There is severe overcrowding at Thorntree Primary School in Soshanguve, Tshwane, with 77 learners in one mobile classroom, which is not conducive to learning and teaching.
This learning environment is not acceptable as it deprives learners of access to quality basic education.
The mobile classrooms are old and dilapidated. Many of the ablution facilities are not functioning, forcing learners to use an open field next to the school to relieve themselves.
The situation at this school clearly indicates that the Gauteng Department of Education (GDE) is failing to properly plan and allocate resources according to the specific needs of the schools.
The DA also conducted oversight inspections at MJ Mgidi Secondary School and Botse Botse Secondary School. We were shocked to discover that both schools are overcrowded and lack much-needed resources for learning and teaching.
Furthermore, safety is also a massive challenge in the area, and there is a need for tighter security measures to be put in place to protect and safeguard the school infrastructure from being vandalised and stolen.
The DA demands that the GDE provide additional mobile classrooms to these schools as a matter of urgency to solve the challenge of overcrowding.
We will further write to the Gauteng Education MEC to seek a permanent solution to the unhygienic and non-functioning ablution facilities at both Thorntree Primary School and Botse Botse Secondary School.
No learner must be taught in such terrible conditions. The DA will continue to fight to ensure conducive learning and teaching environment at all our schools across the province.