A R400,000 generator that was purchased in 2018 is standing unused at Saambou Plaasskool, which is situated between Upington and Olifantshoek, while the school and hostel struggle without any electricity.
A R400 000 generator that was purchased in 2018 is standing unused at Saambou Plaasskool, which is situated between Upington and Olifantshoek, while the school and hostel struggle without any electricity.
Parents of pupils at the school said that the generator was never installed, while there was no money for diesel to run the machine.
“Not anyone can connect the generator but who will pay for the services of an electrician?
“This is while the school and hostel are left in the dark as there is an outstanding bill with Eskom. It is extremely hot and there are no fans during the hot summer months, making it difficult for pupils to concentrate.”
The parents also had numerous other complaints.
They said that poisonous snakes were entering the school and the hostel.
“The school bakkie is broken and has no money for fuel, so teachers have to transport children to Kimberley by means of their own vehicles for medical assistance if they happen to be bitten. Kimberley is the nearest facility that can administer anti-venom.”
They added that because the geyser was not working, water had to be boiled in the kitchen for hostel children to bathe themselves.
“The roof is leaking. The cooler room is also not working and all supplies, including food, have to be ordered through the district office, where we have to wait a long time until orders are processed.
“The internet is constantly buffering or is not working.
“The school has been without a principal since August last year, while the entire school governing body was suspended.”
The roof of the hostel is leaking and calls were made to close the school down.
Northern Cape Department of Education spokesperson Geoffrey van der Merwe said on Thursday that they were aware of the current situation at Saambou Primary School in the ZF Mgcawu District.
“Saambou Primary School is situated in a rural area and only accommodates 28 learners from the surrounding areas,” said Van der Merwe.
He stated that the department had assigned a task team from the infrastructure unit to conduct an assessment on the scope of work that needed to be done at the school and hostel to create a conducive environment for learning and teaching.
“The school is provided with electricity supply from Eskom and the account is fully paid up. This school also received a back-up generator from a neighbouring school that can be used in the event of load shedding,” said Van der Merwe.
He added that the department had done repair work and installed fencing at the school and hostel in 2018/19.
“The school receives a maintenance budget for minor repairs.
“The safety of our learners, educators and support staff at schools is a priority for the department and we are aware of a number of schools that have raised their concerns about reptiles on or near the school premises. This school being located in a rural area is experiencing the same problem and we are attending to these concerns all over the Province. Thus far we have recorded no incidents relating to snake bites.”
Van der Merwe stated that the district office would provide support and ensure that the school was fully functional.
He indicated that the department was equally concerned about challenges involving the management and governance at the school.
“We received allegations of maladministration against the principal and complaints against the functioning of the school governing body (SGB). Our district office is busy with an investigation into the finances of the school and the necessary disciplinary action will be taken against those who are found guilty of any offence.
“It is clear that the allegations against the principal and SGB have negatively affected the day-to-day functioning of the school as well as the school environment. It has brought about instability at the school and the situation must be turned around as soon as possible.
“The department will continue to monitor the progress administratively as well as infrastructure deliverables until the situation has completely been resolved.”
Van der Merwe concluded by saying that the department had explored all avenues and arrived at the conclusion that it would not be viable to merge or close the school.
