Schools across Alexandra are facing mounting infrastructure challenges, with overcrowding, vandalism, and inadequate facilities undermining the quality of education for learners.

Recent oversight visits and community engagements have revealed that the problems are widespread, affecting institutions such as East Bank High, Skeen Primary, Gordon Primary, and Minerva Secondary.

On January 23, Tumelo Shai, ActionSA Ward 105 proportional representative councillor, raised concerns about infrastructure challenges at East Bank High, warning that it could negatively impact learners’ focus and performance. “It is not good for learners to be in an environment where the infrastructure is vandalised like that, because now, the focus is no longer on them studying, but on the conditions.”

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He also raised concerns about the issue of overcrowding at Skeen Primary School, noting that some classes accommodate a number of learners far beyond their capacity. Similar concerns were raised at Gordon Primary School, where overcrowding has become a pressing issue.
Principal Malunga MJM, as he prefers to be called, told parliamentary constituency office delegates, on January 15, that while the school does not struggle with infrastructure-related issues, overcrowding remains a major challenge.

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Meanwhile, at Minerva Secondary School, school governing body member Thandiwe Mbusi highlighted infrastructure problems during a visit by Deputy Minister for Women, Youth, and Persons with Disabilities Mmapaseka Steve Letsike and Gauteng MEC for Health and Wellness Nomantu Nkomo-Ralehoko, on January 23.

Speaking to the media, Letsike acknowledged that Alexandra schools are struggling with multiple issues. “We have visited a number of schools and we have been working with the districts. The issue of infrastructure is a big one, the issue of furniture is a big one, and the issue of admission is a big one.”

She added that the parliamentary constituency office has already written to Education MEC Matome Chiloane, as well as raising the matter with Premier of Gauteng Panyaza Lesufi. “The infrastructure issue is going to be paid attention to, and also, the issue of furniture – school desks and chairs are needed in the schools of Alexandra.”

Shai also pledged to raise the matter in council, stressing that persistence and follow-ups are key to ensuring that the challenges are addressed.

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