Thugs break into Merebank school, steal 16 CCTV cameras

THEFT of electricity cables at the Ganges Secondary School has had a negative impact on teaching and learning at the school.

This is according to the chairperson of the school governing body, Karen Gordon.

The school is grappling with a significant challenge as rampant cable theft, vandalism and criminal activities continue to rear their ugly heads.

Also read: Wentworth SAPS arrests man for drug possession

In a recent incident, unknown suspects, believed to be pharas (drug addicts), broke into the school premises and removed 16 CCTV cameras worth more than R70 000. The cameras were installed to enhance safety and security at the school.

School principal Deenadayalan Reddy said that cases of vandalism of essential infrastructure have spiked in the past five months.

Reddy showed the vandalised DB boards and electricity cables that were stripped with wires hanging, resulting in power outages at the school.

“Teaching and learning has been greatly affected because half of the school, which includes all the laboratories, has been affected. There is no power in the laboratories, therefore, no experimentation can take place, no teaching can take place in the kitchens where subjects require science laboratories, and all are affected by power outages. In the humanities room, teachers cannot use data projectors. Everything has gone back to chalk and talk. Technology cannot be used due to power outages.”

“Thugs steal electricity cables and break into the electrical distribution boxes. The cameras installed at the school are not functioning due to vandalism,” said Reddy.

He said the recent attack on the school infrastructure has prompted parents to take it upon themselves to raise funds to repair the damaged infrastructure.

Also read: Merebank teen killed in horrific hit and run

“Everything is funded by the school and sponsors. We are a low-fee paying school because we want to accommodate those children coming from disadvantaged communities. Despite numerous challenges facing the management at the school, we secured a 90.3% pass rate in the 2023 matric examination. We were the best-performing school in the circuit,” said Reddy.

Gordon said the safety of the teachers and learners has been compromised.

“We have reached out to nearby communities asking for help in restoring safety and security at the school. Residents have now taken it upon themselves to safeguard and maintain the school. Former learners from the school have also come on board to assist us in creating a conducive environment for the children and teachers,” said Gordon.

For more Southlands Sun news, follow us on Facebook or Twitter. You can also follow us on Instagram.