The massively overcrowded Tinley Manor Primary School in Etete’s Velani Township was closed down by a group of angry residents this morning (Thursday) as they are unhappy about the lack of progress in extending the school.

About 1 400 pupils and their teachers were told to leave the school.

Residents said the school will be closed until the education department gives them a date for the start of construction.

Velani Township ANCYL secretary Sphamandla Khumbuza said they have been writing letters to the department since 2004 and nothing had been done.

Also read: No hope for Tinley Manor Primary

“We are left with no option but to close the school. You can’t have about 120 pupils in one class. How do you expect the children to learn in that situation?” asked Khumbuza.

When the Courier reported about the problem in March last year, teachers said they were unable to give individual attention to children because of the massive overcrowding of classrooms.

In 2014 parents and pupils used mobile toilets to block the road to the school in protest over the condition of pre-fab classrooms supplied by the education department.

Apparently a building plan was shown to the school and construction was promised to start last year. That has not happened, without explanation.

The education department has not responded to a request for comment.

>>  Ready to say ‘I Do’ on the Dolphin Coast? Meet the team ready to advise, help and deliver on your big day.

>>  Visit our Education feature for a collection of all the best schools, tutoring systems, and even some colleges and training facilities on the North Coast.

Do you want to receive news alerts via WhatsApp? Send us a WhatsApp message (not an sms) with your name and surname to 061 718 4438.

Please read our WhatsApp broadcast list disclaimer.
Join the conversation on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram