Parents from Nomcamba Primary School in Ngqeleni protested and burnt down some of the classrooms at this school, demanding answers from the Department of Education regarding the promise of temporary structures, last week.
According to the chairperson of the school governing body (SGB), Sandile Velabahleke, even though it was not a solution, they were tired because the department was not taking them seriously. According to him, officials from the Department of Employment and Labour locked some of the classrooms, stating that they were not safe for learners and teachers.
Velabahleke said,
He added that they were waiting for the district director, who did not come to address them, so they decided to burn some of the classrooms in order to get their attention.
The sub-headman of the area, Gwexa James, said that it was painful that parents had taken this decision. He blamed them, stating that usually it is learners who always burn schools not parents.
“We cannot say they took the right decision,” said Gwexa.
Spokesperson for Department of Education, Mali Mtima, confirmed that the parents burnt rondavels that were no longer used, not the entire school. He said according to the District Director, the community was told that the construction company had been already hired by the department, and it is just a matter of time to start working at the school.
Spokesperson for the Department of Employment and Labour, Ziphozihle Josefu, confirmed that this department had conducted an inspection on August 3, 2023 after receiving a complaint of the condition of this school.
“Non-compliance identified was as follows, Grade R with broken windows, offices, foundation phase, Grade 4, kitchen with broken walls, doors and leaking roof. Grade 6 with falling ceiling, broken windows and damaged floors,” said Josefu.
She added that the department handed out a prohibition notice for the identified non-compliant areas, for the school to comply; then the classes will be opened.
