29335010 Reinart Toerien

Zakhele Primary school (Mamelodi) has been struggling with a problematic piece of land next to the school for over thirty years.
The fenceless land has become a hazardous area for children using it as a means to walk home after school. Children have started using alternate routes to get home following theft incidents they claimed have occurred. “That way [the open land], I’m scared to take” says Sibusiso Sithole, a 12 year old learner who has changed his daily route home after safety fears.
“The list goes on” said Kosabo Dube, Chairperson of the school governing body, after being asked about criminal activity on the land. Theft, physical abuse and abduction were some of the words mentioned by the chairperson. Mr. Dube also stated that the lack of fencing enables various members of the community to make use of the school’s bathroom facilities at their own will.
The same piece of land is also used as a rubbish dump. According to Trevor Molefe, a Mamelodi local who dumps his rubbish on the land, local municipality does occasionally clear the land. Despite this being confirmed by Mr. Dube, there are still piles of dangerous objects on the land such as broken glass and fires caused by burning materials. Further damage is done to the soil due to the heavy machinery used by municipality workers when clearing the land. The Mamelodi Metropolitan Municipality could not be reached for comment, despite numerous attempts.
Having been established in 1960, Zakhele is one of the oldest schools in Mamelodi. This government funded school was given the piece of land next to the school in the 1970s to use for expansion in the future, but the land presently remains empty. The school plans eventually to use the land (approximately 90m2) for sports fields to ensure holistic education for their learners. Their primary concern however is to fence the area off to assist in the health and safety of pupils.
Zakhele has therefore taken up its own initiative to raise funds for any financial needs they may encounter. A kiosk has been established on the school grounds from which all profits go to the school. However, the school has various other challenges to attend to. “For some of these pupils, their only meal for the day comes from us” says Dube. The school also uses available funds to send their teachers for further training to improve education. Water and electrical costs must be covered by the school as well. Mr. Edward Mokoeia, treasurer of the school governing body, cites no school fees paid by learners as another reason for the school’s lack of funds to fence the land themselves.
According to Mr. Dube, an apparent grant for infrastructure was previously made available and approved by government. However, after an enquiry by the school governing body the school was told that the funds were simply not there.
Steve Sibeho, Director for facilities magement at Mamelodi muncipality, could not however confirm the grant’s existence. Sibeho did however state that a provincial priority list, which compiles all provincial schools’ needs, is sent to provincial government. It then determines where funds are allocated.
This incident comes after government also assured the school that new bathrooms would be built on the property.
However, only renovations to the dilapidated existing bathrooms occurred following a visit from the British School’s council. The council plays an active part in the well-being of Zakhele
Despite all the school’s challenges, Mr. Dube remains positive and said “We must fight for what we deserve.”