Pupils use buckets as chairs
"We cannot allow the quality of education delivered at these schools to be compromised even further."
The Democratic Alliance (DA) in Gauteng inspected two schools in Kagiso that are faced with serious infrastructure and furniture shortages.
At Tsakane Primary School, some pupils use buckets as chairs, while others are forced to sit on the floor while in class. Broken chairs and desks are used by other pupils, and most classrooms are overcrowded and uncomfortable.
Even more disturbingly, pupils at the Itireleng School for the Mentally Handicapped do not have appropriate classroom equipment or even a dedicated occupational therapist to assist with their welfare and development.
In fact, Itireleng School was earmarked to be upgraded in November last year but no action has been taken in this regard to date.
“These environments are not conducive to quality learning and teaching and this is not the education that our children deserve. In particular, pupils with special needs are facing additional challenges which do not help them overcome their disabilities,” said Khume Ramulifho MPL, DA Gauteng Shadow MEC for Education.
“I will be requesting Gauteng MEC for Education, Panyaza Lesufi, to immediately address the equipment shortages in both these schools and ensure that learners are provided with everything they need for a productive and comfortable school day.
“We are now almost half way through the school year and we cannot allow the quality of education delivered at these schools to be compromised even further.
“Each and every one of these pupils should be able to use their schooling as an opportunity to establish a bright and prosperous future. The MEC must not deny them this chance any longer.”
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