Learners at Mary Waters Secondary School in Makhanda have been protesting since Monday, demanding that the department of education appoint a permanent maths teacher. Photo: Loyiso Dyongman
Loyiso Dyongman reports on GroundUp that the Eastern Cape Department of Education appointed a temporary mathematics teacher at Mary Waters Secondary School in Makhanda on Wednesday after days of learner protests. The school, with approximately 1,200 learners and a class average of 45 students, has lacked a maths teacher for grades 10 to 12 since June.
Learners, who have been protesting since Monday, demand a permanent teacher. One matric learner expressed stress over the uncertainty and timing of the appointment. Learner Ashley Daniels highlighted ongoing teacher shortages, stating that temporary solutions are insufficient. The Department’s spokesperson, Mali Mtima, assured that a permanent teacher would be appointed by the end of the month. However, parent Esmerelda Roberts voiced concerns over the delay and its impact on learners’ progress, noting the school’s decline in recent years.
