More than R40m was reportedly allocated in 2022 for the rebuilding of the school; however, community members claim there has been no visible progress on the project. 

A source told OFM News the temporary learning structures have allegedly deteriorated to such an extent that teaching and learning have to stop whenever it rains due to leaking classrooms.

Videos shared with OFM News show an empty site with bushes, heaps of rubble and what appears to be a small dam inside the school yard, with no visible construction taking place.

Frustrated community members are now planning a total shutdown of the school on Monday (1/6) in an effort to force intervention from the Free State department of education and other stakeholders.

Rubble and what appears to be a small dam inside the school yard. Photo supplied 

“We must close down the school. The school has no electricity, and our kids are learning in shacks. The school itself was demolished in 2022, as we had confidence in the department that they would be building the school. It’s been six years our kids have been learning in shacks,” said a source.

“Those are not shacks anymore, they are like showers because when it’s raining, the water comes in, and it’s even worse because the kids and teachers have to go out when the water comes in. 

“We want all relevant parties from the premier’s office, the department of education, including human rights. They must come on board and tell us why the school has not been built.”

Community members alleged various contractors have been appointed over the years, but no meaningful progress has been made. They have repeatedly written to the department regarding the conditions at the school, but have allegedly not received any response.

The planned shutdown on Monday is expected to draw attention to the conditions learners and teachers are allegedly enduring daily.

Free State Education spokesperson Howard Ndaba said the electricity was cut by the Matjhabeng municipality as the school allegedly owed the municipality around R1m. The school had agreed to pay R10 000 to the municipality.

Department of public works was supposed to address issues relating to rates and taxes, acknowledging that other schools are facing similar situations, said Ndaba.

The department decided to demolish the old school because the infrastructure was in poor condition, and mobile classrooms were brought in while awaiting the appointment of a contractor to build a new school. 

The mobile classrooms belong to the department, disputing claims that they are shacks. “The delay has been caused by non-performance of the contractor, and we are going to get a new contractor so that we can start with the process.”

Ndaba said the frustration of community members is understandable and that the department would “try their level best” to ensure the project is placed back on track.

The situation at Western Holdings Primary follows other infrastructure-related school closures in the Free State earlier this year.

In March, classes were suspended at Matla Primary School in Bloemfontein after labour inspectors declared parts of the school unsafe due to non-compliance with occupational health and safety regulations.

Department of employment and labour inspectors visited the school on 19 February and subsequently issued contravention and prohibition notices to the Free State department of education.

Fire hazards

Serious health and safety concerns identified at the school reportedly included exposed electrical wiring, unhygienic sanitation facilities and fire hazards.

Officials said the closure would remain in effect until inspectors confirmed the environment was safe for both learners and educators. St Benedict Primary School in Ladybrand was also closed in March following numerous complaints about deteriorating infrastructure.

OFM News /Kekeletso Mosebetsi dg

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