Land invasion derails plans to build new classrooms for Tswelopele Secondary
Settlers near the school derails plans to build new classrooms at Tswelopele Secondary School.
Learners at Tswelopele Secondary School are being forced to study in overcrowded classrooms due to land invasions that have hindered plans to build new classrooms and alleviate the situation.
According to Khathutshelo Rasilingwane MPL, the DA Gauteng spokesperson for Infrastructure Development, the Gauteng Department of Education (GDE) and the Gauteng Department of Human Settlements (GDHS) have yet to take action to address the land invasion, despite its detrimental impact on learners.
The DA recently made this discovery during an oversight inspection at the school.
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“During the visit, it was found that residents had built houses on land that had been designated for school use and were continuing to occupy the land without any intention of relocating.
“According to school officials, this encroachment is preventing the construction of new classrooms, which had been budgeted and approved by the GDE,” said Rasilingwane.
As a result, the project to build new classrooms has been delayed due to the limited space caused by the encroachment.
The overcrowding in classrooms is significant, with an average of 55 to 56 learners per class. This situation is directly affecting the quality of education at the school.
Musa Ngobeni, media liaison for the DA, expressed concern over the lack of action taken on this issue.
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“What is particularly troubling is that this issue is not new. According to the school officials, the encroachment began three years ago and was immediately reported to the district office of the GDE in Ekurhuleni. Despite this, no meaningful intervention has occurred.
“The continued inaction not only undermines the school’s ability to fulfil its educational mandate but also sets a dangerous precedent in terms of the protection of public infrastructure,” said Ngobeni.
In response to the discovery, the DA is calling for the immediate eviction of individuals who have illegally occupied the school property and for them to be relocated to suitable alternatives.
“This decisive action is vital to free up space for the construction of new classrooms at Tswelopele.
“Both the GDE and GDHS must take responsibility and demonstrate their commitment to protecting schools and securing a brighter future for our children,” added Ngobeni.
The DA has indicated that they will submit questions to the MEC for Education, Matome Chiloane, and the MEC for Human Settlements, Tasneem Motara, regarding the land encroachment at Tswelopele Secondary School.
They will be seeking a comprehensive explanation for the lack of action taken to resolve the issue. The DA also plans to collaborate with local authorities in Ekurhuleni to address the growing problem of land invasions in the area.
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The DA Gauteng provincial government has pledged to initiate an eviction process to remove those occupying school property.
They are also encouraging community members to seek alternative land for building homes to prevent further encroachment.
When an email was sent to GDE spokesperson Steve Mabona requesting comment, no response was received.
The initial inquiry focused on the specific radius required between schools and settlers, the appropriate measures to address land invasion, and how communities can work together to protect government property.
