"Crisis of Parental Supervision Impacts Matric Results at Attwell Madala High School"

Amidst the struggles faced by Attwell Madala High School, Principal Yalelwa Mfecane points out a pervasive issue: the parental abdication of responsibility, and its subsequent impact on the students' academic performance and well-being.

The principal of the Mthatha-based school noted rising concerns with children living independently, away from their parents' watchful eye. This newfound autonomy among high schoolers, according to Mfecane, has led to noticeable slips in discipline and study habits, ultimately contributing to Attwell's disappointing regression in matric results.

Mfecane observed that many students at Attwell are from distant locales, compelling them to find accommodation nearby. For others, it is not necessity but the allure of freedom that leads to such living arrangements. This trend, known locally as ukugxamesa, involves pupils renting lodging independently or staying in unofficial school hostels emerging from the high demand for proximity to the institution.

This autonomy comes with a steep cost, as the principal cited a harrowing incident where a birthday party culminated in an alleged rape between two students sharing a rental close to the school. Compounding this tragedy was the legal aftermath, where the accused pupil returned to school after winning the case, leaving a trail of concern in the community.

The Covid-19 pandemic exacerbated the issue. During the lockdown, some students chose not to attend school, further derailing their education. Mfecane's lamentation paints a picture of apathetic parents, who, content with merely supplying funds, remain oblivious to their offspring's actual needs and activities.

A consequence of this laissez-faire parenting is the decline in Attwell's matriculation pass rates — from 76% in 2021 to a concerning 70% in 2023. The school, already challenged by overcrowding, now shoulders the herculean task of reversing this downtrend.

Mfecane advocates for a communal response, calling upon parents to be actively involved in their children's education. This includes mentoring their offspring and ensuring they attend classes. In an attempt to realign the school's ethos, separate meetings for parents and teachers of matric pupils have been implemented. The goal is to build morale and drive up academic performance.

Having led Attwell since 2008, Mfecane acknowledges that the resolution to these challenges doesn't lie with the school administration alone. It demands a collective effort, where parents, educators, and the community at large unite to re-establish the core values of responsibility, discipline, and academic rigor amongst the youth.