Vandalism at Kliptown Primary sparks concerns
A local couple has been accused of stealing from Kliptown Primary School, but they claim they were trying to raise funds for the school.
The Eldorado Park Steering Committee (EPASCO) has voiced concerns about the vandalism of Kliptown Primary School (KSP) after receiving reports about the alleged ‘looting’ and damage to the school property.
The EPASCO deputy secretary Miles Golden Bhudu, named as the persons of interest in the alleged theft local couple, Gerard Adams and Sue-Ellen Williams.
The school was supposed to be demolished and rebuilt as part of replacing the old asbestos roof, which is a health risk for learners and teachers.
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According to Bhudu, EPASCO has sent text messages, voice notes, pictures and video clips to the Gauteng Department of Education (GDE).
“We sent a communication to the spokesperson Steve Mabona and MEC Matome Chiloane and the school management team among other officials within the City of Johannesburg (CoJ) including the mayor, but received no feedback,” said Bhudu.
“This is the evidence of fibre glass removed when the classroom infrastructure panels were stripped. The fibreglass gets dumped on an open piece of field, behind the KSP and it is a health risk.”
Fibreglass can pose several health risks to individuals exposed to it, particularly when airborne particles are inhaled. The health risks include respiratory problems, skin irritation, cancer risk, lung disease and allergic reactions.
The couple distanced themselves from the alleged theft, citing the school asked them to sell steel material.
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Adams received permission from the principal, deputy principal and GDE to sell the material to raise funds because the school does not have an assembly point.
He further noted the school lacks an area for children awaiting transportation and a carport, because of current budget constraints.
“We only sold steel from window frames, door frames, and old cupboards that we will not use anymore. We provided the school with receipts,” explained Adams.
“We are working during the day. We are not stealing. The public is welcome to witness what we are doing during the day.
“We were trying to salvage what was left to raise funds because the steel was stolen at the school at night.”
He dismissed claims of dumping fibreglass at an open field near the school. He said it was polystyrene, used to protect new furniture during deliveries.
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“Bhudu wants to take R20 000 from every contractor. We told him he will not do it,” he continued.
“You are taking money from people employed by the government to work here. Now you want the R20 000 for what? What did you do? Now, he is angry at us because we said we will not do it.”
Adams said they would open a case and apply for a protection order against Bhudu.
Bhudu said he would meet the couple at court.
SGB chairperson Everyll Morris confirmed the school was aware of the activities.
Soweto Urban contacted the GDE, and we did not receive a response before we went to print.
