GAUTENG’S ROAD TO BETTER EDUCATION

By Kopano Monaheng

Gauteng has the potential to be counted among the best in the world when it comes to quality teaching and learning.

But let’s be honest — it is not going to happen overnight.

It is a long journey that needs me, you and everyone else to play our part.

Gauteng Education MEC Lebohang Maile once said during one of his press briefings that schools across the province should have cameras inside classrooms, in corridors and almost every corner of the school premises.

This is just one of many plans aimed at tackling the problems holding our schools back — from corruption and wrongdoing to vandalism and other challenges that continue to affect teaching and learning.

We all know it will take time.

But think about a farmer. Before the harvest comes the planting, the patience and the hard work.

That is exactly where Gauteng finds itself today.

As Maile visits schools across the province, including schools facing serious challenges, the focus is on identifying problems, rooting out wrongdoing and putting things in order.

This Wednesday, he visited schools in Daveyton, Ekurhuleni, as part of those ongoing efforts.

The road may be long, but every step matters.

If the province gets the basics right, protects its schools and creates an environment where teachers can teach and learners can learn, the harvest will eventually come.

That is how Gauteng can build a high-quality education system — one school, one learner and one step at a time.