Gauteng Department of Education gives update on Kembirch Secondary School
During visits to the school the Kempton Express discovered that toilet facilities at the school were not yet connected to the sewage system.
The Gauteng Department of Education (GDE) is in the final stages of fulfilling its promise to Kembirch Secondary School’s learners.
Controversy has surrounded the school since it was first proposed at the end of last year.
The December 7 edition of the Kempton Express reported that concerned residents called a meeting with GDE officials.
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During the meeting, residents said they were not informed that the school would be established.
They also questioned whether the school would be a temporary or permanent fixture in the community.
Further queries from residents and ward councillors focused on facilities at the school, including ablutions.
On January 17, when schools reopened for the 2024 learning year, 10 classes of Grade Eight learners were sent home with the promise that school for 2024 would commence on January 22.
The GDE’s Ekurhuleni north district director, Nonceba Ntuta, was present at the school on January 17 to oversee the first day’s proceedings.
ALSO READ: Classes at Kembirch Secondary School commence
The Kempton Express discovered that toilet facilities at the school were not yet connected to the sewage system and learners were using mobile toilets.
On January 29, the Kempton Express paid another visit to the school and found that ablution facilities had still not been connected to municipal infrastructure.
Due to the lack of connected services at the time and a school tuck shop, the school day for learners ended at 12:30.
The GDE’s spokesperson Steve Mabona, spoke to the Kempton Express.
“The department confirms that it is in the final stage of fulfilling the promise to learners. Accordingly, two mobile kitchens are operational at the school,” he said.
Mabona said it must be noted that most of the schools similar to Kembirch were built without these facilities.
“Over the years, some of these facilities were converted into ordinary classrooms due to shortage of classrooms, and as such, most of these schools are deteriorating at a faster rate as a result of over usage and overcrowding,” he added.
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“We are in the SGB elections period. The SGB will have to resolve the tuck shop and other matters accordingly. Parents will be encouraged to work with the SGB to resolve some of these issues at the school.”
Mabona added that the GDE would continue to monitor the situation and intervene accordingly.
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