PUPILS from Kutumela Molefi Primary in Lethabong near Mamelodi, east of Tshwane, haven’t been attending school in two days.
This after angry parents closed down the school, demanding mobile classrooms from the department. They said they closed it because of overcrowding.
They claimed their kids were forced to sit on the floor during lessons as there was not enough space.
Parent Wendy Nkosi (37) said one teacher was forced to teach over 80 pupils in a class.
“Our children are suffering. There is no space for them to sit and learn freely.
Wendy said the decision to close the school was not easy as they knew their kids would suffer, but they were left with no option.
She said they tried to engage with the principal and Department of Basic Education, but they had not received any communication.
“All we are saying is let the department bring mobile classrooms while they find means to build a bigger school,” she said.
Another parent Paulina Skhwela (62) said the population was growing but the school remained the same.
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She said when they told the principal not to take in more kids, he said he could not send any child away.
“That we understand, but what’s the use of overcrowding the school and putting our kids in danger?
“The principal needs to talk to the department and alert it to the problem at school,” she said.
The angry parents vowed not to open the school until their demands were met.
Gauteng basic education acting spokesman Oupa Bodibe told Daily Sun the department would look into the matter and respond as soon as possible.
