A smoke-emitting building on Du Plessis Road is affecting teaching and learning at Alberton Primary School.

Known as the Permanent Square, the building counts the primary school as one of its neighbours.

This publication understands that the issue of smoke during school hours has been raised with the caretaker of the building for months, but nothing has come from the concerns raised.

“The smoke makes teachers and learners cough, and some children even get red eyes from the smoke. The smoke goes directly over the school,” said a source preferring not to be named.

@albertonrecord A smoke emitting building adjacent to Alberton Primary, is negatively affecting teaching and learning at the school. #AlbertonPrimary #Alberton #Smoke #ComfortSegredos ♬ News, news, seriousness, tension(1077866) – Lyrebirds music

We also understand that the school pleaded with the caretaker to at least wait until after school, when staff and pupils have left, before burning whatever causes the chimney to emit smoke.

The Alberton Record got the contact details of a man known only as ‘Pieter’, who is believed to be the building’s caretaker.

When we called the number, the person on the other end denied being ‘Pieter’. It is unclear who the owner of the building is. The Alberton Record has since sought comment from the CoE. Its Environmental Resource and Waste Management Department is responsible for ensuring that residents and visitors live in an environment that is not harmful to their health or well-being.

We contacted the CoE, which had not responded at the time of publishing, and will update once their comments have been received. This is a developing story.

Gauteng Department of Education’s response:

The Alberton Record sought comment from the Gauteng Department of Education (GDE). GDE spokesperson Steve Mabona said, “The GDE is aware of the smoke emanating from the building adjacent to the school. We will engage with all relevant stakeholders to attend to the parents’ concerns.”