After months of uncertainty and frustration the newly-built Masifunde Primary School, located within the Lwandle Education Precinct, finally opened its doors to learners on Wednesday 15 January.
The school, completed last year, faced significant delays in its opening, leaving parents and learners in a state of limbo until the last minute.
Last Monday morning (13 January), hundreds of parents arrived at the school desperate to register their children. “The school administration provided no communication to parents about the new academic year; no registration process, stationery lists or uniform guidelines. Even more troubling, the school has no online presence, making it nearly impossible to find accurate information,” stated a concerned resident on behalf of her employee, who is a parent of one of the children.
“Desperate parents went to the school in person, hoping to register their children and receive the necessary guidance. Instead, they were met with armed security guards and police officers who instructed them to go home and return the next day. The sight of armed personnel at a school, coupled with the dismissive treatment of parents, has left the community feeling disrespected and angry.”
Responding to these concerns, provincial education department spokesperson Bronagh Hammond explained that construction delays caused by the previous contractor had hindered the school’s opening.
She acknowledged the lack of communication and assured parents that they would be briefed on school matters, including uniform and stationery requirements, at the school on opening day. Hammond also stated that contact details would be updated to facilitate better communication with the community.
“The guards are there to ensure the safety of the construction staff and to safeguard the buildings and equipment. The precinct is still under construction and therefore requires additional safety measures,” she explained.
Masifunde Primary will accommodate approximately 300 learners, with a staff complement of 13 teachers and three non-teaching staff. The department confirmed no further delays are anticipated.
Construction of Lwandle High School, situated within the same precinct, is still ongoing and is expected to be completed by the 2026 academic year.
Asked about the progress of Sir Lowry’s Pass High School, which is an abandoned construction site with no progress over the last year, Hammond confirmed construction has not resumed as a new contractor has not been appointed. No time frame for the resumption or completion of construction was provided.
