Infrastructure Crisis Hits Emfuleni Schools Hard

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An oversight inspection by the Democratic Alliance (DA) of schools in Emfuleni has revealed systemic neglect, failing infrastructure, and worsening safety conditions that put learners and educators in danger.

According to Sergio Isa Dos Santos, DA Gauteng Shadow MEC for Education, these are serious failures that deny every learner’s right to a safe and conducive learning environment.

“At Maxeke Secondary School, daily power outages caused by a shared community transformer, water shortages by midday, repeated burglaries and the complete absence of security have created an unsafe environment,” he said.

He claimed that criminal elements loiter outside the school, whilst burglaries are a constant threat, as there are no security guards at the school.

He added; “Teaching and learning are further compromised by a shortage of 800 desks and chairs, poorly equipped science labs, daily electricity outages and inadequate ablution facilities for over 1 600 learners.”

Dos Santos highlighted that learners at Lindisa Primary School, are taught in classrooms with falling ceilings and incomplete infrastructure, dating back to 2017.

“There have been promises of generators and upgrades, which have not materialised to date, despite job cards allegedly being issued. The withdrawal of private security and its replacement with patrollers has coincided with increased crime, bullying and substance abuse.

Lack of infrastructure

“The school continues to struggle with water pressure and experiences daily outages. Furthermore, Motsewapele Primary School has been without electricity for three years and has seen declining enrolment.

“The school has experienced theft of essential equipment and unexpected costs exceeding R60 000 for water, further straining its ability to operate effectively,” he expressed.

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Dos Santos stated that the Gauteng Department of Education (GDE) transferred Section 21(1)(d) functions to the school, which is now responsible for paying utility bills when the school is a no-fee quintile school, and the allocations do not cover the school’s monthly bill.

He continued; “While Premier Panyaza Lesufi and GDE MEC Matome Chiloane speak regularly about their commitment to quality education, the lived reality in Emfuleni tells a different story.”