Though this means more pupils at the school in Mabopane Block B, in Tshwane, have proper furniture, they are still faced by a problem of overcrowding and dilapidated infrastructure.
On Monday, matric pupils tired of sitting on the floor and writing with books on their laps shut down their school, demanding that the department deliver furniture and deal with ageing infrastructure as well as overcrowding which led to disruptions of classes.
Their parents and residents supported them as they’ve been facing this problem for over five years.
When Sowetan visited the school yesterday, pupils were using new furniture. It was delivered on Tuesday and yesterday.
However, pupils are still crammed in classrooms.
School governing body chairperson Peter Makoti said he was pleased by the quick intervention.
“Our grievances as a school are being heard and attended to,” he said, adding that he is happy that the burden has been decreased.
He said the school received 150 chairs and 150 tables. Makoti said the department should not relax as there are other problems that need to be attended to urgently.
“They have promised to deliver mobile classes as soon as they are available and they assured our learners that school transportation will be made available to them as soon as possible,” said Makoti.
Pupil Nomzamo Zwane, 18, said the government wants to be forced to work. “Just a day after the protest then furniture is delivered at our school. It is really sad that we had to fight and take action as learners in order to be heard,” he said, adding they are grateful that they now have furniture.
Zwane said they don’t feel guilty about fighting for better learning conditions. “I don’t condone fighting at all but if taking action leads to better results which will not only benefit us but for other succeeding generations who will attend this school, we wouldn’t mind doing it again.”
Parent Lethabo Nkosi, 43, from Mabopane, told Sowetan that the school has a great chance of producing better results now that the school pupils’ stress has decreased. “I am relieved that our children’s health won’t be in jeopardy anymore. They are capable of dealing with other burning issues of transportation and the feeding scheme,” said Nkosi.
“We are expecting a 100% pass rate from our matric pupils this year,” she said, and that “their passion and love for their school really gives us hope”.
Provincial education spokesperson Steve Mabona said they are attending to all other grievances.