DA committed to rescuing learners from education struggles
5 March 2024
A video by Baxolile Nodada MP and Solly Msimanga MPL.
A video of a learner talking about sanitation facilities.
A Soundbite by Baxolile Nodada MP.
Every child in Gauteng, and across South Africa, deserves a quality education. That is why, as outlined in the party's manifesto, the DA is committed to rescuing learners from a failing education system.
Today, together with my colleagues Solly Msimanga MPL and Sergio Do Santos MPL, I visited the Modilati Secondary School and Sekampaneng Primary School in Hammanskraal. The initiative is part of the DA's commitment, as outlined in the party's manifesto, to rescue learners from a failing education system.
The primary purpose of these visits was to assess the conditions of schools, identify challenges, and present solutions to ensure that every child receives a quality education. The DA has a deep concern and care for students, teachers, and the overall state of the education system.
The team identified serious infrastructure challenges during the visits.
At Modilati Secondary School, the team identified serious infrastructure challenges, such as the generally poor state of the school, including classrooms with missing or collapsing ceilings.
Our oversight revealed alarming issues related to the state of sanitation facilities, specifically the use of 16 mobile toilets for girl learners and 8 mobile toilets for boy learners, all in poor condition and emitting unpleasant odors. There are approximately 1300 learners in the school.
The shocking state of mobile classrooms, in use for about 10 years according to the school, with broken windows and holes in the floor, further compromises the learning environment. These classrooms are severely overcrowded with approximately 50 learners per class. Additionally, the cleanliness of the school is subpar, affecting both classrooms and sanitation facilities, with learners expressing concerns about the dirty conditions.
There is also a computer lab, built at a cost of millions by the Gauteng Education Department, that five years down the line still does not work. The staff have converted the school library into a staff room.
See pictures here, here, here, here, here and here.
The DA recognises the pivotal role that a conducive learning environment plays in shaping the future of our children. It is disheartening to witness the challenges faced by these schools, and we are committed to working tirelessly to address these issues and uplift the standard of education in Gauteng.
The conditions observed underscore the urgency of our manifesto commitment to rescue learners from the shackles of a failing education system. Every child deserves access to quality education, and we will spare no effort in ensuring that their learning environments are safe, conducive, and equipped to nurture their potential.
The DA will be working closely with relevant stakeholders, including the school communities, to develop and implement effective solutions to the identified challenges. We believe that by working together, we can overcome these obstacles and provide our children with the education they deserve.
Issued by Bax Nodada, DA Shadow Minister of Basic Education, 5 March 2024
