South Africa: KwaZulu-Natal Department of Education’s Top Management Members hosted a quarterly support visit. The team was led by the Head of Department, GN Ngcobo and covered three Districts.
The districts included in the meetings were, UMkhanyakude, Zululand and King Cetshwayo Districts. The King Cetshwayo District served as the host for the Quarterly Support Visit which was held at Brackenham Primary School.
The King Cetshwayo, District Director, W Nzama welcomed the Head of the education department. He was accompanying members of the Top Management in the department of education. During the welcome remarks, she outlined the purpose of the day.
In his remarks, the HOD, Ngcobo acknowledged the attendees and extended a special welcome to the principals and teachers. He claimed that they are the corner stones of the education system, working towards ensuring that learners get quality education.
He also highlighted that previously, KZN Province had always been at the bottom end of the top performing provinces in the country. He asserted that the narrative has changed, and KZN has been on an upward trajectory.
The province’s academic performance for the past consecutive years has been remarkable. Notably, the 2023 NSC Examination Results are the highest the province has ever achieved.
“Ultimately we want to be number one in the country and it will happen,” said HOD Ngcobo.
The Program Director, Mbongiseni Mazibuko welcomed all three Districts on behalf of Head Office. He also extended his appreciation to the HOD for making himself available for the event.
He highlighted that HOD Ngcombo is providing stellar leadership throughout these support programs being rolled out in the Province.
The attending officials made several presentations during the meeting. Additionally, Dr RC Penniston outlined the target of the Province which, he said was a firm 100%.
All District Directors presented their 2024 targets with their Academic Improvement Plan.
Zakuza-Njakazi shared best Practices within the Province and quoted the example of Thongwane High school. She highlighted that the school is improving enrolment every year in the UMkhanyakude District.
Schools must be functional in all Districts, the desires to achieve, learners must be taken as our Primary Clients. No learners must be left behind and the target must be Bachelor Passes throughout the Academic Targets.
The DDG: Curriculum Management and Delivery, Mbongiseni Mazibuko outlined the Programme of Action namely the Focus Areas :
- 2023 ECD- support of ECD Function shift,
- 2024 GET build a strong Foundation Generic Issues in 2024,
- Curriculum Management Assessment
- 10 Point Focus Area.
The HOD and Top Management discussed all matters of significance during the quarterly support visit.