Wendywood High School sent out a circular to parents, guardians and caregivers on July 19, notifying them that the school was without water – which had been the case for up to six weeks before the notice was sent by the school.
A concerned parent, Dennis Wolveslock – whose real name is being withheld over concerns that approaching the media would place her child’s reputation at the school in jeopardy – came forward with information about the water and electricity crises impacting learners’ ability to attend.
On their initial call to the press, Wolveslock indicated that learners were unable to attend school at Wendywood High School on account of there being no water at the school, worsened by frequent power outages. According to Wolveslock, there had not been much communication with parents between July 19, and Wolveslock approaching the media.
“I work, full-time, so it [is] very hard for me to come to the school. Also, there are no kids in the school,” Wolveslock said on July 25, elaborating on how even going to the school to speak to anybody would be hard to accomplish. “We haven’t had any response as yet as to how many kids are coming – if there [are] any, or whether the kids can come to school. There are no teachers, so, unfortunately, I don’t think you’re going to meet anybody.”
Wolveslock added: “They did the message, apparently, in one of the children’s groups to say that they’re having two classes from tomorrow and that the kids are going to finish at like half-day or something: but not saying much about anything else. So they don’t even know themselves what’s happening.”
Wolveslock supplied the circular notice issued by the school to parents and caretakers dated July 19, wherein the school’s principal, Vusi Msimango, addresses the crisis.
“It’s been six weeks now without water, and schools have reopened for term 3,” said Msimango.
“After liaising with the Gauteng Department of Education (GDE) to try and expedite a solution, it was resolved that the learners should not be stopped from coming to school. All Grade 12 learners should come to school despite the lack of water. Teaching and learning will take place.”
Msimango expressed furthermore how urgent this situation over water unavailability is to the Grade 12 learners.
“Preliminary exams start on August 31. We wish to encourage all Grade 12 learners to attend school.
“We only have 34 days left before the Grade 12 learners sit for their final NSC exams.”
Ward 109 councillor Lori Cynthia Coogan responded to the crisis. “Yes, I was made aware by some parents in the last few days, and I immediately intervened by contacting my colleague, Khume Ramulifho, and we conducted an oversight visit.
The matter was then escalated to the head of department who committed to resolve the matter.”
According to Coogan, Joburg Water was Wendywood’s supplier of water.
“It would have been the [Joburg Water] finance department that instructed the cut-off of the school,” said Coogan.
“We urge school management to communicate with me on any municipal-related matters immediately when they occur, instead of taking as long as it took in this case.”
GDE spokesperson Steve Mabona said that the department is also aware of the water supply at the school being disrupted due to non-payment by the school.
“Consequently, a service provider was appointed on Wednesday, 19 July, for a water tanker to deliver water from Friday, 21 July, and the tanker will be delivering water daily until payment issues are resolved.
“We will continue to monitor the situation.”
On 31 July, Sandton Chronicle requested Joburg Water spokesperson Nolwazi Dhlamini to confirm that a solution to the Wendywood High School’s water crisis is in place. No response was received at the time of going to print.
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