The South African education system is structurally dysfunctional and fails to prepare learners for the work environment, the Inkatha Freedom Party (IFP) said on Saturday.

"Education is in a sorry state... The present system does not address the shortage of educators in the fields of mathematics, science and technical subjects," national party chairperson Zanele kaMagwaza-Msibi said.

"Many of our educational institutions have become havens of drug abuse, violence, teenage pregnancies and immoral behaviour."

kaMagwaza-Msibi was addressing a gathering of civil servants in Durban Manor.

He said the country was in need of an all encompassing, "diversified education system".

"In order to achieve quality education, we must develop and nurture a highly qualified, highly motivated and adequately remunerated profession of educators."

kaMagwaza-Msibi criticised the health and security services in the province as well, saying the government failed the people.

"Our government has so far failed to provide all South Africans with quality education, health care and security. I believe a lot more must be done to address inherited inequities," he said.

To achieve this, he said the IFP would consult with health care practitioners to better understand obstacles faced by patients on a daily basis, as well as communities with regards to police visibility in their areas.

Sapa