Picture: Learners attending classes in a shack/Supplied
By KEDIBONE MOLAETSI
The Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) in North West said it is uncalled for to see teaching and learning at Boitumelo Primary School in Bethel village, outside Mahikeng taking place in a shack owned by a community member. The EFF alleged that this happened because the school infrastructure has dilapidated.
The EFF provincial spokesperson, Fanon Moema accused ANC in North West of using all occasions to ‘speak glory’ and claim to be ‘accelerating service delivery’ through a scamming program called, Thuntsha Lerole to all sections of the communities. Moema said, however, that learners at Boitumelo Primary School, amongst others, are living and learning in appalling conditions with no access to water, electricity, toilets, and other basic necessities.
“It is unfortunate that, under the North West acting Premier, Nono Maloyi, and the North West MEC for Education, Viola Motsumi, learners are facing the cold weather conditions and rain in shack classrooms.
“The North West Provincial Government (NWPG) has been aware of the situation in Bethel for quite some time with no interest to deal with it decisively despite many undertakings,” he said.
Moema further alleged that, Maloyi is using Thuntsa Lerole campaign to bypass due processes and advance his own ends. He added that, as the EFF, they will be meeting with the School Governing Body (SGB), parents, and teachers to ensure that learners get the necessary support for teaching and learning to proceed for the common good of the community.
“Furthermore, we will initiate a fully blown investigation into the matter and ensure that the provincial government does not enjoy any impunity for the flagrant disregard and gross remiss of the rights of the learners,” said Moema.
Meanwhile, the North West Department of Education spokesperson, Mphata Molokwane said: “The school is under total renovation and it has asbestos roofing. The purpose of the renovation is to remove asbestos because it is hazardous. The school is still there, and roofing only has to be removed.
“The project started around July 2023 and the school has two blocks of five classrooms each. One block collapsed when the roof was removed, and that caused a delay in the project’s completion. The other block has been renovated and new roofing has also been completed.”
Molokwane said the Grade 2 and 3 learners were accommodated at a bigger building made of corrugated irons belonging to one of the SGB members. He said the parents were involved when that decision was taken to use the building.
“This started during the first week of August 2023. The school received three mobile classrooms on Saturday in order to accommodate the Grade 1 to 3 learners. The matter has been addressed and the school is awaiting approval to demolish the collapsed block and build a new structure of five classrooms.
“The infrastructure team is now involved to ensure that, the process of completing the remaining work is completed. It is expected that, by tomorrow the three mobile classrooms will be completed and handed over to the school for resumption of teaching and learning,” said Molokwane.
He said it is worth noting that, teaching and learning got disturbed for two days last week only.
The Guardian 