No-fee Kariega school plagued by frequent vandalism

A no-fee-paying school in Kariega is fighting for survival as relentless vandalism threatens to shut down education for hundreds of local learners.

Vandals are systematically destroying the institution by removing windows from their frames, stealing electrical cables, breaking toilets for scrap metal, and even taking light bulbs.

This leaves classrooms without electricity or running water and forces educators to watch helplessly as their learners attempt to learn in conditions that rob them of their fundamental right to education and their hopes for a better future.

Dower Practising School principal Roger Scharnick said the vandalism to the school started in December 2025 and has happened approximately five times since.

“The school has become a target of cable theft, leading to severe vandalism. It has become a regular occurrence, even though we have private security. They trip the alarm and evacuate the school before security arrives.”

On the specifics of what is being targeted, he said, “Mainly electrical cables, DVD boards, plugs, light switches; basically anywhere you find electrical wires. They also targeted toilets, breaking basins and toilets to access little pieces of copper.”

The thieves have cut neatly through a palisade fence separating the school from the Jubilee Park Cemetery with tools, making their vandalism act premeditated.

We have reason to believe that the suspects know the school well as they arrive shortly after everyone has left and go straight to what they want.

As a result of the vandalism, Grade R to Grade 4 learners are affected as the loss is predominantly in their section of the school. When asked about the CCTV footage on the premises, Scharnick said he cannot access it because there is no electricity, making the school security cameras useless.

“We did a quote for the electrical damage repair, which was R100,000, and a second opinion on the cheaper side was R58,000. These amounts exclude the vandalism and infrastructure damage to the school. Everything inclusive could amount to close to R200,000; an amount a no-fee-paying school cannot afford.”

Scharnick added that learners as young as six years old are forced to endure harsh heat conditions without a fan to cool them.

“Some windows are damaged to the point where they cannot open, learners’ vision in classrooms is impaired and teachers are also suffering. The summer weather is not good for young learners forced to pay attention in the heat.”

When answering how the situation is affecting teachers, he said, “The morale of the staff is affected heavily and they (the culprits) are stealing from the future of our learners. It seems that they are getting away with it. Of course our teachers are working through the heat, remaining professional, but this situation can become unbearable at times.”

Scharnick appeals to businesses and community members who are able to assist to contact the school on 041 992 2302.

“Parents are urged to assist where they can; it does not have to be monetary help. If a parent would like to volunteer to secure the premises after hours, that would be appreciated,” Scharnick concluded.

Speaking to UD Express, regional Department of Education spokesperson, Malibongwe Mtima, said that the Department is aware of incidents of vandalism and infrastructure theft affecting Dower Practising School.

“Reports of similar challenges are unfortunately not confined to this school alone, as a number of schools within the Kariega area and other regions continue to experience vandalism, particularly after hours. Such incidents are reported through established district and provincial channels, and each case is logged and assessed upon receipt,” he said.

When asked about the Department’s immediate and long-term measures to be implemented, he said, “The Department works with district officials to conduct damage assessments and prioritise urgent repairs where learning and safety are directly compromised. Immediate interventions may include the restoration of essential services such as electricity, water, and sanitation, subject to available resources and procurement processes.”

He added that from a long-term perspective, the Department continues to engage with other spheres of government and relevant stakeholders to strengthen school security measures, explore preventative strategies, and advocate for community involvement in safeguarding school infrastructure across affected areas.

On the support system and emergency protocols for affected schools, Mtima said the Department remains committed to minimising disruptions to teaching and learning when infrastructure challenges arise.

“District support teams provide guidance to school management on contingency measures, curriculum recovery, and learner support where necessary, but we appeal to community members to report these cases to the police and not harbour these criminal elements.

“For no-fee schools experiencing severe disruptions, emergency interventions are considered on a case-by-case basis, with the primary focus on ensuring learner safety and continuity of education whilst longer-term solutions are pursued,” confirming that this is allegedly happening at the school.

Mtima concluded, “The Department acknowledges the impact that vandalism has on learners, educators, and communities, and continues to appeal to all stakeholders to work collaboratively in protecting educational facilities as they form part of community development.”