Schools: You break – you pay
Although Limpopo government has put aside R100 million to assist schools damaged by storms, Treasury MEC Rob Tooley says not a single cent will be used to repair schools damaged by community members during protests.
LIMPOPO – Tooley spoke at a press conference in Lebowakgomo shortly after the recent tabling of the provincial budget.
“There are about 36 schools damaged by storms in the Sekhukhune area alone and we want to repair them,” he said.
The R100 million will also solve the problem of Mabushe High School in Tikiline – Lenyenye, where learners are receiving lessons in an unsafe environment.
This matter was raised by the DA recently, during which DA Limpopo Leader, Jacques Smalle, said he intended to file a complaint with the South African Human Rights Commission (SAHRC) against the Department of Education in this regard.
Since the new academic year commenced, the DA said it has noted a number of schools that need attention urgently.
These include the following schools: Maahlamele Secondary School in Oaks, Leoma High School in Sengale, Raeleng Secondary School in Bela-Bela, Mark Shope Secondary School in Nwamitwa, Phalalong Primary School in Matome, George Langa Secondary School in Mapela, Hlalelani Primary School in Waterval and Luatame Secondary School in Makhado.
“The DA believes there are more schools that need the department’s attention. The condition of all these schools have been reported to the department.
“Our learners are being deprived of their constitutionally mandated right to a quality education,” Smalle said previously.
The DA is deeply concerned about the department’s poor administration and inability to comply with the Treasury regulations and continue to get a disclaimer opinion from the AG for four consecutive years.
“The DA challenges Premier Mathabatha to prioritise these schools.
“Also, to provide mobile classrooms and suitable toilets as interim relief and to pressurise the Department of Education to develop a tangible infrastructure management plan to effectively prioritise desperate schools according to the budget allocations,” he said.
The DA will further write to the Portfolio Committee Chairperson on Education to request the MEC for Education to provide a detailed analysis report on how R2,9 billion was spent,” said Smalle.
