EFF calls for intervention at Orange Farm School

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The Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) in Gauteng has demanded immediate investigations into all infrastructural work commissioned since the school’s inception.

The party has urgently called on the department of basic education to intervene immediately at Duzenendlela Learners with Special Education Needs School in Orange Farm, south of Johannesburg.

According to provincial chairperson, Nkululeko Dunga, this appeal follows a recent oversight visit by delegates from the National Council of Provinces (NCOP) and Members of the Gauteng Provincial Legislature, revealing alarming conditions at the school that demand immediate action.

“During the visit, EFF representatives observed severe overcrowding and dilapidation of the facility, which is situated on privately owned land. The school lacks access to clean water and relies on a donated generator for electricity,” he cited.

Dunga stated that there are no proper sewage systems, and a burst sewer tank which poses further health risks.

We need to put an end to the tender system. Comrades have eaten, it’s enough. This is Duzenendlela School for children with special needs. EFF has been raising issues of this school & convinced NCOP to visit. All incomplete tenders issued in Basic Education must be investigated. pic.twitter.com/ImXwOSerbb

— Fighter 🇵🇸 (@NalediChirwa) September 18, 2024

He added; “In adverse weather conditions, the absence of paved paths forces students who use wheelchairs to miss school due to muddy conditions.

“The lack of accessible walking paths renders the school unfriendly to students with disabilities, creating hazardous conditions that compromise their safety and well-being, and therefore their right to access to education.

EFF implore minister Gwarube to address the deplorable situation

“The EFF in Gauteng insists that the minister of basic education, Siviwe Gwarube, must visit the facility to address the deplorable situation faced by these vulnerable children.”

Dunga highlighted that Gauteng education MEC, Matome Chiloane, and his department have failed to resolve these critical issues and continue to display total disregard of the interests of children with special needs.

“The government must not enable the denial of quality education and a safe environment for children with special needs. The basic education department should ensure the school’s longevity by either expropriating the land on which the school is built or relocating it to state owned land.

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“Furthermore, the EFF demands immediate investigations into all infrastructural work commissioned since the school’s inception, holding accountable those who have exploited these vulnerable children.

“The tendency of merely terminating contracts with non-compliant contractors is insufficient, funds lost must be recovered, and criminal investigations should follow breaches of contract.

“Without attaching financial and criminal liability for those who continue awarding contracts to incompetent contracts, corruption and maladministration will continue being the order of the day in Gauteng,” he remarked.