Note to Editors: Please find attached English and Sesotho soundbites by Jafta Mokoena MPL and Afrikaans soundbite by Werner Pretorius MPL.
The Democratic Alliance (DA) is concerned following reports of the closure of two schools in the Free State due to non-compliance with occupational health and safety requirements.
During labour inspections at the Matla Primary School in Bloemfontein and the St. Benedict Primary School in Ladybrand, inspectors uncovered several serious health and safety violations in classrooms and other areas, forcing the closure of the schools.
This is a huge blow, particularly to the learners, who are now losing valuable teaching time. The DA has written to the MEC of Education in the Free State, Dr Maboya, to prioritise the restoration of compliance at these schools and ensure that teaching resumes immediately.
For many families, education remains the only pathway out of poverty, and we cannot and must not allow governance failures to undermine that hope. This breach falls squarely on the Free State Department of Education. Incidents such as these are preventable through simple planning, maintenance, and political will.
The DA will continue to monitor expenditure trends within the department and will hold the ANC-led executive accountable for ensuring that schools remain safe, functional environments for learning.