In the hustle and bustle of opening day of the school calendar year, MMC for Health Tshegofatso Mashabela visited several schools in the metro to ensure the institutions were well-equipped to care for young children.

Some of the schools on her list were Capital Park Primary School, Phuthaditshaba Primary School, and Laerskool Villieria.

The visits formed part of the metro’s back-to-school campaign.

Though unplaced learners have been a factor provincially, at Capital Park Primary, the school confirmed that it does not have learner placement challenges and has, in fact, exceeded its expected learner enrolment for the academic year.
Mashabela said the principal highlight critical areas where the city’s intervention is required during a walkabout.

The critical areas are related to infrastructure and the drainage system that continuously impacts the school.

“These ongoing drainage challenges pose a risk to the school environment and disrupt teaching and learning, underscoring the need for urgent remedial action and support from the city,” Mashabela said.

At Laerskool Villieria, the school’s principal confirmed that the school is currently not experiencing any challenges.

A walkthrough of the school was also conducted, showcasing the facilities and highlighting that the school is equipped with a purified water system, ensuring access to safe drinking water for learners and staff.

At Phuthaditshaba Primary School, the MMC held discussions with the principal and educators, focusing on key challenges that require intervention, including ageing infrastructure, which is said to be affecting the overall learning environment.

In addition, the school raised challenges related to the billing process and requested the metro’s intervention to assist in resolving these issues.

The school further emphasised the need for stronger collaboration with the metro to ensure sustained support and improved service delivery for the benefit of learners and staff.

While addressing learners at Phuthaditshaba, Mashabela encouraged them to prioritise their learning and to use the help that is offered.

“We need to see you as the doctors and pilots who were nurtured by this school. Please respect your teachers. If you’re not happy at home or if you have a situation at home, you make your teachers your best friends.

“Don’t be scared to go to them and report anything that affects your well-being. If someone is bullying you at school or at home, you must reach out to your teachers,” she said.

“These are your immediate parents away from home. They see you more than us as parents, and have a responsibility to help make you a better person for tomorrow. So don’t disrespect them, listen to them, when they give you homework, do it because they are preparing you for a better future,” Mashabela said.

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