ActionSA North West Demands Urgent Intervention at Tshipitota Primary School
Press Statement by Masego Kodisang MPL
ActionSA Member of the North West Provincial Legislature
ActionSA North West has today conducted an oversight visit to Tshipitota Primary School in Makgobistad Village, where we found 148 learners being taught in conditions that demand urgent government intervention. The state of the school is a stark reminder of what happens when basic infrastructure is neglected for decades.
Built by the community using mud in 1964, the school is now severely deteriorated. Windows are cracked and broken, walls and ceilings are in poor condition, and some rooms are showing signs of serious structural deterioration. The buildings provide little confidence that learners are being accommodated in a safe and secure environment they deserve.
The sanitation conditions are even more alarming. Learners are expected to use unsafe makeshift toilets and facilities with open holes, while some have no option but to relieve themselves outside. No child should have to choose between using an unsafe facility and compromising their own dignity and health simply to attend school.
Rainy weather makes the situation even worse, affecting the school day and disrupting learning. When conditions become unsafe, learners and staff are sometimes forced to stay at home, meaning children lose valuable learning time and can fall behind.
Following today’s oversight visit, ActionSA North West will write to the newly appointed MEC for Education, Dr Desbo Mohono, formally placing these findings before her and calling for urgent intervention. We will use all available oversight mechanisms to ensure that the Department responds and that a clear plan is put in place to address the school’s infrastructure and sanitation challenges.
Government cannot accept deteriorating classrooms, dangerous sanitation and lost learning time as normal. The 148 learners at Tshipitota Primary School deserve safe classrooms, dignified sanitation and an environment in which they can learn. ActionSA North West will continue to hold the Department accountable until there is meaningful action.
ActionSA North West Demands Urgent Intervention at Tshipitota Primary School
ActionSA North West has today conducted an oversight visit to Tshipitota Primary School in Makgobistad Village, where we found 148 learners being taught in conditions that demand urgent government intervention. The state of the school is a stark reminder of what happens when basic infrastructure is neglected for decades.
Built by the community using mud in 1964, the school is now severely deteriorated. Windows are cracked and broken, walls and ceilings are in poor condition, and some rooms are showing signs of serious structural deterioration. The buildings provide little confidence that learners are being accommodated in a safe and secure environment they deserve.
The sanitation conditions are even more alarming. Learners are expected to use unsafe makeshift toilets and facilities with open holes, while some have no option but to relieve themselves outside. No child should have to choose between using an unsafe facility and compromising their own dignity and health simply to attend school.
Rainy weather makes the situation even worse, affecting the school day and disrupting learning. When conditions become unsafe, learners and staff are sometimes forced to stay at home, meaning children lose valuable learning time and can fall behind.
Following today’s oversight visit, ActionSA North West will write to the newly appointed MEC for Education, Dr Desbo Mohono, formally placing these findings before her and calling for urgent intervention. We will use all available oversight mechanisms to ensure that the Department responds and that a clear plan is put in place to address the school’s infrastructure and sanitation challenges.
Government cannot accept deteriorating classrooms, dangerous sanitation and lost learning time as normal. The 148 learners at Tshipitota Primary School deserve safe classrooms, dignified sanitation and an environment in which they can learn. ActionSA North West will continue to hold the Department accountable until there is meaningful action.