Local school faces dilemma

Three years later, and the badly damaged Heuwelland Primary School in Empangeni structure has not been repaired

March 30, 2026

Muzi Zincume 2 minutes read

Heuwelland Primary suffered major damage in April 2023, which is yet to be repaired by the DoE

Three years after Heuwelland Primary School suffered major damage in a heavy storm, the Department of Education (DoE) is yet to carry out repairs.

As a temporary measure immediately after the April 2023 storm, the department supplied 22 temporary classrooms and 18 pit toilets, which were all placed on the school’s rugby field.

While the school managed to obtain a further six temporary classrooms, the Grade R classes are still in the main building, roofed with asbestos; a major concern for parents.

“Pit toilets were erected on the rugby field, causing a huge safety and health risk. The school spent a huge amount of money to build flushing toilets for the learners.

“I have discovered that teaching in these temporary classrooms is unbearable, especially during summer, as the temperature in the classrooms is 10 degrees higher than outside; a health and safety risk to learners and teachers. Each classroom accommodates an average of 40 pupils per class,” said a source.

The source further explained that before the storm, the DoE and the Development Bank of SA approved the rebuilding of the school because of its asbestos classrooms.

“To date, nothing has happened, even though the school is now on the rugby field.

“The school has 1 170 learners in prefab classrooms and using pit toilets, with no communication, and no indication of when it will be rebuilt. We only know the tender went out in August 2023 after building plans were drawn and approved.

“The tender was awarded at the end of 2023, but in early 2024 the process was stopped and re-tendered. The school had insight only into the plans, with no further knowledge regarding the tender process, and so has no further knowledge of progress,” she said.

School report

According to a report compiled by school governing body (SGB) chair Nhlakanipho Tembe and seen by the ZO, adding to these challenges, the Department of Labour served the school with a notice to resolve the heat problem in the classrooms.

This report was submitted to the DoE, but the school is yet to receive feedback.

Three years later and the badly damaged school structure has not been repaired

“Through fundraisers and budget allocations, the school managed to install 28 air cons and upgrade the existing electrical cable supplying the school,” reads the report.

“Classrooms being situated on the rugby field has a negative impact on the extra mural programmes. We are trying to accommodate all extra murals in half the space. The school hall is out of bounds as it has been converted into admin offices. No assemblies, functions or cultural activities can be hosted in the hall.

Since 2023, the school has achieved outstanding results both academically and in the extra mural portfolio. Each day is more challenging, and more budget allocations must be made to upkeep the temporary structures.

“The school faces daily health and safety challenges; operating close to asbestos, with 40 learners cramped into substandard temporary classrooms; toilets over capacity; extreme heat, and the list goes on,” reads the report.

Attempts to obtain comment from Department of Education spokesperson Muzi Mahlambi were unsuccessful at the time of going to print.

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