Bats and snakes resulted in the closure of Sigonde Primary School in Musina, Limpopo after a health and safety inspector declared the school a threat to the health and safety of learners and teachers.

An Occupational Health and Safety (OHS) inspector at the Department of Labour closed the school on Friday

In a statement on Monday, by the Occupational Health and Safety (OHS) Department says the school was found not to be compliant with the OHS Act.

The inspector prohibited the school based on the following:

• Grade R, 1, 4, 5, 6 and 7 classes had bats in the classroom roofs which posed a danger to the health and safety of persons and may cause sickness, diseases and possible death.
• On Tuesday, 24 May, 50 learners were absent from school after they reported sick due to the bat infestation.
• Educators alleged that snakes are killed on a weekly basis as they are attracted by the bats in the classrooms.
• The Grade 4 class had cracks at the door post which overlaps the Grade 5 class.

The department says that a mobile classroom used by the Grade 2 learners, is the only class that is still functioning therefore the school will remain closed until corrections are made.

Acting Provincial Inspector Reckson Tshitshivheli says that employers must make sure that at any given time they comply with OHS legislation.

“When they are not sure they must call on us so we can assist them to get their house in order. Inspections are our day-to-day business and when we come across any life-threatening situations, we will unfortunately have to close the building.

“We commend our inspectors who do not compromise the health and safety of persons and encourage them to continue to do their jobs to mitigate non-compliance,” Tshitshivheli says.

SAnews.gov.za