The challenges observed by the Commission have the potential to undermine the right of learners to access and obtain a basic education. The challenges include dilapidating infrastructure; lack of access to water and sanitation; teacher shortages and classroom overcrowding; and various resource shortages.

The Commission is particularly concerned about the racial and spatial composition of socio-economic disparities in the schooling system. Schools in the townships and rural areas continue to be the least resourced and plagued by a more substantial number of challenges compared to their urban counterparts.

For many rural children, accessing the doors of education requires about 20km walks to school. In some schools, 60 to 80 children squeeze themselves into a small classroom. In others, learning is often disrupted by water cuts. Rural and township schools are least resources in terms of sporting and other recreational facilities.

The Commission has noted with serious concern a rising culture of children living in rented rooms closer to the school. Boys and girls live unsupervised in rented rooms far from their homes. In many instances, it was reported that young girls are often forced to date older men in order to provide food and basic amenities when their families are unable to send resources. The Commission has observed this culture together with the concerning rise in child pregnancies in the province.

The Commission will engage the MEC for Education with a view to finding sustained solutions and responsiveness to the progressive realisation of the right to basic education.

Ends

For further information contact SAHRC KZN Provincial Manager, Ms Pavershree Padayachee on Tel: 031 304 7323 / 082 802 9111 or via Email at: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..