ETHEKWINI NEWSFLASH
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
ETHEKWINI SLAMS MISLEADING CLAIMS ABOUT EDUCATOR TRAINING PROGRAMME
EThekwini Municipality strongly condemns misleading social media claims alleging that the City spent R90 000 teaching educators “how to use a calculator”.
The allegations are false, malicious, and deliberately misleading.
The claims intentionally distort the purpose of a strategic Mathematics and Science Training Programme aimed at improving educator capacity and learner performance, particularly in under-resourced schools.
Aligned with the Integrated Development Plan, National Development Plan, National Skills Development Strategy, and Sustainable Development Goals, the programme seeks to address critical skills shortages in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) fields.
Far from being “calculator lessons,” the initiative equips educators with advanced subject knowledge, improved teaching methodologies, and practical classroom tools to strengthen the teaching of Mathematics, especially at Grade 12 level.
The Municipality wishes to clarify that the scientific calculator training forms only a small component of the broader programme and is intended to assist educators in effectively integrating technology into teaching and learning.
Implemented in partnership with the Department of Education, the Durban University of Technology, and private-sector stakeholders, the programme is largely supported through collaborative partnerships, with several contributions made at no cost to the Municipality.
The Municipality further clarifies that the amount currently being cited on social media relates primarily to logistical and programme implementation costs associated with the broader intervention, and not to “training teachers how to use calculators.”
The programme represents a strategic investment in improving learner outcomes, expanding access to higher education opportunities, and developing a pipeline of future professionals in scarce-skills sectors.
EThekwini Municipality remains committed to empowering educators and advancing quality education, and will not be distracted by misinformation intended to undermine meaningful development initiatives.
ENDS
Issued by eThekwini Municipality’s Marketing and Communications Directorate
