TISDA Education Research Report

Last year we sent out researchers across school districts in the provinces of Gauteng, Mpumalanga, and North West. They asked parents, parent-teacher associations, teachers, school principals, and government education directors about the happenings on the ground of primary education. This survey was part of the Transparency and Integrity and Service Delivery Program coordinated by Transparency International.

The findings of our research revealed a severe lack of good governance and its profound effects for learners and teachers alike. For example, our researchers found a significant lack of transparency and timeliness in school budget allocation and distribution. 3 out of 4 principals that we asked reported to not have the means required to run the school. Even worse, 15% of the schools we visited did not even have electricity and also not every child was granted a desk to work on. A further severe problem people reported was the phenomenon of teachers absenteeism related to diseases, strikes or other reasons. The absence of teachers often takes away the possibility to stay ahead on the schedule, thereby minimizing the little remaining chances to make education a success story. We found that very alarming and firmly belief in every child’s right to primary education.

 

So where do we go from here? We have revealed these severe shortcomings, but pointing fingers only does not help anyone either. We have to increase the pressure on governments to work towards a more transparent budget allocation in time.  Also the schools themselves need education on effective resource management. On the report launch on Wednesday, we thus also want to discuss advocacy work following up the report Mapping Transparency, Accountability and Integrity in primary education in South Africa.  With this blog, we want to keep you informed about our latest efforts and enable an open discussion on the future of primary education in South Africa. Use your voice in your community, or contribute to our efforts and leave your suggestions!