The DA in Gauteng is calling on Education MEC Panyaza Lesufi to address the desperate need for additional classrooms at schools, in Katlehong.<\/p>\n
During recent oversight visits to several schools in the area, the DA found most schools to be overcrowded.<\/p>
Schools such as Katlehong Technical High, in the Goba section, Thutopele High, in the Khumalo Valley section, and Leratadima Primary School, in Tokoza, Alberton, require urgent intervention.<\/p>\n
Despite Leratadima Primary being a model school in the community, it has no library and access to the school is on a busy route, causing a safety concern to parents and pupils.<\/p>
Katlehong Technical High School has had theft and needs safety equipment in place.<\/p>\n
Thutopele High has a high teacher\/pupil rate, with an average of one teacher to 60 pupils, as well as a shortage of maths and science teachers.<\/p>\n
The overcrowded schools across the ever-growing province call for more classrooms.<\/p>\n
In the meantime, the addition of more classrooms to existing schools, coupled with more teachers, will alleviate the strain on overcrowded schools as a short-term solution.<\/p>\n
Overcrowded classes place an unnecessary strain on both pupils and teachers.<\/p>\n
This is the space where new ideas are taught, explained and debated.<\/p>\n
Squashing children into classrooms stifles their chances of a fair education.<\/p>\n
To this end, the DA will submit written questions to the MEC, asking him what his department\u2019s plans are to address this unacceptable situation, and how soon pupils will find relief.<\/p>\n
The DA will continue to monitor the situation, to ensure that the needs of Katlehong\u2019s pupils remain a top priority.<\/p>\n