16 January 2025
On the 25th of January, as part of the uMgungundlovu District Municipality's back-to-school oversight programme, uMDM Mayor Cllr Mzi Zuma, Chief Education Specialist( Curriculum)Mr Simelane and CES( Circuit Management) Mr Mncwabe from the District Director's office under the Department of Education as well as Edendale Circuit Manager Mr Zulu, visited Georgetown Secondary School in Edendale for a school inspection and to check on school readiness as the 2025 academic year begins.
Mr Mahlaba, the school principal, and Mr Blessing Ndimande, the SGB Chairperson, presented a brief report on the school's status, highlighting its Matric performance over the past three years which has been above 93%, with the class of 2024 scoring an impressive 97.6% pass rate. The Principal attributed the school’s success to the efforts of the SGB and the parents’ involvement in school affairs, as well as the culture of discipline that teachers have inculcated. Even more impressive is how the school has improved by no longer using chalkboards, but rather projectors and whiteboards, as an effort to ultimately create a paperless work environment.
The briefing included a school tour, which afforded the principals an opportunity to see first hand the challenges facing the school, which included ablution facilities and the kitchen which needs to be repaired.
The delegation had an opportunity to adress grade 12 and eight students. Addressing the Matrics, the Mayor first of all acknowledged the way the school is organised. “We are now aware that as matrics, already a week ago, you had started learning. This points to meticulous planning in preparation for the academic year,” said the Mayor. “We encourage you to focus on Education because if you do, that will help you live better lives, but also improve the conditions of your families and societies where you live” continued Nxamalala.
“The benchmark has been set by the class of 2024, and the expectation is that you will improve on that. In fact we want you to achieve 100%, to achieve that, it starts with each individual working hard to pass “, the Mayor concluded.
When he addressed grade 8 students, he encouraged them to follow school regulations and do well until they all reached grade 12. To achieve that, they have to respect their teachers and parents, and stay away from alcohol and other social ills. The Mayor “adopted” two matric learners, a boy and a girl, who are top achievers in Commerce, committing to cover their schooling needs by providing anything necessary support to them.
Nxamalala concluded his address by emphasizing that education is a societal issue and that where the department of education has not been able to give assistance , it is the responsibility for everyone to ensure that those requirements are met. He then committed to ensuring that the District Municipality supports the school with the provision of desks that are so much in need for the Matrics due to the shortage at the school, and also to support with facilitating the provision of adequate restroom facilities to make it more suitable to work for teachers and to learn for students.