Learning has come to a halt at Thembeni Primary School in Groutville where parents are keeping their children away in protest of poor learning conditions.

About 1 825 pupils are crammed into the school, which was built in 1902, where walls are deteriorating and roofs are caving in. For the second week running, parents are keeping their children at home and demanding that the Department of Education intervene.

According to school governing body chairperson Thobani Mbambo, parents and the school management have long been advocating for better learning facilities. However, their calls have been met with repeated delays.

“The KZN Department of Education confirmed that Thembeni Primary is second on the list of schools in need of rebuilding, but they claim there are no funds available to begin the process,” said Mbambo.

Mbambo said a local traditional leader gave land for a new school site in 2023, but since then there has been no progress toward building a new school. Frustrated by the lack of action, parents have decided to keep their children at home until the department provides a clear way forward.

“We held another meeting on Sunday with parents and we hope to engage with the Department of Education soon to establish a clear plan and timeline for the school’s rebuilding,” added Mbambo.

The crisis at Thembeni Primary further highlights a broader issue of inadequate educational infrastructure in the iLembe District. The Courier recently reported that Grade 8 pupils at Dr Ricardo Mthembu High School in Groutville were forced to take lessons in an open field due to classroom shortages.

The department of education has not replied to queries.

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