Note to Editors: Please find attached English and Afrikaans soundbites by Cllr Robert Ferendale and Sesotho soundbite by Jafta Mokoena MPL with pictures here, here, and here
The Democratic Alliance (DA) will urgently write to the Free State Department of Education to demand an immediate plan of action to address the unsafe conditions at Sandersville Combined School. Learners cannot continue to suffer because of the department’s endless delays in finalising procedural and tender issues.
DA councillors Robert Ferendale and Joseph Mbele conducted an oversight visit to Sandersville Combined School, where the main building was declared unsafe in August last year and subsequently closed off. Since then, learners and teachers have been forced into mobile classrooms. However, these mobile units are in a shocking state, with broken windows and doors, exposing children to freezing conditions throughout the past winter. With the rainy season approaching, pupils now face further risks of illness and prolonged absence from schooling.
The Department’s failure to act places the health and education of learners in danger. It is unacceptable that children’s lives and well-being are disregarded while bureaucratic processes drag on. The department has confirmed that the tender process for refurbishments is still ongoing, but learners cannot be expected to endure these conditions any longer.
The DA will continue to hold the department accountable until urgent interventions are made, and we will monitor progress closely to ensure that Sandersville learners are provided with safe and dignified learning facilities.