Gauteng Department of Education confirms repairs at Eqinisweni Secondary School

The Gauteng Department of Education (GDE) has confirmed that it is addressing the longstanding infrastructure challenges at Eqinisweni Secondary School in Ivory Park, following a request for more time to provide a comprehensive response.

GDE spokesperson Steve Mabona confirmed that 10 mobile classrooms have been delivered to the school, and the process of repairing the old infrastructure is underway.

This comes after a visit by ActionSA Member of the Gauteng Legislature John Moodey to the school on February 21, during which he highlighted several significant issues.

Also read: ActionSA applauds GED for addressing Eqinisweni High School infrastructure crisis

Moodey called for immediate intervention from the department, noting that the school, originally built to accommodate 1 600 learners, is currently serving approximately 2 700 learners, exceeding its capacity by 1 100.

Moodey stated that he would be writing to Education MEC Matome Chiloane to inform him of the urgent situation at the school and to demand both immediate and long-term action plans to address these challenges.

Read more: ‘Dulcie September Primary School needs government’s urgent attention’ – Education activist

In his letter, he will detail various issues, including deteriorating classroom infrastructure, extreme overcrowding, broken prefabricated units, a lack of desks and furniture, poor sanitation facilities, an overburdened school nutrition programme, and escalating disciplinary problems among learners.

All of these factors severely hinder the school’s ability to provide a safe and conducive learning environment.

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