It's the first day back at school for learners after being away for June holidays. However, it has been reported that learning has been halted at the Job Rathebe Junior Secondary, in Soweto, due to the poor state that parents have found the school to be in.
The School Governing Body (SGB), parents and members of the community held demonstrations at the entrance of this school demanding for it to be shut down.
The groups shared that all they want is to see change in the school as they are not happy with the poor state that the school is currently in. It is for this reason that they want the head of the school to be removed from their position.
In an interview, one of the parents said:
My fear was that one day, one of the kids was going to die at the school because they don't even care about the well-being of our children. That's how bad the situation is here.
A member of the neighbourhood watch also came forward, sharing that the school had infrastructure and sanitation issues.
It is said that school learners relieve themselves in a dumping site located at the back of the school due to the school toilets not being in working condition.
Former Job Rathebe learner, Tshepiso Mokoena said during her schooling years, the school toilets were not working and is shocked that this is still an issue.
According to the reports, the Johannesburg Metropolitan Police Department and the South African Police Service were also present, probing the SGB to find another way to deal with the issue.
The police took it a step further by calling the Head of Department of Education in Gauteng, Edward Mosuwe. It is said that Mosuwe indicated that he will send the Acting Deputy Directors General (DDG) of the District to the school, thereafter the group will submit its grievances to the DDG.
