MEC Promises New School for Learners

The Limpopo Department of Education has committed to finding a long-term solution to infrastructure challenges at Waterval Secondary School after several classroom blocks were declared unsafe for use.

MEC for Education, Mavhungu Lerule-Ramakhanya, accompanied by Head of Department Maropene Seshibe and senior officials, visited the school in the Vhembe West Education District on Monday to assess the situation and engage with the School Governing Body (SGB).

The visit follows concerns over four classroom blocks that have been declared uninhabitable. As an interim measure, Grade 11 and Grade 12 learners have been relocated to Hlalelani Primary School, while Grades 8, 9 and 10 are being taught in six mobile classrooms.

According to the department, the affected buildings were decommissioned after safety concerns were raised by the Department of Labour. The MEC’s visit was aimed at evaluating the challenges facing the school and providing clarity on plans to address them.

During discussions with the SGB, concerns were also raised about the National School Nutrition Programme for learners temporarily accommodated at Hlalelani Primary School. Lerule-Ramakhanya assured stakeholders that the department remains committed to ensuring that all affected learners continue receiving the necessary support and services.

She told parents and school representatives that a permanent solution would involve the construction of new school infrastructure. The MEC said the shortest estimated timeframe for the project’s implementation is about 18 months.

“The long-term solution is the construction of new school infrastructure, with the shortest possible period for implementation estimated at 18 months,” she said.

The MEC explained that the department’s infrastructure structures will conduct a comprehensive assessment of the school and submit a report to the Limpopo Department of Education to enable the project to proceed.

“Today, as the department, we are here to begin planning for new school infrastructure, and we will ensure that this process is driven by the department. I am here to reinforce our commitment to the learners, educators and the community,” she added.

The department said it remains committed to providing safe and conducive learning environments for learners across Limpopo while work continues towards a permanent solution for Waterval Secondary School.