Today I, along with Patrick Atkinson MP and Kishore Badal Cllr visited Apex Primary School in Lenasia after a number of concerned parents contacted me about structural concerns and overcrowding at the school.
Concerns included the fact that there is no electricity at the school. The electricity box is allegedly completely exposed without any safety mechanisms in place.
After meeting with the principal, Mr Maluleke and his deputy, Mr Sujee, we were denied access to the school. Once they learnt that we were from the Democratic Alliance, the walk-about we previously agreed on was immediately off the table.
This meant, that we were unable to execute our mandate as public representatives, which is to conduct oversight inspections of government-owned institutions.
It is worrying that the headmaster was the one to block our oversight, particularly when the purpose of our visit was to check the infrastructure challenges faced by the school.
A worried parent of the school sent me concerning images of the structural problems at the school, such as dilapidated fire hydrants, classrooms without windows and overcrowded classrooms.
These issues pose a significant safety risk for our teachers and learners.
The DA will continue with its work of ensuring that the safety of our children in schools is prioritized. The fact that the Principal illegally kicked us out of the school will not deter us. We will be back to undertake this oversight, as it is our duty and responsibility to all learners in Gauteng.