The provincial education department is in financial crisis and has announced that no new school infrastructure will be developed for at least the next five years.

This sobering revelation came from the department’s education manager, Simon Siyabonga Lushozi, during a candid speech at Seatides Combined School on Wednesday, April 9.

Lushozi was speaking at the unveiling of refurbishment efforts at the school, which was devastated by a tornado last year. The reconstruction has been led almost entirely by the private sector and non-profit organisations, without any financial contribution from the government.

“The department of education is in desperate times financially. A lot of our infrastructure commitments have been deferred,” he said.

“A decision has been made that no new infrastructure projects will be carried out, only to complete projects that have been started.”

“For the next five years, we are unlikely to do anything because of the financial constraints we are experiencing. In these desperate times, we rely on the private sector to come on board for the sustenance of a healthy educational environment because we are failing on our own.”

The school rebuild was coordinated by the non-profit Gift of the Givers, in conjunction with large donations from businesses and the public. Lushozi thanked the private sector for their support and asked them to continue their funding of the Westbrook school and other government schools going forward.

“I remember when the disaster struck. We had a meeting (at Seatides), with the department head in attendance and subsequent meetings, which had a lot of planning. There was a lot of big talk from ourselves. Unfortunately, we’ve done very little, if anything,” he added.

“Timelines were set but we were unable to come to the party the way we should have. At least we were able to show face today because of the coordinated effort of the business sector. I represent the department that has failed to do what it is supposed to do. I wish to extend my gratitude and to implore you to do more than you have already done. Thank you!”

Retired headmaster of the school, Kola Govender, criticised the department for its inaction.

“To date, we received no funding from the Department of Education. Nothing much came from the Department of Education because the budget is always a problem,” he said.

Govender said it wasn’t only the government that promised to help before backtracking.

“The initial offers we received from many companies were overwhelming, but only some have stood the test. They have shown commitment and boldness to make a difference in the world,” he said.

“It would shock you to know their names, and the excuses they came up with, to not commit to our reconstruction. Then there were some individuals who came personally to see me at school and offer assistance towards the rebuilding. They walked the talk!”

About 900 pupils have been schooled in temporary prefabricated units since the tornado. The new school blocks are about 70% complete but the school hall and foundation block, which houses grade R to 2, are still in need of sponsorships to be finished.

If you would like to contribute directly, you can reach the school at seatidescomb@mweb.co.za or Govender at 061 429 5315.

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