DURBAN - The KwaZulu-Natal Department of Education has announced the appointment of Godfrey Nkosinathi Ngcobo as the new Head of Department.
The move has been widely welcomed by the education fraternity.
A seasoned civil servant, Ngcobo takes over from Dr Barney Mthembu who had been acting in the position.
Chairperson of the Education Portfolio Committee Sifiso Sonjica said, they were looking forward to engaging the new department head, especially regarding the challenges facing the department, including the high vacancy rate, budget cuts, and infrastructure related matters.
“In our oversight work we are confronted by school governing bodies and principals who appeal to us to deal with these challenges. We therefore want the new HOD to have this as top of the list of things to do as he takes over the reins in this department,” said Sonjica.
The National African Teachers’ Union (Natu) also welcomed Ngcobo’s appointment.
“We support and congratulate him, we believe he understands the department and hopefully he will take it to another level,” said Natu president Sibusiso Malinga.
He added that they were hoping to meet him soon to talk about pressing issues.
The National Professional Teachers’ Organisation of South Africa (Naptosa) also welcomed Ngcobo’s appointment pointing to his negotiating skills and flair for dealing with labour issues as essential qualities that were required for the post.
The South African Democratic Teachers’ Union was not available for comment.
THE MERCURY