Department of Education spends R1,3-m to guard old school in Brakpan
The DA Gauteng Shadow MEC for Education, Khume Ramulifho MPL, and DA Ekurhuleni Ward 97 councillor, Veronica Dyson, visited the abandoned Brakpan Primary School on Wednesday (November 18) and expressed their concern over the money spent on private security at the derelict building.
According to Ramulifho, the Gauteng Provincial Department of Education has spent just over R1,3-million for private security to guard the overgrown school that has become a major eyesore.
“Since 2012 the department has spent over R8-million on private security for abandoned schools in the province. However, functional schools with learners, teachers and school facilities have no strong security measures put in place,” he said.
According to Veronica Dyson, the Department of Education hasn’t hired private security at the old Brakpan Primary School since March.
The DA visited the desolate site with the intention of establishing the benefits of hiring a private security company to protect the school.
“The school has been closed down and is not in use,” said Ramulifho.
”What we witnessed here is shocking, while the overgrown trees, grass and shrubs pose a major safety risk to residents in the community.
“There is nothing to look after.
“Brakpan Primary is part of a larger problem in the province, and it remains unclear why the department set aside over R4,3-million for the 2015/2016 financial year just on private security, to guard shut down and derelict schools.”
Some of the local residents also raised concerns.
“There are people sleeping there during the night,” said Fanie Odendaal, who lives across from the school.
“The sad part is that this school was so beautiful back in the days. Now it’s so neglected and an eyesore.”
Dolf Jacobson also mentioned that he believes satanic rituals are taking place there, after a church informed him of this.
“The pavements in front of the school are a littering spot; I usually clean them myself,” said Willa van Wyk.
The trees on the school property are also causing problems, because essential work isn’t being done and now they are a hazard to motorists driving along Livingstone and Denise streets.
“The Department of Infrastructure Development would do well to dispose of all closed schools where the Education Department has indicated no interest, to utilise before they deteriorate even further,” said Dyson.
The Herald has requested comment from the Department of Education. As soon as we receive it, it will be published.
