UPDATE: Renewed promises placate overcrowded Etete schools

The two overcrowded Etete primary schools that were closed by angry parents have now been re-opened after promises by the department of education that the schools will be repaired and expanded.

Tinley Manor Primary School was closed for two weeks as parents lost patience with the slow progress in the school’s promised extension project, while Radha Roopsingh Primary was closed for three days because classrooms are in bad repair.

Many pupils at Radha have had to attend classes outside under the trees.

A parent said his son, who is in grade four, has not been placed in a classroom and when it rained, teachers have to divide the children and put them in different classrooms.

Also read: Etete residents not backing down after closing overcrowded school

Radha teachers confirmed that grade four pupils were studying under the trees.

“The department was notified last year October and promised to bring mobile classrooms at the end of January. However, that has not happened,” said a teacher.

Meanwhile, the education department had finally replied to the memorandum regarding Tinley Manor Primary School.

The department promised to advertise the tender in April and work is scheduled to start in August. To address overcrowding, the department will be delivering four mobile classrooms by March 20.

Also read: Second school closed in Etete by angry residents

Velani Township ANCYL secretary Siphamandla Khumbuza said they felt children were falling behind in their school work, so they thought it better to give the education department another chance.

“The department has committed itself in writing and guided by the project steering committee which will meet every month, we will be able to monitor progress,” said Khumbuza.

Education department spokesperson Kwazi Mthethwa urged residents to please to be patient and said they were working around the clock to resolve the issues.

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