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[FILE] A picture of a damaged school.
Parents of learners at Matloding Primary School outside Mahikeng are demanding answers after a classroom ceiling collapsed during a lesson, with learners inside.
The North West Department of Education had previously committed to repairing the school, which caters to both primary and secondary learners.
The department has yet to relocate secondary school learners to a renovated old school, a move that would allow primary learners to use the mobile classrooms currently occupied by the seniors. This delay has stalled renovations at the primary school.
Parents have accused the provincial education department of neglecting the safety and well-being of learners.
One parent says, “This just exposed how irresponsible the Department of Education is. They should have rushed here after this incident to see what happened, but they are still not here.”
Another parent highlights the school’s poor conditions, stating, “Our school has no dignity. We don’t know if it’s because we are struggling. Children just help themselves anywhere because there are no toilets. Imagine how senior girl learners change their pads when they are on their periods.”
The incident has raised concerns about the department’s commitment to addressing infrastructure challenges and ensuring a safe learning environment.
