Note to Editors: Please find attached soundbite in English and Setswana by Winston Rabotapi MPL.
North West Education MEC, Wendy Matsemela, failed to honour a scheduled meeting with parents of learners at the Morokweng Primary School, near Ganyesa, to address concerns raised by parents about the safety of their children attending class at the dilapidated school.
MEC Matsemela instead chose to attend a women’s day event in Ganyesa, just nearby Morokweng, where she had no role in that event’s programme, and where she was seen dancing (her signature trademark).
The DA in North West is takes note of MEC Matsemela’s snub. It is evident that MEC Matsemela has no interest in improving education in North West.
It is crucial to note that this is the same MEC who, earlier this year, had to appear before the Human Rights Commission Inquiry into poor school infrastructure in North West schools after the DA lodged numerous cases against her department. She has consistently failed in her duties, and it is time for her to go.
In her latest effort to show her disdain for the residents she is supposed to serve, MEC Matsemela was directed by the Portfolio Committee on Education, Arts, Culture and Sport Development last week to address issues raised by the concerned parents who brought learning to halt at Morokweng Primary since the reopening of schools last month.
The Portfolio Committee was forced to intervene by calling an urgent meeting on Monday, between MEC Matsemela and community leaders in Morokweng to find a solution to the long list of concerns raised after the committee was met by community members who were protesting outside the school calling for additional temporary classes.
The DA is not surprised that parents have had to take matters into their own hands by shutting down the school. Almost 13 years of failed promises by the Department to build a new school in Morokweng has left learners and parents desperate for a safe school.
The DA, which was part of the oversight and subsequent meeting, is appalled by the state of the school which is in a state of disrepair, with cracks and leaks in ageing classrooms. The DA will not stand by while the North West department of education places the lives of learners at risk.
Despite MEC Matsemela’s absence and her lack of interest in resolving issues at Morokweng Primary School, the Portfolio Committee Intervention led to the community and departmental officials reaching an agreement. Temporary classrooms will be delivered to the school and learning will resume on the 19th of August. Furthermore, the department has promised to begin the next phase towards construction of a new school. The DA will be monitoring the remedial actions closely.
Meanwhile, the DA will write to the Chairperson of the Portfolio Committee demanding that the MEC be charged with Contempt for her flagrant disregard of the Legislature. We will request the chairperson of the portfolio committee on education to summon the premier to explain why the MEC has not been fired yet.