Note to Broadcasters: Please find linked soundbites in English and Setswana by Cllr Neo Mabote.
The DA in the Mahikeng Local Municipality will through our Spokesperson on Education in the North West Provincial Legislature, Winston Rabotapi MPL, write to the MEC of Education, Viola Motsumi, requesting urgent intervention to secure areas at the Boitumelo Primary School currently undergoing renovations that are exposed, posing a safety risk to students and staff members.
During our oversight inspection at the school, we found that construction materials were being left unbarricaded next to the school kitchen and all over the school premises. This is especially concerning as children play on the piles of bricks next to exposed holes and can easily hurt themselves. See images here, here and here.
The school is currently utilising a small, untidy storeroom as a kitchen. The room is full of old equipment and other hazardous materials. See image here.
Construction of the new ablution blocks started in 2019 and since 2021 has remained incomplete while learners are currently subjected to utilising the old ablution block which is in a horrific state. See images here, here and here.
It is unclear who the appointed contractor is, as the initial contract was apparently terminated in November 2023. However, there seem to be two contractors currently on site, but the contract- amount and duration are unknown.
Section 24(a) of the Constitution clearly states that everyone has the right to an environment that is safe and not harmful to their health or wellbeing. Learners and teachers have a right to receive and deliver education in a safe environment and we will closely monitor MEC Motsumi’s intervention to ensure that these rights are upheld.
The DA government in the Western Cape can now build new schools from foundation level to enrolment in 71 days. A DA-led government in North West will prioritise school infrastructure that will ensure the safety of learners while delivering quality education.
Residents should vote DA on 29 May 2024 so that we can rescue the basic education system in North West.
