915 children suffer due to poor security, asbestos poisoning, and collapsing infrastructure at their school

Students at the Eersterust Secondary School in Tshwane are at serious risk due to the school’s deteriorating infrastructure, health hazards, and inadequate security.

A complaint has been filed with the South African Human Rights Commission against the school following a recent robbery at the school.

A school representative confirmed that three intruders entered a classroom and demanded money from learners, as well as a cellphone from a teacher who refused to give it.

The Gauteng Crime Prevention Wardens were reportedly present but failed to deter the intruders, with the South African Police Service responding to the incident. No injuries were reported.

A member of the Gauteng Provincial Legislature, Michael Waters, said it was unacceptable for intruders to enter the school, highlighting the school’s poor security.

“It is disturbing that criminals can simply walk into a classroom, intimidate learners and threaten educators while government security personnel are present on the school premises,” Waters said.

“This incident validates our concerns that, despite their huge cost to taxpayers, the Wardens are not fit for purpose.”

The robbery is the latest in a series of concerning incidents at the school, with Waters saying numerous health risks have also been identified at Eersterust.

The Department of Employment and Labour issued four prohibition notices on 4 September, identifying risks such as asbestos exposure, unsafe classrooms and kitchens, and condemned toilets.

In the six weeks since, the Gauteng Department of Education (GDE) has not provided adequate alternate facilities for the school’s 915 learners, who are required to share nine classrooms.

Some learners reportedly receive as little as three hours of instruction every second day, while the entire classroom block lacks working electricity.

“Each classroom has broken windows, damaged ceilings, and damaged teaching equipment,” Waters said.

“Meanwhile, approximately 600 learners have gone without their normal cooked meals for more than six weeks.”

The school has reportedly not received its full first-tranche funding, which it is dependent on due to its status as a Quintile 4 no-fee school.

According to the GDE, municipal approval of rebuilding plans delayed the disbursement of funds, with it now saying it does not have the money to distribute despite the plans being approved.

Waters called on the Gauteng MEC for Education, Lebogang Maile, to strengthen the school’s perimeter security and provide safe alternative classrooms for its students.

He also called for the commission of an independent asbestos assessment, the provision of compliant temporary toilets, the restoration of daily cooked meals for students, and a funded time-bound rebuilding plan.

In addition, Waters said he would submit questions to the GDE to determine what steps have been taken to address the school’s security and infrastructure issues.