ISDCP data shows that of the 610,000 undocumented pupils in schools, more than 360,000 are South African.
A basic education report revealed that of the more than 610,000 undocumented pupils in the country's schools, more than 360,000, the majority, are South Africans, highlighting a systemic documentation crisis.
The executive summary of the Integrated School Data Collection Platform (ISDCP) was presented to the Portfolio Committee on Basic Education by the Education Labor Relations Council (ELRC) on Tuesday.
Most of the 610,000 undocumented students are South African
ISDCP is the Department of Basic Education (DBE) system Used to collect, verify and report evidence-based data for subsequent decisions about school planning and provision.
The report revealed that more than 610,000 students are undocumented, but the vast majority of these students – more than 360,000 – are South African citizens.
Committee chair Joey Mamela said these points point to a serious systemic problem that extends beyond the education sector. He said this requires coordinated intervention by the Department of Home Affairs (DHA) and the Departments of Social Development and Basic Education.
She said, “We pay attention to socio-economic factors, such as whether learners are raised by grandparents because mothers work away from the family home. No child should be denied dignity, access to services or future opportunities because they do not have proper documentation.”
A letter will be written to the committee DHA For a report on how the Department plans to address this issue and to communicate with the Home Affairs Portfolio Committee.
Over 430 000 employees and 11 million students
The ISDCP report, which covered 21,174 schools in eight provinces, verified more than 438,000 education staff and recorded more than 11.7 million pupils.
It provides a detailed picture of the status of school infrastructure, learner documentation, workforce management and data integrity within the basic education sector.
The Portfolio Committee on Basic Education also raised concerns about the extent of the infrastructure backlog found in the report.
7071 schools (33%) lack either municipal water support or electricity connection. More than 15,299 schools (72.3%) do not have science or computer laboratories.
“These conditions undermine the constitutional promise of equal access to quality education and disadvantage learners in poor and rural communities,” Mamela said.
Committee of Concern, Western Cape did not participate in the study
The committee also expressed concern that the Western Cape Education Department did not participate in the study, allegedly on the instructions of Education MEC David Maynier.
Chairperson Mamela said this is not the first time that the province has refused to provide information to the committee, but this time they have refused to provide information for the process.
“This appears to be a long-standing problem. And, with the shortcomings pointed out in the study, how can we hold this department accountable if we don't have the information? Ultimately, it is our vulnerable learners who are suffering,” he said.
The ISDCP report also verified teacher attendance and established a digitally auditable system capable of linking school level information to the National Treasury payroll system.
However, the Committee is concerned that 22 409 personnel records have been flagged for discrepancies, including unmatched payroll records, duplicate entries and inconsistencies requiring further investigation.
payroll discrepancies
“The report highlights the importance of reliable and verifiable data in strengthening governance and accountability in the education sector,” Mamela said.
“Parliament cannot effectively conduct oversight without reliable information on the actual state of schools, staffing and learner support systems.”
There were also findings relating to high levels of non-standard appointments, unresolved transfers and office-based employee exceptions. The committee said provincial departments will be expected to account for the measures they are implementing to address these concerns.
Mamela said the committee would engage with the DBE, provincial departments and relevant stakeholders on the report's findings and recommendations.
He said, “The ISDCP exercise has created a verified national baseline from which governments can plan, intervene and monitor progress. The onus is now on all concerned institutions to act decisively on the findings in the interest of learners, teachers and the wider education system.”
Support local journalism
Add The Citizen as a preferred source on Google and follow us on Google News to see more of our trusted reporting in Google News and top stories.