Makhanda's schools are a hive of activity, not just with learners. It is March 27, 2026, and there is a significant push to improve conditions, even with ongoing challenges. Efforts include renovating school buildings, enhancing teacher capabilities, and providing comprehensive learner support. This collective endeavour aims to benefit the community's children and the future of Makhanda.
Schools Receive Much-Needed Boost Amid Makhanda Education Challenges
The Eastern Cape Department of Education is investing in school infrastructure across Makhanda. This includes repairing classrooms, ensuring clean and safe ablution facilities, and introducing new learning resources. This forms part of a broader provincial plan to provide every child with a safe learning environment. Some schools have received new computers and internet access, which is a significant advancement. However, securing sufficient funding remains a persistent issue, as local news reports on Makhanda's education challenges have highlighted.
A principal from a primary school near Fingo Village, who requested anonymity, informed Makhanda News that while improvements are occurring, progress can be slow. “We are thankful for the new computers and internet for our learners,” the principal stated, expressing both hope and weariness. “But maintaining their functionality and ensuring stable internet is difficult, especially with frequent power outages.” This indicates a need for robust support mechanisms beyond initial provision.
Rhodes University Supports Digital Learning in Makhanda
Rhodes University, through its Community Engagement team, is significantly contributing to educational development. Over the past year, the university has donated more than 200 refurbished computers to five Makhanda schools, benefiting approximately 1,500 learners. This initiative helps bridge the digital divide, preparing youth for future opportunities. Such collaborative efforts are vital for a better Makhanda.
Teachers: Heroes Strengthening Makhanda Education Challenges
Teachers are fundamental to the community, and their continuous professional development is crucial. The Eastern Cape Department of Education has been conducting specialised training programmes for educators. These programmes focus on innovative teaching methodologies, curriculum comprehension, and the integration of technology in lessons. The objective is to equip teachers with the necessary tools to provide quality instruction.
However, challenges persist. Ms. Nomusa Dlamini, a Grade 7 teacher from a secondary school off Joza Road, shared her perspective with Makhanda News. “The workshops on different teaching approaches have been very helpful. They have provided me with new ideas to support the diverse learners in my class,” she explained, with a determined tone. She also noted the difficulty in allocating time for these workshops while managing a full class load. “Finding the time to truly engage with new teaching methods while caring for all my students can be very demanding,” she added. This highlights the need for strategies that facilitate teacher development without imposing excessive burdens.
Local organisations like GADRA Education are also actively involved. They have conducted over 30 workshops for Makhanda teachers in the last six months, concentrating on subjects such as mathematics and science. Approximately 250 teachers have acquired new techniques to enhance teaching in these critical areas. This targeted assistance is essential for improving learner outcomes.
Supporting Every Learner to Excel
Beyond infrastructure and teachers, the focus is on individual learner support. Recognising the socio-economic difficulties in Makhanda, programmes are in place to offer extra lessons, mentorship, and emotional support. These initiatives are crucial, as documented in various local reports.
Mr. Sipho Ndlovu, a parent whose child benefits from after-school support, told Makhanda News, “These programmes truly make a difference. My daughter's grades have improved, and she feels much more confident at school. It is important that all children who require this assistance can access it.” His pride in his daughter's progress is evident.
Rhodes University Community Engagement is also establishing peer-to-peer tutoring, where university students assist high school learners with challenging subjects. Last year, they provided over 500 hours of tutoring to more than 100 learners. This benefits high school students and instils a sense of community service in university students.
Community: The Core of Makhanda Education
For these initiatives to be truly effective, comprehensive community involvement in Makhanda is essential. The Department of Education, local organisations, and the university are collaborating. However, parental and community leader participation is also needed to guide schools. Officials from the Eastern Cape Department of Education consistently emphasise the importance of parental engagement in school governance.
Future plans include expanding vocational training to equip young people with practical skills for employment. This aligns with the needs of industries such as the Volkswagen plant in Nelson Mandela Bay or those in Buffalo City. There is also a commitment to strengthen early childhood development programmes, recognising that learning begins before formal schooling. The overarching goal is to construct a robust, sustainable education system that prepares Makhanda's youth for a successful future. The signs of progress are visible in renovated classrooms and engaged learners.
Makhanda News believes that sustained collaboration among government, schools, NGOs, and the community can overcome any challenge. This collective effort can build upon existing positive developments in Makhanda's education sector. Every child in Makhanda deserves a quality education and the opportunity to achieve their full potential.
