Note to Editors: Please find attached English and Sesotho soundbites by Jafta Mokoena MPL.
The Democratic Alliance (DA) is concerned by the closure of the Thabo Mofutsanyana Education District Office following occupational health and safety violations identified by the Department of Labour. The DA will submit formal questions to the Free State Department of Education, demanding a clear explanation of how these conditions were allowed to deteriorate.
The reported deficiencies, including unsafe infrastructure, poorly maintained fire equipment, and unhygienic working conditions, are unacceptable in a government facility responsible for supporting schools, educators, parents, and learners across the district. The very department entrusted with creating safe learning environments cannot be allowed to neglect the safety and wellbeing of its own employees and members of the public.
Yet another Free State government building has been closed by the Department of Labour. This is not an accident. It is the result of ANC mismanagement, where neglect and non-compliance have become standard practice in departments meant to serve the people.
The Department must act with urgency to rectify every deficiency and provide regular progress updates until the facility is declared safe for occupation. This incident raises serious concerns about the Department’s maintenance and infrastructure management across the province.
The DA will closely monitor the Department’s response and hold those responsible accountable. Public servants deserve safe and dignified working conditions, and communities deserve a Department that prioritises compliance and the wellbeing of both its employees and the public it serves.