Schools visited, staff complimented
DA Member of Parliament Michael Waters and Clr Allan Sauls recently visited several schools in Tembisa.
MP Waters congratulated the principles and teachers of schools for their dedication to education, even under stressful conditions.
The DA visited OR Tambo Primary School, Phomalong Primary School, Pieter Zogwane Primary School and Charlotte Maxeke Secondary School.
The DA said it was, however, concerned about overcrowding at schools and the lack of toilets.
“I will be writing to the Minister of Basic Education and asking when additional teachers will be placed at our schools. A total of 16 teachers are needed, as well as an nine more classrooms. Some classes have up to 60 pupils in them. Two schools, OR Tambo Primary School and Charlotte Maxeke Secondary School, both have prefab classrooms. I will ask the minister when these two school will be earmarked for brick and mortar classrooms,” said MP Waters.
Due to the dramatic increase of pupils at the school, three schools, with the exception of Pieter Zongwane Primary School, do not have enough toilets to meet the department’s own minimum norms and standards.
“This is a health hazard which I will also raise with the minister. It is essential that the Department of Basic Education adheres to its own norms and standards, and ensures that all class sizes do not exceed the maximum size. If we are to achieve quality education we cannot fail out children,” he said.
