400 Learners now wait to hear about their futures from the Department of Education.
With the school’s first opening their doors on Wednesday, January 15, a number of learners were left disappointed and without hope.
Coronation Secondary School was set to open its doors to its learners, however the children have no possible way of learning anything without the necessary textbooks, teachers, and facilities, as well as basic services like electricity and water.
“If you open a school it must be fully functional, there is no electricity or water,” said Mr James Masango, provincial spokesperson for the DA.
More than 400 learners registered with the school, not knowing that they would be left at the gates of the school. The fact that only four teachers are employed at the school, contributes to the disappointment of not being able to open a text book. But who is to blame?
“The fact that the electricity account has not even been opened for the school, is appalling and demonstrates the Department of Education’s lack of planning and callous attitude to the needs of learners. The situation is unacceptable and could have dire consequences for pupils,” continued Masango.
On visiting the school WITBANK NEWS saw first hand that there was a lack of delivery. Builders were busy with construction of the main gate, their containers spread throughout the school. Meanwhile learners stood outside the school’s grounds, alongside parents.
“We come here every day hoping to learn, but cant go into the school, it is not ready,” said one of the pupils.
Masagno addressed a letter to Mrs Reginah Masango, requesting direct intervention from the Department of Education. He is currently awaiting a response.
WITBANK NEWS contacted both the Nkangala and Mpumalanga Departments of Education and is also awaiting a response.
