The department of employment and labour issued a prohibition notice at Matla Primary School after uncovering several serious health and safety violations, including exposed electrical wiring, unhygienic sanitation facilities, and fire hazards. Officials say the closure will remain in place until inspectors confirm the environment is safe for both learners and educators.

Earlier, an inspection in terms of the Occupational Health and Safety Act revealed multiple hazardous conditions at the school that posed an immediate threat to the safety and well-being of both learners and educators.

Inspectors from the department visited the school on Thursday, 19 February, and subsequently served contravention and prohibition notices to the Free State department of education.

“Due to the severity of these violations, the education department was given three days to address the non-compliance,” said departmental spokesperson Teboho Thejane. “And to submit a detailed action plan outlining how it would achieve full compliance with occupational health and safety requirements.

“However, the department of education failed to honour its commitments within the given timeframe. The closure will remain in place until all safety issues have been addressed.”

The prohibition notice means the school cannot be used until the department of education fully implements all corrective measures and satisfies the occupational health and safety requirements as determined by our inspectors.

The inspection revealed unhygienic sanitation facilities, including toilets with urine on the floors. Inspectors also discovered exposed electrical wiring on the premises, with reports indicating some children had already been electrocuted.

Water leakages

Further risks were identified in the school’s kitchen and a mobile classroom, where no temperature regulation systems were in place. Temperatures in these areas were recorded at levels exceeding 30 °C, creating potentially unsafe learning and working environments.

Inspectors also found water leakages pooling around electrical fixtures, significantly increasing the risk of electrocution. The inspection further revealed the absence of pest control services at the school, while obstructions within the building created serious fire hazards.

In addition, the school was found to have insufficient toilet facilities, limiting proper access for both learners and teachers and contributing to the unhygienic conditions identified by inspectors. 

Health and safety

“The continued disregard of the occupational health and safety regulations by the department of education is a cause for serious concern,” said provincial chief inspector Manelisi Luxande. “This blatant neglect of safety standards inevitably exposes learners and educators to harm and potential fatalities.

“We cannot gamble with the lives of children and staff by allowing the school to operate under such glaring occupational safety violations.”

An inquiry was sent to the education spokesperson.

• Have a news tip to share? Phone or whatsapp the OFM News Hotline: 066 487 1427.

OFM News