The Eastern Cape Department of Education’s determination to ensure proper functioning of Special Schools in the province next year, has prompted the Acting Head of Department (HoD), Dr Soyisile Nuku to urgently convene all Special School principals Thursday (October 12th, 2023) at the East London’s Regent Hotel.

Prominent issues that were discussed included Human Resourcing (HR) issues, and the concerning performance of these schools. On the HR staffing issue, the meeting resolved the following:

• 120 posts were advertised for the Special Schools and that former learners of Special schools were prioritized,
• Special School allowance- not catered for in the prescripts;
• Overtime is subject to approval by the HOD,
• Documents have been received from Special schools on recruitment. They are being taken to the Department of Justice for vetting and screening; and that;
• All information of employees that need assistive devices to be forwarded as soon as possible for them to be delivered urgently.

Other items were referred to the Top Management to sit and resolve, and these include the overtime issue. Furthermore, the HoD assured the session that a Memorandum stipulating the process to be followed will soon be issued as agreed. In addition, bilateral engagements between the schools and the provincial Inclusive Education office on the recent advert issue regarding Therapists will be convened on the set date.

All approved 120 posts have been distributed equitably to all needy special schools. Addressing the session, Nuku highlighted that the sector, has taken the issue of Inclusive Education as a priority.

Therefore, the intention of the session was to listen to their needs, together formulate phased intervention strategies (short, medium, and long term) to address them.

The HoD believes focused support can unleash these schools to deliver quality public education. The session also emphasized the need to ensure properly resources of all Special schools for them to function optimally.

Additionally, the gathering adjourned with set dates scheduled for follow up meetings to assess the progress.

Enquiries: Mr M Mtima. Tel: 040 608 4797. Fax :040 608 4372. Email: malibongwe.mtima@ecdoe.gov.za