Learning at Dulcie September Primary School in Rabie Ridge has been at a standstill since January 19, after parents shut down the school over concerns that the facility is unsafe for learners.

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Following days of frustration and mounting pressure from the community, the Gauteng department of education (GDE) has now responded to the situation.

GDE spokesperson Steve Mabona confirmed that the department is aware of the challenges at the school, which currently operates from mobile classrooms. “Although doors and windows of mobile classes were repaired around June 2025, they were later vandalised by learners. Officials visited that school and committed to fix it. Also to fast-track a process to deliver mobile toilets in due course.”

Mabona further stated that Dulcie September Primary School has already been approved for a permanent brick-and-mortar structure, adding that a construction company has been formally introduced to the school community. “Parents agreed that teaching and learning will proceed accordingly.”

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Currently, the contractor and their team have begun the vital work of repairing and restoring the windows and doors.

Learners remain at home, however, parents confirmed that they will return to school on January 30, following their meeting with the school governing body.

Community leaders, however, argue that conditions at the school remain far from acceptable.

Rabie Ridge community leader George Henry described the current site as unfit for both learners and staff. “Since our children were moved to the current site, the conditions have deteriorated beyond breaking point. We were promised an upgrade, yet we are left with unusable toilets. The sanitation facilities are in a shocking, unhygienic state. Our children are suffering, and their dignity is being stripped away daily.”

He also questioned whether the school had undergone proper readiness inspections ahead of the 2026 academic year. “There are serious safety hazards. The school was clearly never checked for school readiness before the term began. After only two days of operation, activities came to a standstill. Parents are furious, and staff appear reluctant to work under these hazardous conditions.”

Parents insist that promises of a permanent upgrade must translate into immediate action. “We were promised a brick-and-mortar school. We were promised safety. Instead, our children were dumped here, and the department went silent. We will not stand by while our children’s education and health are compromised by systemic neglect.”

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