Lodirile Secondary School learners in Rietvallei, Krugersdorp, are being deprived of a conducive learning environment due to a myriad of challenges, including mismanagement of funds, poor infrastructure, and inadequate school governance, all of which raise serious concerns about the impact on their education and well-being.
This was discovered during a Democratic Alliance (DA) oversight inspection at the Lodirile Secondary School following complaints from concerned parents about serious allegations of possible corruption and the unconducive learning environment.
The parents expressed concerns about the alleged corruption and mismanagement of over R2 million allocated for building additional classrooms as part of the self-build classroom project. They further bemoaned the appalling physical state of the school. The mobile classrooms are overcrowded, they lack electricity, and the ceiling boards are falling off. The few available toilets are in a deplorable condition and insufficient for the 1,589 learners.
See the photos here, here, here and here.
In addition to the infrastructural challenges, the school’s governance has collapsed. There is currently no School Governing Body (SGB) because the school has been placed under Section 25 of the South African Schools Act. However, it has been reported that a former chairperson continues to authorise payments despite the election of a new chairperson before the implementation of Section 25.
Further concerns have been raised regarding the school principal, who resigned under questionable circumstances. This principal was reportedly seconded to the district and has now allegedly been appointed to perform the functions of the school governing body.
Parents further informed the DA that the Gauteng Department of Education (GDE) conducted a financial audit of the school, and the Special Investigating Unit (SIU) visited the premises. Despite assurances, the GDE has not provided feedback.
The DA will submit questions to Education MEC Matome Chiloane to demand clarity on this matter. Additionally, we will be writing to the SIU to inquire about their visit to the school and whether they have initiated an investigation into the alleged corruption.
A DA Gauteng provincial government would have secured the future of these learners by building and maintaining the school infrastructure. We would have also put systems in place to ensure the proper management of the school and its finances.
Learners at Lodirile Secondary deserve a conducive learning environment, and the DA is determined to make this a reality.