Councillor vows to fight for Alex schools after oversight visit
ActionSA councillor Tumelo Shai has pledged to fight for urgent infrastructure upgrades at East Bank High in Alexandra, warning that poor conditions are undermining learners’ education.
ActionSA proportional representation councillor in Ward 105 Tumelo Shai has vowed to remain focused on addressing pressing issues facing East Bank High School in Alexandra.
During a recent oversight visit, Shai highlighted serious infrastructure challenges that he believes are negatively affecting learners’ ability to perform.
“It is not good for learners to be in an environment where the infrastructure is vandalised like that. The focus is no longer on them studying, but on the conditions. If you are not comfortable, how are you going to pay attention to the teachers?”
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Shai argued that poor infrastructure is often the hidden reason behind underperformance in schools. “Sometimes it comes as a surprise why certain schools are underperforming, whereas the real issue is the conditions learners are expected to learn under.”
The councillor said he intends to engage directly with the school to explore solutions and ensure learners have a safe, functional environment. “There is no issue that cannot be resolved. It just takes persistence and follow-ups.”
Shai committed to raising the matter in council, stressing that leadership and persistence are key to driving change. “Certain things need a certain person with a certain character. Sometimes, you can raise an issue but if you are not persistent and doing follow-ups, nothing will happen.”
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He also pointed out the overcrowding challenge in some classes at Skeen Primary School, noting that it’s also among the schools he intends to visit, to find ways to address the issue.
He assured that the oversight visits will not end with observation alone, but will be followed by concrete action.
“I will make sure that I emphasise these issues in our council meeting, so that they come to the speaker’s attention.”
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