Back to School: ActionSA finds public schools in appalling conditions

ActionSA is demanding that the Gauteng Government perform Emergency Repairs at dysfunctional public schools ahead of the opening next week.

THE SCHOOL VISITED BY ACTIONSA IN GAUTENG

“ActionSA urgently demands that this callous government, which has completely disregarded and neglected the future of millions of children over the last 30 years, gain a conscience and perform emergency repairs to dysfunctional public schools across the province ahead of the commencement of the 2024 school year,” said Funzi Ngobeni, the Gauteng Provincial Chairperson.

Ngobeni alongside Constituency Chairperson, Themba Mabunda, and members conducted a follow-up oversight visit to Durban Deep Primary School in Matholesville, west of Johannesburg.

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THE APPALLING DISCOVERY AT ONE OF THE PUBIC SCHOOLS

During the visit, it was revealed that the school remains in appalling condition and is not a suitable place for students and staff.

“It is ridiculous that the toilet facilities remain inadequate and unhygienic, as only eight toilets are functional at a school that consists of 1,200 learners between Grades R and 7.
“This, however, is unfortunately the reality of 80% of public schools, which are vandalised, unmaintained, and dysfunctional,” he reflected.

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Ngobeni lamented that the children are forced to learn in unconducive environments, which strip them of their dignity and place their health at risk due to the absence of service delivery and upkeep.

“This is despite promises by the provincial government to tend to these problems.”

Ngobeni

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EDUCATION PROMISES BY ACTIONSA

He said when ActionSA is in government they will:

• Use the budget allocated by the Department of Education to ensure that public schools in suburbs and townships are equally up to standard.
• Maintain that education is the most powerful tool for creating a prosperous society, which would aid individuals and families in overcoming the persisting patterns of inequality many have been subjected to.
• Ensure competent and dedicated leadership is installed and that the system is depoliticized, preventing unions from dictating administrative and policy decisions.
• Encourage the support and training of teachers to see improved educational outcomes and to prioritise the entry of new teachers into the system who are adequately equipped to teach.
• Introduce alternative education streams to offer diverse choices for learners such as vocational training which would ensure everyone has access to an education which is right for them, at the right time, in the right format.
• Ensure that teachers, our unsung heroes receive substantially better pay that reflects their dedication, along with the necessary tools to develop stimulating learning environments.

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“ActionSA remains committed to ensuring that current and future generations are afforded the equal opportunity to achieve success and transform the trajectory of their lives through quality education offered in a conducive learning environment,” he concluded.

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