Disgraceful conditions at Nongoma school

THE DA has laid a charge of violating the rights of children against KZN Education MEC Peggy Nkonyeni after visiting eMlokothwa High School in Nongoma.

The party also intends reporting the appalling circumstances to the Human Rights Commission.

Hlanganani Gumbi (Constituency Leader for Zululand East) Sizwe Mchunu (KZN Provincial Leader) and Mbali Ntuli (KZN spokesperson on education) led the DA delegation to the school yesterday.

They found that despite this school being ranked Quintile 4, with day scholar fees at just over R1 000 per annum and R9 000 for boarders, the pupils are learning and living in disgusting and inhumane conditions.

The classroom windows were broken and ceiling boards were in danger of collapsing onto pupils.

Although equipped with science laboratories, these were not being used.

Thirteen ground staff are employed, but the grounds are clearly unkempt and the blocked toilets are a definite health hazard.

Boarding facilities

The delegation found the living conditions of the boarders, who make up almost 100% of pupils, were also in a poor state.

Some of the doors in the hostel were missing and live electricity wires dangle inside dormitories.

The boys are required to bring their own mattresses, while only the girls are provided with mattresses

The delegation was shocked at the indifferent attitude of the principal and his deputies, excusing themselves from any responsibility as to what was happening at the school.

Charges

The DA has laid charges against MEC in terms of Chapter 3, Section 30 of the South African Children’s Act which seeks to ensure that the health, well-being and development of children is safeguarded and that they be protected from maltreatment, abuse, neglect, filth, discrimination, exploitation and any other physical, emotional or mental harm.

It is also expected that the KZN Premier, Senzo Mchunu, and Education MEC, Peggy Nkonyeni take emergency steps to deal with the many problems at eMlokothwa High School.