Note to Editors: Please find attached soundbites in English and Afrikaans by Cllr Nicole Gelderblom.
The DA in the Matlosana Local Municipality is concerned for the safety and well-being of teachers and learners at the Vaal Reefs Technical High School. We found the school premises largely dilapidated following an oversight inspection as part of our own School Readiness programme.
During our oversight visit, the DA observed a burst pipe in the middle of the quad which has been left unattended for weeks, as well as severe water damage to classrooms which resulted in the growth of black mold.
Multiple classroom ceilings have collapsed. One classroom is so dilapidated that it had to be closed off. See images here, here, and here.
It is impossible for a school to function and for learners to excel under these circumstances.
The DA will write the North West MEC of Education, Viola Motsumi, inviting her to do an oversight visit with the DA to the Vaal Reefs Technical High School to see the dilapidated state of the school and that she intervenes with urgency to bring the necessary infrastructure maintenance.