The Northern Cape MEC for Education said that R3.9 billion has been allocated to address school infrastructure challenges.
A TOTAL of R20 million has been allocated for the appointment of 400 safety volunteers to be dispatched to 85 high-risk schools in the Northern Cape as part of the provincial Department of Education’s School Safety programme.
This was announced by the MEC for Education, Zolile Monakali, during his 2023/24 Budget Vote at the Northern Cape Legislature in Kimberley on Tuesday.
Monakali said the appointment of the safety volunteers will kick off in September. He explained that the programme will not only address challenges of job creation for the youth, but will also address safety challenges experienced at various schools.
“During the previous financial year, the department incurred costs amounting to R41 million on repairs due to vandalism and theft at schools, especially during school holiday breaks. We have identified 85 schools that are high-risk schools in the Province where burglaries, vandalism and theft have been happening and reached high, high levels. The safety volunteers will be deployed at these schools and will receive a stipend of R3,000 per month during the time of their appointment,” Monakali said.
The MEC said a further R3.9 billion has been allocated to address school infrastructure challenges.
“The Northern Cape currently has 46 schools that are classified as partially Inappropriate Structures, where the structure or the roofs need to be replaced. There are also 43 schools that are classified as entirely Inappropriate Structures. This number includes schools that are situated on the ‘Asbestos Belt’.”
Monakali noted that there are already construction programmes at several schools in the Province, aimed at addressing infrastructure challenges.
“There are partial replacement projects in the works, such as the Homevale and Venus Primary schools in Frances Baard District and Ikhaya Primary School in Pixley ka Seme District. The department also has four replacement schools that are at various stages of construction. Those schools are Carlton van Heerden Secondary and Oranje-Oewer Intermediate in the ZF Mgcawu District, Petrusville Primary in Pixley ka Seme and Rietrivier Primary in the Frances Baard District.”
He added that there are also new schools that are currently being constructed in the Province.
“The are seven new schools – Barkly Roirand Primary, Bankhara Bodulong Off-Shoot Primary School, Dithakong New School and Hostel, Kuruman New English Medium Secondary School, Magojaneng New Secondary School, Redirile State of Art New School and Cillie Primary – that are currently being built in the Province.”
Monakali said the department is also exploring innovative ways of addressing the provision of basic services at schools.
“The department is exploring new and cutting-edge solar projects, sanitation alternatives and alternative modern and innovative building technologies. In order to encourage the disposal of grey water, upgrade infrastructure and safeguard our infrastructure from vandalism, the department continues to improve the standard designs and specifications,” said Monakali.
