News
Parents rail about Pretoria West schools
The Department of Education has initiated an investigation into a primary school located in the western region of Pretoria in response to concerns raised regarding infrastructure deterioration and inadequate ablution facilities.
This investigation comes in the wake of a petition that has gathered over 250 signatures, highlighting apprehensions surrounding the primary school in the west of Pretoria.
Kwaggasrand Primary School and Lotus Gardens Secondary School have recently faced criticism for failing to provide sufficient facilities to support the learning needs of their students.
Specifically focusing on Kwaggasrand Primary School:
The principal of Laerskool Kwaggarsrand Primary, Nkhensani Rikhotso, is facing allegations from both parents and teachers regarding the school’s deterioration under her leadership, resulting in a toxic work and educational environment.
Accusations include reports of dilapidated buildings, non-functional toilets, prolonged absences of the principal, and instances of bullying and intimidation tactics, among other claims directed at Rikhotso.
An anonymous post on the Gauteng Department of Education’s Facebook page alleged that rather than engaging with concerned parents, the principal escalated security measures and involved the police when confronted with requests to address the issues.
Additional allegations of unkempt school grounds and mismanagement of funds have also surfaced.
Responding to these complaints, a petition on Change.org, which has exceeded 250 signatures, has been created, urging for the principal’s resignation due to the school’s declining condition.
Former student teacher Lesedi Thobejane, openly addressed her experiences with the principal, alleging negligence on the part of Rikhotso in addressing critical school infrastructure issues.
She recounted instances of malfunctioning toilets, delayed repairs, and the compromised learning environment experienced by students at the school.
The Gauteng Department of Education’s spokesperson, Steve Mabona, acknowledged the allegations against the Kwaggasrand Primary School principal, confirming that investigations have been launched to determine the necessary course of action.
Shifting attention to Lotus Gardens Secondary School:
The school recently underwent an assessment conducted by members of the Democratic Alliance’s Infrastructure Development Department, revealing dilapidated school facilities despite a renovation project initiated by the provincial Department in 2022.
Khathutshelo Rasilingwane MPL, the DA Gauteng Spokesperson for Infrastructure Development, highlighted the challenges faced by learners at Lotus Gardens Secondary School due to delayed repairs, resulting in inadequate classroom conditions.
The project, which was scheduled for completion by this time, has faced setbacks according to Rasilingwane.
In response to queries from the DA, MEC for Infrastructure Development Jacob Mamabolo assured that the construction would be finalized within 16 months, with monitoring mechanisms in place.
Rasilingwane expressed concern over the recurring delays in infrastructure projects by the Department, emphasizing the negative impact on service delivery to communities, particularly in the field of education.
As of the time of publication, the Gauteng Department of Education has not responded to inquiries regarding the status of Lotus Gardens Secondary School.
For further information or to contribute to this story, please contact us via email at [email protected] or call us on 083 625 4114.
For up-to-date breaking news and community updates, visit Rekord’s websites: Rekord East.
For more news and engaging articles, connect with Rekord on social media platforms such as Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram.
