Parents and community members have shut down Mayibuye High School, claiming deteriorating infrastructure, broken toilets, and a lack of basic resources have made the school unsafe for learners and teachers.

They also accuse the Gauteng department of education (GDE) of continuing to turn a blind eye to the containers school’s challenges.

Teaching and learning came to a standstill on July 22 after parents, members of the school governing body (SGB), and community leaders closed the school, insisting that learners could not continue attending classes under the current conditions. They are demanding urgent intervention from the GDE.

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The latest shutdown follows a protest earlier this year when learners, SGB members, and residents took to the streets after the department relocated learners from a neighbouring school to Mayibuye, which they claimed had not been properly assessed, maintained, or made safe for occupation.

It was historically known as the Mayibuye Primary School before the primary learners were moved to a newly built Mayibuye Primary premises. The old premises stood vacant for about 11 months before the department converted them into Mayibuye High School in 2024. However, community members said the ageing infrastructure was never adequately refurbished before learners occupied the school.

According to Mayibuye Youth Activism Movement member and community leader Estern Thobejane, the decision to suspend schooling followed repeated, but unsuccessful, engagements with District 9 education officials. “On [July 22], the community and the SGB decided to close the school because it is not ready for teaching and learning.”

He said the community has been raising concerns since the school opened, alleging that promises to address the issues have not been fulfilled. “The classrooms have damaged ceilings, weeds and trees have taken over parts of the school, and the toilets remain unusable. I even heard the principal [Juliet Tembe] saying she is afraid to drink water during school hours because she knows she will need to use the toilets. If the principal feels that way, imagine what the learners and teachers are going through.”

Thobejane further alleged that the school has no general assistants to maintain the grounds, a damaged perimeter fence, which allows learners to leave the premises during school hours, and has not received maintenance funding since opening.

He also claimed the nutrition programme caters for only about 300 learners, despite the school having about 1 300 learners. “Teachers sometimes bring their own Wi-Fi from home to complete schoolwork. There is no administrator, no general assistants, only teachers, learners, and an acting principal trying to keep the school running.”

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He appealed to government, businesses, and other stakeholders to assist. “Our children deserve to learn in a safe and dignified environment. There are broken windows, damaged furniture, loose bricks, and unsafe infrastructure everywhere.”

Community leader and former school volunteer Mcgregor Mtshizana said an extension project, intended to accommodate future Grade 12 learners, appears to have stalled. “When the school opened last year, contractors started preparing additional classrooms on the extension site using container structures, but the project was never completed. Today, the area is overgrown with grass and looks abandoned.”

Mtshizana also warned that the overgrown vegetation poses a fire risk, noting that a fire broke out in the area last year. He said improving the school is critical to keeping young people in education and away from crime and substance abuse. “There are drugs in our communities, and we are losing young people.

Education gives children hope. We are pleading with anyone who can help us restore this school for the future of our children.”

At the time of publication, the GDE had been approached for comment. They acknowledged having received the media inquiry. Their response will be published once received.

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