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The Gauteng Department of Education’s (GDE) failure to address infrastructure deficiencies at Gauteng schools is the root cause of the classroom collapse at Umthambeka Primary School in Tembisa, which injured 18 learners.

The Democratic Alliance (DA) conducted an oversight inspection at the school, and we discovered that the infrastructure is in a state of disrepair and the environment is not conducive for learning and teaching. The department was on-site with the contractor, inspecting the damage and beginning the repairs to the school.

See photos here, here and here

This is a clear indication that this department which has failed dismally to maintain and improve infrastructure only reacts when tragic incidents have occurred. This can be curbed by prioritising fixing of school infrastructure.

This devastating incident highlights the GDE's disregard for infrastructure in many of our schools, as documented by the Democratic Alliance (DA) following its school readiness oversight inspections of schools across Gauteng.

This incident raises concerns about the safety of children and teachers in our schools. We have already observed numerous tragic events in and around our schools since the beginning of the 2024 academic year.

The DA demands the Gauteng MEC of Education, Matome Chiloane, conduct a thorough investigation to ascertain whether the school is safe and conducive to learners and teachers to prevent the recurrence of this unfortunate incident. If found unfit, the department should swiftly relocate learners to temporary classrooms while improving the school's infrastructure.

We will continue to exert pressure on the department to ensure that it acts on its promise of improving the quality of education through delivering adequate infrastructure in our schools.

Issued by Sergio Isa Dos Santos - DA Gauteng Shadow MEC for Education