School infrastructure continues to dilapidate in Jobrathebe Secondary
During the visits at the school, Soweto Urban witnessed about 56 learners crammed in a one small classroom with broken chairs and windows.
The School Governing Body (SGB) and parents at Job Rathebe Secondary School have expressed great dissatisfaction on the issue of dilapidating school infrastructure.
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This after parents recently shut down the school demanding the removal of the principal who is accused of absenteeism.
It is alleged that the principal has been absent since March 2021 due to medical reasons and an caretaker principal was then appointed for 14 days to oversee operation of the school as the issue was being resolved.
During the visits at the school, Soweto Urban witnessed about 56 learners crammed in a one small classroom with broken chairs and windows.
Apart from the school dilapidated buildings, about 9 441 learners have no choice but to use two filthy leaking toilets which are meant to accommodate all of them.
According to Member of Parliament, Dr Ntombi Khumalo, the school has previously received a visit from Gauteng Education Chief Director, Dennis Makwakwa who allegedly promised that the Department will resolve the issue within 14 working days.
Dr Khumalo added that funds of an estimated R 1.9 million were paid out by the Department for renovations but no changes have been made to date.
“We feel strongly that
learners at the school should be treated with the utmost respect which at present does not seem to be the case.
“The learners here are exposed to an environment which is not conducive or safe for learning and these are fundamental human rights which are being infringed for these learners,” Dr Khumalo said.
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As she pointed out a visible hole on the school fence that learners allegedly use to exit the school premises, she added that the environment is not safe and secured and action should be taken.
Dr Khumalo said if no action is taken by the Department a petition will be written to Parliament and further assistance will be requested from local civil organisation groups.
“Someone should be held accountable because it is only a matter of time before we have a disaster here and we do not want to wait until then. We are going to push for the Department to do its job and serve these learners.”
One of the SGB members and parent, Myron Shongwe said the conditions in the school somehow have an impact on the behaviour of the learners.
“There is no principal in the school and this is why there is no control and discipline among the learners. As the SGB we have manged for the past three months to try and instil discipline but we are faced with various challenges and we need the department to come on board,” said Shongwe.
Soweto Urban reached to Gauteng Education Chief Director, Dennis Makwakwa and readers will be updated when a response is received.
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