Nduli Primary School is closed on safety grounds, sparking community concern and political fallout in Witzenberg. The Western Cape Education Department’s confirmation that buildings at Nduli Primary School are unsafe has validated concerns raised by the school community, even as political parties continue to trade blame over how the crisis was handled in Witzenberg. Ward councillor Andile Gili said a meeting held on Tuesday with WCED district officials, the school governing body and education managers confirmed that parts of the school would not be occupied until structural reinforcements are completed.
“We welcome the confirmation by the WCED that the buildings at Nduli Primary School have been declared unsafe and will not be occupied until the necessary work is done,” Gili said. “This validates the concerns raised by the community and shows that these warnings were raised responsibly and in the best interests of our children.” Gili said the confirmation also addressed accusations that parents and community leaders were “playing politics” or deliberately disrupting schooling. “The department’s own findings now clearly show that these were legitimate safety concerns,” he said.
WCED spokesperson Bronagh Hammond said the department had commissioned a comprehensive conditions assessment at the end of last year following complaints from the school community and growing enrolment pressures. “The assessment identified buildings that are no longer suitable for teaching and learning,” Hammond said. “Risks included erosion of the physical ground terrain and surrounding landscape, with recommendations for improved stormwater management and play areas.”
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