Disaster looms in Welkom: Education Department’s rented building ‘a ticking time bomb’

WELKOM: A looming catastrophe is taking shape right in the heart of Welkom, where the Free State Department of Education is operating out of a rented building in Bok Street (old Woolworths building).

According to a source in the Free State Department of Education who would like to remain anonymous, this volatile situation is an accident waiting to happen.

He says the structure that houses vital education offices and which is daily frequented by dozens of staff, learners, and visitors is reportedly in a dire state of disrepair.

“Cracked walls, faulty wiring, water leaks, and visible structural damage paint a picture of neglect and danger. According to concerned insiders, the building’s condition is so severe that it could take just one heavy storm, or a single electrical fault, to turn this into a tragedy.”

Staff members have raised alarms about collapsing ceilings, malfunctioning fire safety equipment, and unstable staircases.

“We work here every day not knowing if the roof will hold or if a fire will break out,” said one employee, speaking on condition of anonymity for fear of reprisal.

What makes the situation even more concerning is that the building is not owned by the department, but rented at a significant cost to taxpayers. The department is spending public money on a property that could potentially claim lives, a contradiction to its mandate to protect and serve the province’s learners and educators.

Community safety activists are calling for immediate action, including urgent structural inspection by independent engineers, the relocation of staff to a safe facility whilst repairs or alternative arrangements are made, and transparency from the Department of Education on why such a building was chosen and what steps are being taken.

Staff are working under sagging ceilings, alongside exposed wires, broken fire equipment, and staircases that shake underfoot.

Sources say a full investigation into how this hazardous site was approved must be done.

“Every day this building stays open is another gamble with human lives. And if disaster does hit, the Free State Education bosses will have nowhere to hide,” says the source.

According to a letter from a concerned Matjhabeng employee that was directed to the Department of Education, building plans to convert the retail space into office space were never submitted for approval to the Matjhabeng Local Municipality.

“This is a serious contravention of the law. I am concerned that it does not have adequate lighting, ventilation, and therefore poses a serious health risk. There are no adequate fire escape routes as well,” he says.