Gauteng Department of Education allegedly allocates R586 000 each year for maintenance but Eden Park Secondary School is reportedly non-compliant.
These claims have since resurfaced amid a fire that broke out at the school scorching several mobile classrooms on August 21.
Firefighters from Palm Ridge and Zonkizizwe responded to the call to contain the blaze from spreading further and no casualties were reported.
DEMS’ William Ntladi confirmed that two mobile classrooms were completely burnt, while three were partially burnt and three saved. He said the cause of the fire is not yet determined.
Findings
Clayton Myburgh, maintenance and infrastructure chairperson at the school revealed that the school is non-compliant in terms of safety and security.
The School Governing Body (SGB) member says the school, which has officially been without a principal for at least two months, is non-compliant with fire safety.
“The school fails to call SGB meetings to discuss critical issues, such as safety concerns. Funds allocated for maintenance are misused. A final report will soon be issued to close down the school and that can have a serious effect on teaching and learning in our school,” he said.
Myburgh claimed that government annually allocates funds to the school yet no maintenance is done, blaming this on a lack of leadership and transparency.
As it is, he also told the Alberton Record they will now need about 12 mobile classrooms to accommodate the many learners at the school.
GDE’s response
After communicating to the Gauteng Department of Education, spokesperson Steve Mabona confirmed that the department is aware of the fire incident that occurred at the school.
“The cause of the fire is still unknown. Preliminary investigations reveal that four mobile classrooms, which housed Grade Eight and Nine learners, were burnt including books and furniture in some classes. It is also reported that one of the classrooms was also broken into at the back of the school,” he said.
Mabona said the matter has been reported to local SAPS and investigations are currently underway.
The department has also visited the school to provide necessary support and to ensure that teaching and learning continue.
WATCH: Mobile classroom burns to the ground in local High school
