KZN Education reiterates Addington Primary School doesn’t prioritise foreigners

Durban, KwaZulu-Natal – The KwaZulu-Natal Department of Education has reaffirmed its position regarding admissions at Addington Primary School, dismissing claims that the school favors foreign pupils over South African children. The department’s response follows recent protests led by March on March and its leader, Jacinta Ngobese-Zuma, who demanded prioritization for South African students.

Department Oversight and Findings

School Visit and Data

MEC for Education Sipho Hlomuka conducted an oversight visit to Addington Primary School on Thursday to review the admissions process. According to evidence provided by the school, of the 1,548 students enrolled, 968 are South African nationals, while 580 are foreign nationals.

Did You Know? Addington Primary School currently enrolls 17 undocumented learners, with 12 being South African and 5 being foreign nationals.

Addressing Concerns About Staff

Protests also included allegations that the school principal and a majority of staff members are foreign nationals. However, the Department of Education has not commented on this specific claim within the provided information.

Impact and Response

Addressing Unplaced Students

Hlomuka stated that arrangements have been made to accommodate 11 Grade 1 pupils who have not yet been placed in schools, offering them spaces at a nearby ECD centre at a reduced rate. Currently, a list of between 15 and 21 pupils remains unplaced.

Expert Insight: The situation highlights the ongoing challenges of school placement, particularly in areas with diverse populations and potential strain on resources. The department’s response focuses on addressing immediate needs while attempting to dispel misinformation that could exacerbate tensions.

Condemnation of Protest Methods

While acknowledging the parents’ concerns, Hlomuka emphasized that the department does not condone the methods used during the protests, which reportedly caused trauma to teachers and learners. He described the allegations fueling the protests as “false” and stated those spreading them are aware they are risking innocent lives.

What Could Happen Next

The Department of Education may continue its oversight of Addington Primary School and other schools facing similar pressures. Further efforts could be made to address the remaining unplaced students, potentially involving additional ECD centre placements or seeking capacity at other schools. It is also possible that the department will attempt to engage in further dialogue with community groups to address concerns and prevent future disruptions. Jacinta Ngobese-Zuma recently handed herself over to police, as reported elsewhere.

Frequently Asked Questions

What did the Department of Education find regarding the number of South African students at Addington Primary School?

The Department of Education reported that Addington Primary School has 968 South African students out of a total of 1,548 students.

How many students are currently unplaced in the area?

As of the department’s statement, there is a list of between 15 and 21 pupils who still need to be placed in schools.

What is the department’s stance on the protests?

The department empathizes with the parents’ concerns but does not condone the methods used during the protests, which reportedly caused trauma to teachers and learners.

How can communities and education departments work together to ensure fair and equitable access to schooling for all children?