Teaching and learning resumed at the school on Monday (23/3), two weeks after being closed due to health and safety violations. The school was shut by the department of labour and employment on 19 February and contravention and prohibition notices were served to the provincial education department.

Labour inspectors issued a prohibition notice, citing multiple contraventions of occupational health and safety regulations. These included unsafe sanitation facilities, electrical hazards and concerns related to the school’s kitchen.

The closure formed part of a broader pattern of infrastructure challenges affecting schools across the Free State, raising alarm among unions and political parties.

“The department enlisted contractors to address critical infrastructure issues, including ablution facilities and ceiling repairs,” said Free State education spokesperson Howard Ndaba. “Efforts are underway to establish a health and safety committee at the school to ensure ongoing compliance and safeguard both learners and staff.

“Further work on infrastructure, including electricity and additional facilities, is ongoing, with the department aiming for substantial progress by the start of the second term.”

A catch-up plan is being implemented in collaboration with the school and district to recover lost academic time and ensure learners do not miss critical content, he said.

St Benedict School in Ladybrand temporarily disrupted

Regarding St Benedict School in Ladybrand, Ndaba said parents staged a protest that temporarily disrupted schooling for a single day due to infrastructure issues.

Officials from the department engaged with the management to address urgent maintenance issues, keeping in mind that the school buildings are owned by the Roman Catholic Church. “Officials have assessed the school and are working with the church to prioritise safety improvements for learners and staff,” he said.

“The department of education has since fixed the toilets, electrical installation and issues identified in the kitchen,” said labour department spokesperson Teboho Thejane.

“The other remaining issues, such as temporary classroom structures, the department of education has provided the inspector with an action plan in terms of when these remaining issues will be finalised.”

Therefore, for now, they are allowed to operate. Inspectors are monitoring progress to that effect, he said.

OFM News/Zenande Mpame  cvdw

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