Text book shortages hinder Grade 12 learners’ success- claims advocacy group

By Ofentse Mokae
22 June 2010

Western Cape provincial education authorities may face a lawsuit if the alleged shortage of textbooks, particularly for matric learners is not addressed soon.

The stern warning came from advocacy group Equal Education claiming its members who are doing grade 12 learners at Chris Hani and Kwamfundo High Schools in Khayelitsha, do not have textbooks and some are sharing textbooks with their colleagues.

EE says although it fully supports the Education Department’s 100 % pass rate campaign and other initiatives aimed at achieving this goal, the reality is that many matric learners do not have necessary textbooks to fully prepare for the final examinations.

“The National Department of Basic Education require that each learner should have a textbook for each of his subject to take home, do homework, and study from,” said spokesperson Yoliswa Dwane.

Dwane further says with just over three months left before the final examinations, there are learners who are struggling to do their homework and studies because among other things they do not have textbooks.

Dwane also stated that a letter of demand has been sent to the education ministry demanding books be provided or face legal action.

Contacted for comment Education MEC Donald Grant confirmed that he received the letter but said the issue of textbooks for schools is an administrative matter strongly relying of funding.

“This whole issue depends on the norms and standards of funding for schools, and from their budgets they then procure the necessary textbooks,” Grant said.

Grant however added that they will investigate the matter and look into it “as soon as possible”.