Local news

Groutville school forced to hold classes in open field due to overcrowding

Dr. Ricardo Mthembu High School struggles with growing student numbers, leaving Grade 8 pupils exposed to extreme weather conditions while awaiting additional classrooms.

A huge growth in school numbers is forcing Grade 8 pupils at a Groutville school to take lessons in an open field.

The Dr. Ricardo Mthembu High School, an overflow school for grades 8 to 11 formed in 2023 because both Groutville High School and Nonhlevu High School were at capacity, is now also overflowing.

Groutville ward councillor and deputy mayor, Njabulo Cele, acknowledged that school overcrowding has long been a problem. Cele said that he is aware that pupils at the school are currently being taught outside in the open.

“The school principal reached out to me for assistance, explaining that the available mobile classrooms were not enough to meet the needs of the students. I engaged with the department of education, which has promised to supply six additional mobile classrooms,” said Cele.

KwaDukuza Business Forum NPO member Philani Pityo recently visited the school during their back-to-school programme to evaluate the quality of teaching and learning.

“Children are in danger in this scorching heat. Four Grade 8 classes are being held outside. As the sun moves, the pupils have to shift under different trees for shade. What happens if it rains? That means no school,” said Pityo.

The Dolphin Coast Residents and Ratepayers Association (DOCRRA) donated desks to the school in 2023, but Pityo noted that these efforts were ineffective without proper classrooms.

“The school also uses pit toilets,” he said. He called on the public to help in any way they can to improve the learning conditions for the pupils.

The education department had not responded at the time of publication.


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Kabelo Pheeloane

Kabelo Pheeloane is a seasoned digital professional with over ten years of experience in social media management, content creation, and paid media across various industries. Currently serving as the Digital Coordinator at The North Coast Courier.
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