Today, in the spirit of Ubuntu and to commemorate Mandela Day, the Democratic Alliance (DA) in Gauteng donated 67 pairs of school shoes to the Mayibuye Primary School in Tembisa.
During our many oversight inspections of this school, we observed the need for our learners to be assisted by not only ensuring that they are taught in an environment that is conducive to learning and teaching but also making sure that they do not miss a day of school due to not having a full school uniform.
During our visit today, we engaged with some of the teachers at the school about the conditions under which they need to teach our learners. This school is still using mobile classrooms, which are not in good condition. Yet, a new school has been built but cannot be occupied because it was built on a sewerage line.
The new unoccupied school has fallen into a state of disrepair. There are holes in the ceiling, light switch fixtures are missing, and raw sewage is flowing outside the school hall. In addition, the school hall’s entire ceiling must be replaced. Nothing has been done to correct this situation, which has been like this for the last four years.
See photos here, here, here and here
We are demanding that Premier Panyaza Lesufi take accountability for the state that this new school is in, as this project commenced under his watch. We will be taking this matter to the Gauteng Provincial Legislature to ensure that the officials responsible for this mess face the consequences of their actions. It is unacceptable that our taxpayers’ money is being wasted in this manner, as this will cost more money to fix the new school.
Our learners and teachers deserve a conducive environment to learning and teaching. No learner should be left behind because the environment is not fit for learning.