators and members of the community should report any irregularities at schools.

“Everything is going well, we have not experienced any problems until this stage.

She said if a school had been vandalised during the holidays or parents were having problems with registration, they should contact the callcentre on 0860-596-363.

The department was working closely with schools preparing for school opening.

“Before the end of December 99.9 percent of learner and teacher support material was delivered to schools where the department handles their finances.”

In Newcastle, KwaZulu-Natal health MEC Sibongiseni Dhlomo was cleaning toilets and painting schools.

“As we speak, the MEC is getting his hand dirty painting the schools and cleaning the toilets and classrooms in preparation of school opening,” said Dhlomo's spokesman Chris Maxon.

Dhlomo was visiting Nhlosokuhle Primary School and Zamo High School.

“The school is in a rural area and is not in a good condition. The biggest message that the MEC is sending is everyone needs to play a role in good education,” said Maxon.

Thusi said close to 6000 government schools were expected to open on Wednesday.