No space to deal with overcrowding in Sosh schools, says dept
Thorntee had 77 learners in one classroom.
The Department of Education has indicated that it does not have the space to deal with the overcrowding at particular Soshanguve schools.
During an oversight visit conducted by DA Gauteng shadow MEC for education, Khume Ramulifho, as many as 70 learners were reported to be crammed into a single classroom among other issues.
Other issues included the use of old and dilapidated mobile classrooms, non-functioning toilets which force boys to use a nearby open field, and a general lack of teaching resources and supplies.
The oversight team visited Thorntree primary school, MJ Mgidi secondary school and Botse Botse secondary school in Soshanguve.
The shadow MEC said that the provincial education department needed to provide more mobile classrooms to tackle the overcrowding.
It should also seek a permanent solution to the unhygienic and non-functioning ablution facilities at both Thorntree and Botse Botse.
Thorntee had 77 learners in one classroom, though the department says there is no space on the premises to erect further mobile classrooms.
“It must be noted that the schoolyard does not have sufficient space and as such, we cannot accommodate additional mobiles, however, the department has three sites in the area,” said Gauteng education spokesperson, Steve Mabona.
“Accordingly, we have allocated one site for the construction of a secondary school and two for primary schools which would alleviate the current pressure in that area,” Mabona continued.
The department says that measures have been put in place to ensure that no child is left behind and all children have access to education whilst improvements are made.
“We are avoiding a situation where our children will be at home while other learners are being taught, hence we opted to slightly over-subscribe some schools in all our high-pressure areas,” Mabona concluded.
ALSO READ: As many as 77 learners crammed into Sosh classroom
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