Angry Ravensmead parents have threatened to shut all schools in the area unless Western Cape Education Minister Debbie Schäfer comes to a meeting on Thursday night and “explains herself”.
This follows complaints about Pinedene Primary School where more than 500 children are being taught outside under the trees because the crumbling school buildings are unsafe.
On Wednesday, gatvol parents shut the school and closed off De La Rey Road, demanding that Schäfer take action.
Randall Botha of the School Governing Body (SGB) says parents were furious when they heard the department did not have the funds to erect temporary classrooms while repair work is being carried out.
“We went into a meeting with Alan Meyer of the district office and he told us we would get 12 temporary classrooms,” says Botha.
“He told us his word is his honour, but later he said they don’t have funds. We got our own containers with our own money, but then they say we must apply for permission (to use it) so it is again red tape.”
ANGRY: Randall Botha of Pinedene Primary SGB. Photo: Monique Duval/Daily Voice
Mom Zenobia Cornelsin, who has a seven-year-old child at the school, says her son is getting sick from getting taught outside.
“He has a sinus problem and gets sick all the time. The department lies every time and we have had enough,” she says.
Botha said SGBs from five other schools in Ravensmead have agreed to shut down if Schäfer does not stiek uit at the meeting at Pinedene tonight.
“They have agreed to close with Pinedene to stand in solidarity with us.”
According to WCED spokesperson, Bronagh Hammond, the contractor had been obstructed from carrying out his work last week.
Video: Monique Duval/Daily Voice
“Following this, the WCED met with the principal, SGB and school management team and explained in full detail the current planned programme and scope of the work, as well as completion dates. This was agreed upon.
“Unfortunately certain individuals have again disrupted teaching and learning.”
She says while the department admits repair work is needed at the school, it has sent out three engineers who have declared the building safe.
Photo: Monique Duval/Daily Voice
But Botha says no contractors were seen at the school.
“That is not true, they [the contractors] were not even there so nobody can chase them away. We only saw people erecting fencing.
“If she [Schäfer] says the building is safe, she must come and look and see if she will let her children be taught in this building.”