Pupils stay maths teacher’s top priority
2010-08-29 13:00
Teacher Nceba Mananga has continued to prepare his Grade 12 learners for their upcoming maths exam even though his colleagues are on strike.
Mananga’s classroom was overflowing with eager learners this week while he taught Grade 12 learners from Inkwenkwesi Senior Secondary School in Du Noon, Cape Town.
They were joined by learners from other schools in the region, including those from nearby Langa township.
“Last year the school had an overall mathematics pass rate of 39%, which was very bad. I want to improve that,” Mananga said.
He was not striking because he had realised that the learners needed to be helped.
“Maths is a critical subject in which you cannot afford to miss a class,” he said. “If you do miss a couple of classes, you will not finish the syllabus.”
Mananga said although he was not happy with what teachers were earning, “it is not something that will make me stay away from my classes”.
He said he had been intimidated only once since the public servants went on strike two weeks ago.
The incident happened last week when union members picketed and toyi-toyied outside the school.
The appreciative learners heaped praise on Mananga for his commitment to teaching them.
Milani Qebetu (17), who heads the learners’ representative council at the school, said they were fortunate to have such a teacher who was dedicated enough to help them despite the circumstances.
“Thanks to Mr Mananga, I feel ready to sit for the mathematics exam paper,” said Qebetu.