PARENTS of pupils at Makgongoana High School are not happy with the condition of the school.
This is because some pupils at the school in Mankweng outside Polokwane, Limpopo, are forced to overcrowd themselves in mobile classrooms while others are being taught outside under shades.
This is despite the school having a classroom block that went under renovation in December.
The parents told Daily Sun that some of their children are forced to cramp in mobile classrooms that are not beneficial as there's little ventilation.
“This is unacceptable because our children are suffering. They promised us that the renovations would be complete before schools reopen, but that didn’t happen,” said a 40-year-old parent.
They said some teachers are frustrated as they're forced to use staffrooms full of books and furniture with little space to move around. School governing body chairman Malesela Bopape said the situation will affect the pupils' studies if it doesn’t change soon.
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He said three blocks were renovated, and one block occupied by pupils was completed.
“The completed block is still not enough because the school has an enrollment of more than 1 600 pupils. We are very hurt about the situation, and we tried talking to the department, but nothing is happening. We now want MEC Mavhungu Lerule-Ramakhanya to visit the school and see for herself."
Bopape said that they are also not happy about the condition of the school toilets. The parents have vowed to shut the school down if the renovations are not completed as soon as possible.
Conty Lebepe Foundation’s secretary general, Ngako Setjie, said they are shocked about the unsafe condition of the school.
“We call upon MEC Lerule-Ramakhanya to treat this challenge as a matter of urgency,” he said.
Department of Education spokesman Mike Maringa said the school is receiving massive infrastructure.
“The contractor is busy finalising the old classrooms, and they'll be ready any day. The school will also have 34 fresh classrooms by the end of the month," said Maringa.
