Today I, along with DA Team One Gauteng Spokesperson on Education, Khume Ramulifho and DA Team One South Africa Spokesperson on Basic Services, Makashule Gana inspected the state of readiness and infrastructure of Klipspruit West Secondary School for the 2019 academic year.
The school achieved a 43,02% matric pass rate for the 2018 academic year and was the worst performing school in the province. In 2018, learning and teaching was disrupted when parents and teachers boycotted classes in dispute of the appointment of a black principal. In the midst of the protests and the resultant media attention, both Premier Makhura and MEC Gauteng Education MEC, Panyaza Lesufi, made promises to both the teachers and learners to improve conditions at the school, but these have yet to be fulfilled. Several school infrastructure development projects have been left abandoned. As this school continues to struggle, where is MEC Lesufi now?
We met with the acting principal, Mr Davey, as well as the School Governing Body. The biggest challenge which they currently face, is the scourge of drug abuse. There are holes in the school fence through which drugs are smuggled, and learners bunk classes. Since 1998, the school leadership has been requesting the Gauteng Department of Basic Education to erect a brick wall to replace the fence and has informed Premier Makhura and MEC Lesufi, of the ongoing drug problem, but the school has been largely ignored.
The school has the capacity for 1500 students, however, the school is not full due to a teacher shortage. Three additional teachers have been employed, but Science teachers are struggling due to the overflow of students.
Despite these significant challenges, the school says it is ready for the 2019 academic year, and is aiming to improve its matric pass rate. I will continue to monitor the school’s progress, and I will hold both Premier Makhura and MEC Lesufi to the promises they made.
The DA will continue working with all stakeholders to ensure that all our schools are equipped with the resources required to make our schools Safe Spaces where learners can be educated free from the threat posed by drug peddlers and gangs.
Makhura, Lesufi and the failing ANC have neglected the teachers, learners and parents of Kilpsruit West Secondary School. Now is time for change that puts the people first and builds One South Africa for All