The DA in Gauteng calls on Education MEC Panyaza Lesufi to address the desperate need for additional classrooms at schools in Katlehong, east of Johannesburg.
During recent oversight visits to several schools in the area, the DA found most schools to be overcrowded.
Schools such as Leratadima Primary School in Tokoza, Katlehong Technical High School in the Goba section and Thutopele High School in the Khumalo Valley section require urgent intervention.
Despite Leratadima Primary being a model school in the community, it has no library with access to the school being on a busy route causing a safety concern to parents and learners.
In the case of Katlehong Technical High school, it has had theft and needs safety equipment in place. Thutopele High School has a high/ teacher learner rate with an average rate of one teacher to sixty learners as well as a shortage of maths and science teachers.
The overcrowded schools across the ever growing province calls for more classrooms. In the meantime, the addition of more classrooms to existing schools coupled with the need for more teachers will alleviate the strain on overcrowded schools as a short-term solution.
Overcrowded classes place an unnecessary strain on both learners and teachers. This is the space where new ideas are taught, explained and debated. Squashing learners into classrooms stifles their chances of a fair education.
To this end, DA will submit written questions to the MEC asking him what his department’s plans are to address this unacceptable situation, and how soon learners will find relief.
The DA will continue to monitor the situation to ensure that the needs of Katlehong’s learners remain a top priority.
Media queries:
Lebogang More MPL
DA Gauteng Constituency Head – Katlehong
072 273 4487