Thulwe Primary School outside Makapanstad poses huge risk on both learners and teachers

Estimated reading time: 6 minute(s)

Photo: supplied

Frustrated parents from Thulwe Primary School in Thulwe plots outside Makapanstad in Moretele in the North West say they feel neglected by the government due to the poor condition of their school that has been deteriorating for quite some time.

The frustration prompted them to request an urgent meeting with the Department of Labour after they closed 3 school blocks, including administration block for safety reasons.

As one does an amateur inspection on the school building you can see cracks that go all the way to the opposite part of the building, opening up a huge potion which seems like it could fall at any given time should heavy storms occur.

Cracks appear in several classrooms, while the ceiling is also collapsing and the roof is leaking as well.

Both teachers and learners were prohibited from using this school that was built in the late 50s.

Parents say they have been requesting an intervention from the Department of Education for years and they promised a new school in 2019 but to this date no progress have been made.

Page3 Online News is in possession of a letter signed and drafted by Health & Safety Inspector from the North West Department of Labour Mr Mkhululi Senna who said that the school is not in good condition to be used as it poses danger. The letter was signed on March 15, 2022.

School Governing Body (SGB) chairperson, David Sarela, said they want the Department of Education to take full responsibility to ensure that they built new school. He says the bushes around the school remain problematic.

To tackle the issue, Department of Education in the province Elias Malindi said they have temporarily supplied the school with mobile while they are working on a more permanent solution.

Some parent said the mobile classes were not enough.

The school houses 215 learners.