Sibaya and Department of Basic Education to provide winning formula for KwaZulu-Natal schools.
A collaborative think-tank Involving the Department of Basic Education (DBE), key education stakeholders and Sibaya Casino & Entertainment Kingdom today addressed serious challenges facing education in KwaZulu-Natal – including the low matric pass rate.
Addressing the gathering, hosted by Sibaya Casino, Deputy Minister of Basic Education, Mr Enver Surty said good education was founded on the premise that the environment had to be conducive to the practice of learning.
He warned that this was often not the case in poorer areas of South Africa, which had been badly provided for as a result of apartheid.
“In a new South Africa, we should be able to make suitable infrastructure, facilities and resources necessary for learning, available to all.”
Minister Surty praised work being conducted by the private sector in addressing these shortcomings.
“It is pleasing to see an initiative like this where public-private partnership takes place and we work together to fight our challenges.
“This way our proposed efforts will stand a much better chance to be successful.”
Minister Surty praised Sibaya’s Topps Project, which would assist to address the recent poor matric results in impoverished parts of KZN.
Sibaya Casino & Entertainment Kingdom chairman, Mr Vivian Reddy said his organisation was committed to making a valuable to change to the lives of the less privileged.
“To us, education is a key step forward hence our focus on this area.
“It is quite apparent that there are shortcomings in our education system.
“It is also sad that several of our country’s schools, especially those in historically disadvantaged areas, do not measure-up.
“Many fall short, both in terms of infrastructure and the provision of the tools required to give effect to efficient teaching and effective learning.
“We hope our contribution is small step to making an improvement.”
Mr Reddy added there had been a significant negative publicity regarding the performance of South African learners in Mathematics and the Sciences and Sibaya had hoped to make a difference in this area.
He said some of the Sibaya projects in the areas of Maths and Sciences included:
The provision of CAPS compliant Edutrade Natural Science and Technology kits to 25 primary schools in Phoenix, Inanda and Kwa-Mashu (PINK Areas)
The provision of CAPS compliant Edutrade Physical Science kits to 16 high schools in Phoenix, Inanda and Kwa-Mashu ((PINK Areas);
The construction of a brand new science laboratory at Dr JL Dube High School in KwaMashu
The upgrading of the science laboratory at JG Zuma High School in KwaMashu;
The revamping of the science laboratories at Esselen Heights and Greenbury Primary Schools in Phoenix and;
The sponsorship of the Annual Natural Science and Technology Expo.