State-of-the-art Hammanskraal school stands empty amid safety compliance dispute
According to officials, several inspection reports, engineering certificates and fire approvals are still required before an occupation certificate can be granted. The metro says responsibility rests with the Gauteng Department of Education to submit all outstanding documentation.
A newly built, state-of-the-art primary school meant to accommodate more than 1 100 learners in Hammanskraal remains empty, despite the Gauteng Department of Education (GDE) preparing to launch it as part of its drive to expand access to quality, future-ready education.
While the Freedom Front Plus (FF+) has demanded the urgent issuance of an occupation certificate, the Tshwane metro insists that national safety laws prevent the school from opening until all legal and compliance requirements are met.
Ratanang Primary School, located in Kanana, Hammanskraal, is a newly completed, modern facility designed to expand access to quality education for township learners from grades R to 7.
The school boasts 28 classrooms, with digitised teaching and learning environments including computer labs, sports facilities with learner-friendly combi-courts, a multifunctional hall equipped with stage lighting and a public address system, a nutrition centre, and an integrated tuckshop.
Supporting infrastructure includes a backup generator, a water pump for shortages and fire readiness, CCTV cameras, intercom systems, and alarms to ensure safety and security.
The school also features a dedicated Early Childhood Development (ECD) Centre with five Grade R classrooms, each with its own toilet facilities and specially designed outdoor play areas aligned with ECD and Education standards.
According to the GDE, Ratanang Primary School represents the provincial government’s vision of delivering inclusive, future-ready education supported by strong infrastructure and modern teaching resources.
The department has expressed pride in bringing the school to Hammanskraal and has called on the community to protect and value the institution for generations to come.
Despite the school being completed, learners have not been able to attend classes.
The FF Plus has raised serious concerns, insisting that the Tshwane Metro Council’s Department of Economic Development and Spatial Planning urgently issue occupation certificates for schools in the metro.
FF Plus councillor Peter Meijer said the school could not accommodate its learners because the required occupation certificate had not been issued.
He stated that about 1 200 learners are affected.
Meijer described the situation as unacceptable and indicative of a serious lack of co-operation between different spheres of government.
He emphasised that learners’ right to safe and suitable educational facilities should not be delayed due to bureaucratic red tape.
The FF Plus further warned that the problem may extend beyond Ratanang Primary School, suggesting a possible wider trend across the metro.
The party has vowed to continue exerting pressure on the Tshwane metro to ensure occupation certificates are issued timeously.
The metro has defended its position, citing strict compliance with national safety legislation.
According to Sarah Mabotsa, MMC of Economic Development and Spatial Planning, the metro takes its responsibility for health and safety, especially that of children, extremely seriously.
She explained that all completed buildings must comply with the National Building Regulations and the Building Standards Act before they can be occupied.
Mabotsa highlighted several recent tragedies to underscore the importance of compliance, including building collapses in Johannesburg, KwaZulu-Natal, and George in the Western Cape, which resulted in multiple fatalities.
She said these incidents demonstrate the potentially deadly consequences of unapproved or non-compliant construction.
With regard to Ratanang Primary School, Mabotsa confirmed that building plans and site development plans for the property on Erf 4361 in Hammanskraal West were submitted on November 15, 2018.
“Metro officials evaluated the draft plans and requested corrections, additional documentation, and comments from other stakeholders such as fire safety and health departments.
“The applicant was required to submit registered title deeds, a power of attorney, and apply for zoning amendments or relaxations due to the proposed building encroaching into the street building line,” she said.
Kanana resident Tapile Mankweng said the department must resolve the issue before it’s too late.
“We stay here in Kanana but my children are forced to attend schools in Temba. On the online system, they said children must be placed [at nearby schools] but my children must attend school in Temba.
“These children carry heavy school bags with many textbooks inside and you can just imagine that they arrive home tired and have to still complete homework after that. It’s unfair,” said Mankweng.
Despite engagements between municipal officials and the project architect to resolve outstanding issues, Mabotsa said the school was constructed without the necessary approvals being granted.
She stressed that an occupation certificate can only be issued once building plans and site development plans are approved and once mandatory inspections, namely drainage, foundation, and final inspections, have been completed and certified.
According to the metro, several critical documents and inspections are still outstanding.
These include inspection reports, compliance certificates from departments such as health, fire and environmental management, a Form 4 certificate, an electrical certificate of compliance, engineers’ certificates, and a fire certificate.
Mabotsa said the metro’s Building Control Division remains in constant communication with the applicant, which is the GDE.
The MMC stated that there is no backlog of occupation certificates for schools in the metro and that the responsibility lies with the applicant to submit all required documentation.
She added that there are no immediate measures that can be implemented to allow learners to attend classes while legal processes are ongoing, as the city must comply with national legislation.
Do you have more information about the story?
Please send us an email to bennittb@rekord.co.za or phone us on 083 625 4114.
For free breaking and community news, visit Rekord’s websites: Rekord East
For more news and interesting articles, like Rekord on Facebook, follow us on Twitter or Instagram or TikTok or WhatsApp Channel
