The DA in Gauteng is calling on Education MEC Panyaza Lesufi to address the desperate need for additional classrooms at schools, in Katlehong.
During recent oversight visits to several schools in the area, the DA found most schools to be overcrowded.
Schools such as Katlehong Technical High, in the Goba section, Thutopele High, in the Khumalo Valley section, and Leratadima Primary School, in Tokoza, Alberton, require urgent intervention.
Despite Leratadima Primary being a model school in the community, it has no library and access to the school is on a busy route, causing a safety concern to parents and pupils.
Katlehong Technical High School has had theft and needs safety equipment in place.
Thutopele High has a high teacher/pupil rate, with an average of one teacher to 60 pupils, as well as a shortage of maths and science teachers.
The overcrowded schools across the ever-growing province call for more classrooms.
In the meantime, the addition of more classrooms to existing schools, coupled with more teachers, will alleviate the strain on overcrowded schools as a short-term solution.
Overcrowded classes place an unnecessary strain on both pupils and teachers.
This is the space where new ideas are taught, explained and debated.
Squashing children into classrooms stifles their chances of a fair education.
To this end, the DA will submit written questions to the MEC, asking him what his department’s plans are to address this unacceptable situation, and how soon pupils will find relief.
The DA will continue to monitor the situation, to ensure that the needs of Katlehong’s pupils remain a top priority.
