The KwaZulu-Natal Department of Education understands that there is often a link between poverty and a lack of quality education. It makes an effort, therefore, to ensure that the educational programmes that it delivers also contribute to alleviating socio-economic problems in the province.
Vision
A well-educated, skilled and highly developed citizenry.
Mission
To provide equitable access to quality education for the people of KwaZulu-Natal.
Quality education and the fight against poverty
The KwaZulu-Natal Department of Education seeks to contribute to the development of the nation through the provision of comprehensive quality education. Our country aspires to the creation of a vibrant and caring society, but this can only become reality if it is rooted and backed by practical government programmes, social orientation and an ethos that nurtures and reflects this spirit. While provision of quality education remains the department’s focus, it cannot turn a blind eye to many socio-economic ills still bedevilling the country. In spite of the efforts of government, there are learners who go to school not having had a decent breakfast, and there are learners who are unable to realise their academic potential due to financial constraints.
The department understands that it cannot provide quality education to learners without addressing the socio economic problems they face. For this reason, the department has numerous programmes contributing to poverty alleviation in the communities of KwaZulu-Natal, in keeping with the department’s motto of dedication to service and performance beyond the call of duty.
Creating employment through infrastructure delivery
The departmental infrastructure-delivery programmes have provided jobs to many people in the province. The department uses four implementing agents for the construction and maintenance of infrastructure in schools. These agents, in turn, employ contractors to implement the projects allocated to them. In all education projects, 477 male, 522 female and 329 youth contractors have been employed.
About 70% of the education projects are undertaken in rural areas, which means that most of the projects have assisted in alleviating poverty in the rural areas. In total, 1 616 women and 1 131 young people have gained employment in education projects.
No Fee Schools
The implementation of the No Fee School policy has meant great relief for parents in the poorest communities as it provides them with the assurance that money will no longer be an obstacle for their children in gaining access to education. More than one million learners have so far benefited from the No Fee School policy. Currently, 59% of schools in KwaZulu-Natal are No Fee Schools, a figure which increases each year.
A healthy meal + A healthy body = A healthy mind
Since the National Schools Nutrition
Programme (NSNP) started, it has been able to provide a nutritious meal daily to 1.8 million school children in KwaZulu-Natal. Sustainable food production has gained momentum with 2 531 food-garden initiatives maintained in schools . NSNP has also contributed by employing voluntary cooks at participating schools, providing employment opportunities to the local communities. In the 2009/10 financial year, 5 891 voluntary workers were employed and paid a stipend of R500 per 500 learners per month.
Contact Details
Office of the MEC
Tel: +27 33 355 2414
Fax: +27 33 394 0893
Hotline: 0800 204 353
Call Centre: 0860 596 363
Email: nonopha.maponya@kzndoe.gov.za
Physical address: Anton Lembede Building, 247 Burger Street, Pietermaritzburg 3200
Website: www.kzneducation.gov.za
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