Overcrowded schools in Cosmo City sparks urgent calls for action
Thousands of learners in Cosmo City are struggling in overcrowded classrooms, with some forced to learn outdoors due to a critical shortage of space and resources.
Learners at Cosmo City Junior Primary School are facing extreme overcrowding, with some classes holding nearly 100 children. The school currently has 2 793 learners enrolled, almost three times its intended capacity of 1 024, leading to a strained learning environment that makes it difficult for both learners and teachers to function effectively.
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A recent oversight inspection by the Democratic Alliance (DA) in the Cosmo City area revealed shocking conditions at the school. One Grade 1 class has 92 learners, while a Grade 2 class has 87. The average teacher-to-learner ratio at the school stands at an alarming 1:73, far exceeding the recommended standard.
The dire situation is worsened by a critical shortage of furniture. Some learners do not have desks, while others share desks meant for two among three learners. Due to limited classroom space, many learners are forced to take lessons outside, sitting under trees.
Sanitation is another major concern, with only 24 toilets available for the nearly 3 000 learners. Many of these toilets are reportedly in poor condition, raising serious hygiene risks. Additionally, the school does not have a permanent principal, leaving an acting principal to manage the overwhelming challenges without sufficient support.
The Gauteng Department of Education (GDE) previously pledged to establish 4 000 satellite schools to ease overcrowding.
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The DA has committed to submitting questions to Gauteng Education MEC Matome Chiloane, to demand answers on the province’s school infrastructure plans. They are calling for immediate intervention, including the provision of mobile classrooms, additional educators, and urgent improvements to school facilities.
Advocacy group #HOPE4SA has also condemned the GDE’s handling of the crisis, stating that overcrowding is affecting learners’ psychological well-being and academic performance. The group has called for urgent reforms to the province’s online school registration system, which has left many learners without placements despite parents registering on time.
Both the DA and #HOPE4SA stress that temporary measures, such as mobile classrooms, must be backed by long-term infrastructure development to prevent continued overcrowding.
“The failure to provide adequate schools and resources is a violation of children’s right to quality education,” Dianne Kruger, the secretary general of #HOPE4SA, said.
As the situation unfolds, parents, teachers, and advocacy groups are hoping for swift action to ensure learners in Cosmo City receive the education they deserve in a safe and conducive environment.
The Randburg Sun reached out to the GDE for comment, but none was received by time of print.
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