GDE fails to show up at meeting
On Tuesday evening, December 9, a meeting concerning the new school proposed for Glenvista, was held at St Paul’s Church in Mulbarton.
GLENVISTA – The meeting was by invite only and at the last hour members of the GDE pulled out, phoning to say it was inappropriate for them to attend.
Deon Pillay, chair of local Community Forums, welcomed Khume Ramulifho, MPL, DA, as well as Ward 23 councillor, Paul Smit, and members of community forums in the area to the meeting.
Ramulifho said, “I would have loved to have had members of the GDE here to answer important questions concerning this proposed school. As far as I know no public participation was held and there doesn’t seem to be any plans in place for this new school. I’ve been in contact with the MEC and I was told the school will be opening, no matter what.”
According to the MEC for Education, Panyaza Lesufi, the school will be built with new technology methods. This is a major concern for local community members.
Ramulifho added, “The MEC has accused the community of being racist and to be quiet. I say, if you are unhappy about this proposed school, don’t keep quiet, keep asking questions.” Seemingly 32 new schools are to be put up in Gauteng for the new school year in January. Councillor Smit said, “There is no budget for these new schools but now we hear there is. Where has the budget suddenly come from? I have made no racist remarks but I’ve been told I am racist by the MEC.
According to Clr Smit there are no plans for the school, or not any to be seen.
“Isn’t it illegal to build a school without plans,” asked one of the CPF members, “never mind that the building could be faulty”.
It was also brought up traffic could be a real issue. “Has a traffic impact been undertaken? Additional traffic will cause huge backlogs on Comaro Street and Bellairs Avenue, feeder roads to Laubscher Street, where the proposed school will be put.”
Another question raised was, “We’ve been told the new school will be serving the community. Who is going to fill this school? Who will the teachers be? Parents have already got places for their children for January.”
“We need to find out who the builder will be. Reputable building companies will be closing any day now for December,” said a concerned resident and CPF member.
Mike Fontes (Glenvista CPF) said, “We’ve never opposed this school. We just want to know the true facts and why haven’t the public been informed earlier about this. The public has not been given the chance to have their say. One of the main concerns is will the school become a permanent fixture. There are also issues around town planning and whether a plan even exists for this proposed school. I intend asking the MEC if he intends to build the school without any plans. We also need to know what standards of material will be used. If the proposed school has 30 classrooms of between 30 to 40 learners, this will mean between 900 and above learners in the school. We know the area needs another school but we want a proper school. This is a weighty, significant issue. We need a decent school for our children.”
A steering committee has been formed and they will list all the questions which will be submitted to the MEC.
Another resident said, “It’s a great disappointment that the GDE are not here this evening. It demonstrates to me the calibre of the people we are dealing with. You would have thought they would have made a concerted effort to attend. This must be minuted and we need answers and clarity to go forward.”
