The Select Committee on Education, Sciences and Creative Industries, under Committee Chairperson, Mr Maki Feni, this week conducted an oversight visit to the Matlosana Local Municipality in the North West Province. The Committee was accompanied by DBE managers and the Education MEC for the North West Province, Ms Viola Motsumi. The meeting also received a briefing by the Auditor-General regarding Audit Outcomes and Performance.

Ms Motsumi informed the Committee that she was concerned about children with special needs who want to leave the province for work and further education, adding that there were 26 special schools in the province. Other schools visited were Keurhof Special School, Vukani Mawethu Secondary School and PA Theron Primary School.

The province was requested to reflect on direct questions from the Committee to provide detailed responses and comprehensive presentations. Noting the various challenges facing schools in the province, Mr Feni said the Committee would make recommendations where necessary. Amongst the challenges identified were Information and Communication Technology (ICT); infrastructure backlogs; sanitation and the eradication of pit latrines; Early Childhood Development (ECD); the status of the National School Nutrition Programme (NSNP); the verification of employees; the provision of scholar transport; learner pregnancy prevention; safety and security; and incidences of bullying.

The Committee also expressed concern over reports that construction mafias are disrupting school projects across the province. Committee Chairperson Mr Feni, said the Committee condemns this behaviour, which will frustrate the province's efforts to deliver quality education: “We are concerned when people from outside, driven by greed, with the sole intention of disrupting government services, could easily do as they please around our schools. The talk in the country and in Government is about improving service delivery. Parliament’s oversight role can therefore not be underestimated”.

The DBE welcomed the oversight visit to ensure improved outcomes in the province.