Education disrupted due to poor facilities, overcrowding

Atlegang Makgoba

Disruptions at Allan Ridge Secondary School hindered the education of learners as members of the student governing body (SGB) and community members of the Rabie Ridge Residence Association (RRRA) shut the school down on April 5.
They were calling for assistance from the Department of Education.
The school was shut down for two days as teachers, members of the SGB and community members said the school lacks resources to accommodate its number of learners.
It is alleged the school is overcrowded with over 2 500 learners and an insufficient number of classrooms, tables and chairs as well as learning material.
Parent and member of the RRRA, Robin Stephens expressed disappointment in the school’s cleanliness and unoccupied new classrooms.
“There are 10 classrooms that can be a school on its own. We were told that they would be for the Grade Eight learners, however, they haven’t even been used as it seems they are unfurnished,” said Stephens.
Late last year the school completed a project of 10 classrooms.
Learners allegedly are yet to occupy these classrooms as the school awaits the certificate of occupation from the City of Johannesburg.
A meeting was held between the deputy chief education specialist at the Gauteng Department of Education for Johannesburg East, Phillemon Mashishi, and the RRRA.
On April 6 the DA shadow MEC of Education Khume Ramulifho visited the school for an oversight visit where he noted several challenges facing the school including a shortage of teachers.
“Last year several bogus schools were shut down around the area and learners were sent to this school, which is one of the reasons for the overcrowding. The school needs about 12 more teachers,” said Ramulifho.
“The school was given about R4.9-million for the building of classrooms. Upon completion and inspection, it was realised that the classes did not have fire hydrants. We are still investigating whether the budget given to the school included the addition of fire hydrants and school furniture to take the necessary steps to resolve the issue,” said Ramulifho.
Mashishi said the school was still in need of additional mobile classes to further reduce the classroom ratio and ensure that the quality of education is maintained.
In a prior meeting held between the school’s principal, school management and Mashishi, it was implied that operations were hindered by a lack of mutual working relationship among the schools’ employees.
“There seems to be some sort of factionalism between the general assistants, teachers, principal and deputy principals,” said Mashishi.
The Express/Thembisan sent a media inquiry to GDE spokesperson Steve Mabona, requesting comment on the allegations including lack of discipline, poor facilities, overcrowding and the unoccupied new classrooms.
Comment was requested by 14:00 on April 5. This was followed up again on April 12. At the time of publishing, no comment had been received.