Learners exposed to the elements
Learners of all grades were found seated at desks under trees all over the premises.
MATSULU – While millions of pupils enjoyed their schools’ reopening, those of two primary schools in the area experienced the misfortune of having had theirs severely damaged by a storm last December.
Mpumalanga News initially learnt of the damages on December 12 and a story was published on the newspaper’s website. However, on January 15 when schools opened for the first quarter, nothing had been done to help the learners of Phumalanga and Tsandzanani primary schools which are situated adjacent to each other.
When this newspaper visited Phumalanga’s premises a day later, the storm damage was evident everywhere.
Learners of all grades were found seated at desks under trees all over the premises. Teachers were carrying on as if nothing had happened. Classrooms had been left roofless by the heavy storm, which also left residents in the area without homes.
When one stepped into the main administration block, piles of stationery were visible in the various offices. This newspaper learnt that the roofs of 12 classrooms were blown away, but the grades R and one classes had been saved, as well as the administration block and kitchen.
The latter and admin block are currently being used as storerooms for stationery and furniture.
“It’s really difficult to work under these circumstances. The parents don’t understand. Some are even taking their kids out of the school, saying they can’t learn in this unbearable heat.
“The children are also easily distracted when seeing people passing by on the premises while learning in the open,” said a member of school’s staff.
Due to the school’s situation, numbers have dropped. This newspaper was told that representatives of the Department of Education had promised to deliver temporary structures to Phumalanga before it reopened, a promise which was not kept. The principal referred all questions to the department because she was not its spokesperson.
Ms Dorah Nkuna, a member of the school governing body, said several letters asking for donations to repair the roofing had been sent to several private businesses around Mbombela.
“We are still waiting for their response. We also urge anyone who can assist us with roofing materials to do so, so that these future leaders can be taught in a conducive environment and in a proper shelter,” she said.
Nkuna added that the department had promised to deliver temporary structures last Friday, but it had still not been delivered at the time of going to print.
For assistance Phumalanga Primary School’s banking details are as follows: FNB account number 531 300 79825.
Mr Jasper Zwane, spokesperson for the department, had not responded to a list of questions sent to him at the time of going to print. This newspaper further learnt that a locally based hardware store was looted after its walls had collapsed on the day of the storm.
Mr Raza Azam, the manager of BNR Hardware, revealed that even if he would love to assist the schools, he couldn’t because his business had also greatly suffered.
“Some members of the community came and stole building material worth more than R30 000 on the day of the storm,” he said.
He praised the work done by the local police for assisting in the recovery of some of the materials and the apprehension of three suspects.
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