Concerns have reached a boiling point among the parents of 18 Grade 12 pupils at Nomzamo Secondary School in Port Alfred as the Department of Education contemplates moving students to schools outside their community due to the lack of qualified Afrikaans teachers. This proposal has been met with fierce resistance, with parents voicing their fears about the academic, social, and emotional impact such changes could have on their children.
The situation arises as the students step firmlyinto week six of their final year, preparing for their matric exam. The nearest no-fee public school, Nomzamo Secondary, is located just under a kilometer from the Station Hill/Wharf Street intersection, making it the most accessible educational option for the community. Yet, it lacks the necessary resources to adequately support its Afrikaans-medium learners, which has prompted the Department's search for solutions.
Parents expressed their dismay following the delivery of a letter to Nomzamo's principal, which demanded the immediate appointment of qualified teachers for Afrikaans Home Language. "We the parents… reject any decision or suggestion to move our children out of Nomzamo Secondary School, as this would negatively impact them academically, socially and emotionally," the parents stated. They firmly believe any changes, such as relocating to schools like Mary Waters Secondary School or Alexandria High School, would be detrimental during such a pivotal year.
One parent criticized the hasty suggestion to move. "We have just recently bought our kids the Nomzano Grade 12 school uniform. It may sound trivial, but we may need to buy another set should they transfer schools," they lamented. Vulnerable to the pressures of academic success, these families have raised valid concerns about how relocating could jeopardize their children's studies, especially with rigorous extra classes meant to prepare them for finals.
Further complicATING the discussion is the stark reality presented by prior failures. Reports highlight how five students from the 2024 class failed Afrikaans, leaving their futures hanging by a thread. "Nobody mentions any breakdown or analysis of the subject so we can see where previous matriculants faltered so it could be rectified," argued one parent. They are calling for constructive measures instead of disruptive changes.
According to Department spokesperson Malli Mtima, the situation necessitates immediate attention. He acknowledged the serious challenges posed by lost teaching time and emphasized the need for swift resolution to avoid more delays. "We are fully aware of the gravity of the situation and we want to solve this quickly to prevent any additional loss of instructional time," Mtima stated. He also confirmed the department is exploring various avenues, such as possibly relocating students to nearby schools, evaluating their capacity and transportation options, and determining if existing uniforms would suffice should any transition occur.
“Finding qualified Afrikaans Home Language teachers is certainly one of the options being explored, but recruiting qualified teachers is challenging, particularly for this specific subject area,” Mtima explained. "We first advertise within the Sarah Baartman District. If it fails, we have to cast the net broader – first across the province, then even nationally." This acknowledgment of the issue indicates the department’s intention to remedy the problem, rather than circumvent it.
Yet, parents argue firmly there is little reason to uproot their children rather than focus efforts on finding competent teachers for their current school. "Finding a qualified Afrikaans Home Language teacher is the more suitable solution. We should press the Department of Education to provide Nomzamo Secondary School with one, and the problem will be solved, permanently," stated one concerned parent. This reflects the sentiment echoed throughout the community—an insistence on stability and proper resources for their children's education rather than hasty relocations.
Finally, as the department mulls over its options, Mtima has urged parents and the community to allow investigations to proceed. "We would really beg the community to allow our investigating teams time to report back so decisions can be made with complete information," he said. His appeals highlight the necessity of information-based decisions, juxtaposing the urgent need for action with the priority of informed choices. The department’s next report back is anticipated on Friday, promising to shed light on the situation. Until then, parents remain vigilant, demanding respect for their children's education and rights to quality schooling without unnecessary upheaval.