The eThekwini Municipality is expected to host the Mathematics and Advanced SHARP Scientific Calculator Training Programme from a R90,000 budget.
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The eThekwini Residents and Ratepayers Association criticises the municipality's decision to allocate R90,000 for a scientific calculator training programme for 100 teachers, arguing that funds should be redirected to address pressing local issues.
The municipality is expected to host the Mathematics and Advanced SHARP Scientific Calculator Training Programme for educators from the Umlazi District, Pinetown, and municipal Wards 98 and 105.
Approximately R85,000 of the budget will go towards catering and hiring the Durban International Convention Centre (Durban ICC) for the one-day programme in May 2026. The municipality had not given an exact date. The Department of Education is expected to select the teachers.
According to a report presented to the municipality’s Executive Committee (Exco), the Technical Services Department intends to facilitate the training programme as part of the Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) initiative.
Ish Prahadh, chairperson of the ERRA, said the public consultations on the 2026/27 budget revealed that many municipal wards are in crisis.
Prahladh reiterated that the money should have been diverted to build homes and clear out sprawling informal settlements that have become a burden to ratepayers.
“Listening to the concerns from residents at public meetings and having heard about the spending on the scientific calculator training clearly shows that certain departments in the municipality are spending their budgets on issues that are not pertinent. I was anticipating this matter being brought up, debated, and voted on at the April council meeting, but nothing came to fruition,” he said.
According to the municipality, this intervention responds to national concerns regarding poor Mathematics performance, limited teaching resources, and shortages of adequately trained educators, as highlighted within the Basic Education sector.
The municipality stated that learners in rural and remote areas continue to experience significant challenges in Mathematics and Physical Sciences, necessitating targeted educator support interventions.
The training will also strengthen Mathematics teaching and equip teachers with the necessary skills to effectively use the SHARP scientific calculator in classroom instructions.
The report stated that educators will be equipped with advanced content and effective instructional methodologies aligned with the Curriculum and Assessment Policy Statement (CAPS) Mathematics curriculum.
The training is expected to focus on strengthening teachers' understanding of key Grade 12 Mathematics concepts, improving their problem-solving approaches, and enhancing their ability to deliver high-quality learner-centred lessons to meet the diverse needs of learners.
It is also expected to equip Grade 12 educators with a strong understanding of the SHARP scientific calculator and familiarity with its functionality for effective integration into Mathematics instruction.
According to the municipality, the Department of Education will provide CAPS-aligned Grade 12 curriculum content to ensure alignment with national standards. The programme will be conducted in partnership with the Durban University of Technology, focusing on Mathematics and Physical Science support for Grade 12 educators.
Although the item was not brought up at April’s council meeting for approval, none of the councillors commented.
However, Human Settlements, Engineering and Transport Authority Committee Chairperson, Councillor Themba Mvubu, told the municipal publication, Metro-ezasegagasini, that the initiative demonstrates the municipality's commitment to quality education.
“We believe that by investing in teacher development, it will help build a stronger foundation for future academic success and expand economic opportunities for young people,” Mvubu said.