R50m school standing empty

Published Sep 27, 2016

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HUNDREDS of Du Noon pupils are still learning in 
prefab classrooms, even though a R50 million state-of-the-art school was completed at the beginning of the year.

The prefabs were erected on a sports field while the school was being built.

Although construction was completed in March and the school equipped with all the necessary facilities, no lesson has been held in any of the new classrooms because there is apparently a problem with the water installation.

Parents and pupils have been told the water pressure is too low and its current position does not allow ablution facilities or the taps to work. Parents say they have repeatedly complained to the school principal, the Education Department as well as their political representatives in the community but to no avail.

The teachers, parents and pupils are upset about the 
situation, saying their hands are tied.

Community activist Ndileka Matomane said the authorities only pay lip service and every time there is a query about the relocation of the pupils, they make assurances the school will be opened, but fail to take any concrete steps or give a timeline.

Teachers at the school are afraid to speak out about the situation, fearing victimisation. One teacher, who spoke anonymously, said the problem was with the principal, who was “too accepting of the whole thing”.

The teacher said he spoke to the principal and offered to speak up about the school situation, but the principal told the teacher he does not want to cause any trouble within the department.

Parent Lisande Kumalo, 41, whose two children attend the school, said she had visited the prefabs and the “conditions are terrible”. She said the toilets were constantly blocked, with sewerage leaks all over the premises.

Pupil Sthembele Conjwa, 11, who is in Grade 6, said he and other pupils have been told numerous times that they will be relocated to the new school and, when that date nears, it is extended.

“We would love to go to our new school because it is the most beautiful school ever in this area. We have come to the point where we now know we are being lied to that we will relocate to the school,” said Conjwa.

He said next year is his last year at the school and he might leave without experiencing the new environment and the technology that comes with it.

The Cape Times contacted the Department of Education for comment on Monday, but by late yesterday they were unable to comment.

Jessica Shelver, spokesperson for Education MEC Debbie Schäfer, said she would respond today.

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