by: Cllr Tebogo Mabaso, DA Councillor: Ratlou Local Municipality
On Monday, the Democratic Alliance (DA) Constituency Head in Ratlou, Freddy Sonakile MPL and Councillor Tebogo Mabaso conducted a follow-up oversight inspection at Ramabesa Primary School following complaints from the community regarding the state of the school.
The school has no proper ablution facilities and learners have to use an old dilapidated shack structure to relieve themselves. This structure is not safe to use and undermines their dignity.
The school also has a shortage of resources such as desks and learners have to share, this is especially concerning as they have to practice social distancing to avoid the spread of Covid-19. Learners make use of lap-desks and old, broken tables.
The DA previously conducted an oversight inspection in 2018 and, while some progress was made with the construction of flushing toilets, the toilets were not functional due to a lack of water in the area.
The Department has yet to fix a building which was destroyed by strong winds in 2018.
Should MEC Matsemela fail to intervene in this request with the urgency it deserves, the DA will proceed to lodge a complaint with the South African Human Rights Commission for undermining the dignity of learners.
Learners have a right to be educated in an environment that is conducive to learning, which will allow learners the freedom to flourish instead of worrying about their safety due to unsafe facilities.
It is the government’s responsibility to provide the resources to ensure that this happens. And it is the DA’s responsibility to hold government accountable and ensure that it delivers on its constitutional mandates.
Media Enquiries:
Cllr Tebogo Mabaso
DA Councillor: Ratlou Local Municipality
060 997 6079
Idah Satikhe
DA North West Communications Officer
079 700 5382