The Premier of KwaZulu-Natal, Hon. Thamsanqa Ntuli, conducts School Functionality Oversight Programme at Ningizimu Special School in Montclair and St' Raphael School as part of the Government and Legislature’s commitment to ensuring effective teaching and learning, particularly at the beginning of the academic year.

The oversight visit was attended by Members of the Legislature, senior government officials, and the School Governing Body (SGB). The programme seeks to assess school readiness, identify challenges, and strengthen support to ensure that schools function optimally in delivering quality education.

During the engagement, the Ningizimu School Principal Mr Mchunu, reported that the school admitted 115 new learners at the start of the year. Ningizimu Special School caters for learners between the ages of 5 and 18, including learners on the autism spectrum and those with profound intellectual and physical disabilities. In addition to academic support, the school offers a range of professional and vocational skills programmes aimed at promoting independence and self-reliance among learners. These include hair and beauty therapy, sewing, upholstery, ancillary health care, food production, computer skills, and other practical life skills.

The school also runs a Scouts programme as part of its holistic development approach, which plays an important role in instilling discipline, positive values, and good behaviour among learners.
However, the school highlighted several challenges that continue to affect its operations. These include difficulties with scholar transport, high electricity costs, a shortage of staff, and ageing infrastructure that is costly to maintain. The school further indicated that food provision is currently limited to primary school learners, leaving a gap in nutritional support for older learners.

The Honourable Premier noted these challenges and reaffirmed government’s commitment to working with relevant departments to find sustainable solutions that will improve conditions at special schools and ensure that learners with disabilities receive the care, support, and quality education they deserve. He further confirmed that a task team has already been established to oversee and address the challenges faced by Special Schools in KwaZulu-Natal.

Following the visit to Ningizimu Special School, the delegation will proceed to St Raphael School to conduct a similar school functionality oversight exercise.

ENDS/