Lawless school setup infuriates Theresapark residents

A storm is brewing in Theresapark, where furious residents and the local councillor have slammed the Gauteng Department of Education (GDE) for erecting a mobile school without proper consultation, zoning approval or essential infrastructure.

Known by community members as the Dolfyn Street School, but officially named Theresapark School, it was established in 2023 on a property at 63 Dolfyn Street.

The school used to have an entrance on this quiet street, but has since changed its entrance to Willem Cruywagen Street. This causes major traffic congestion, safety hazards, and rising tensions among the community.

“It is absolute chaos every morning,” said a resident who wished to remain anonymous. “Minibus taxis block our driveways, blare loud music, and some even drive onto our lawns. No one asked us if we agreed to this. We were never consulted.”

The school, which now accommodates over 940 learners, was introduced as part of the mobile classroom programme aimed at relieving overcrowding in the province.

However, DA councillor Mickey van der Westhuizen argues that the school’s implementation has not only sidestepped municipal procedures, but has also endangered learners and residents alike.

Van der Westhuizen and member of the Provincial Legislature, Bronwynn Engelbrecht, confirmed after a recent oversight visit that the school was opened without running water, electricity or sewerage infrastructure.

While solar panels and a generator were added later, sanitation and fresh water access remain nonexistent, according to the school’s management.

“Department of Education, you should be ashamed!” said an outraged Engelbrecht. “How can you call this a school when children do not even have access to clean water or proper toilets?”

Van der Westhuizen echoed her sentiments: “This is not just a case of poor planning. This is a blatant violation of municipal by-laws and a complete disregard for residents’ rights.”

He also confirmed that the property is not zoned for educational use, no building plans were submitted or approved, no public participation was undertaken, and infrastructure for water, sewage, and drainage is incomplete or non-compliant.

Van der Westhuizen and Engelbrecht expressed concern that the project appears to be a top-down decision with no regard for community safety, due process or learner welfare.

They questioned whether the facility was built for local children or learners from other areas.

“We support the building of schools, but not lawless, arrogant planning that ignores communities, safety, and regulations,” said Van der Westhuizen.

Residents are also reporting property damage, excessive noise, and escalating safety concerns, particularly during morning drop-off times.

The GDE confirmed that metro police officers are always available in the morning and afternoon to control the traffic. The school has communicated with the metro police to manage traffic flow during peak hours accordingly.

Departmental spokesperson Steve Mabona said it must be noted that there was a petition signed by the community complaining about the previous entrance.

Consequently, the school governing body immediately responded by using the entrance on the western side to ease the traffic.

“It is also important to note that the drop-off is inside the school premises under the supervision of the principal and educators. Furthermore, no accidents have been reported since the opening of the new gate. The department is in constant communication with the councillor for necessary intervention,” said Mabona.

The councillor however confirmed that neither he nor the community had been consulted on this new arrangement.

The department has not yet responded to Rekord’s specific questions about the water, power and sanitation issues at Theresapark School.

In a statement released recently, Mabona said R2.8-billion had been allocated in the 2025/26 financial year toward addressing school overcrowding, including R1.48-billion for new and replacement schools and R615-million for upgrades and mobile classrooms.

He added that the department’s mobile classroom strategy is designed to provide ‘immediate relief’ in high-pressure areas and that the units are directly procured for cost-effectiveness.

Mabona also outlined plans for a Public-Private Partnership (PPP) model to accelerate infrastructure rollout, suggesting that long-term sustainability and accountability remain key priorities.

Yet for the residents of Theresapark and the 940 learners, these statistics on the budget offer little comfort.

Councillors have vowed to escalate the matter through school and educational channels, demanding that the department engage with them and address infrastructure violations.

A follow-up meeting will be held with the school’s management and the councillors in August.

– Click here to see a video of the oversight visit: https://www.facebook.com/Bronwynn2912/videos/2720445938144840

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