The gates of a Gelukspan school, just outside Mafikeng in the North West province are today locked following its shut down by labour inspectors yesterday (Wednesday).
Acting on a tip off, the inspectors pounced on Ipokeng Primary School whose motto 'Be Proud of Yourselves' turned out to be a contradiction as they declared it a hazard and in violation of the staff and learners' right to safety.
Educators and learners were in class rooms with broken windows and had no access to toilets as they were in a bad state. The chalkboards were also falling from the wall and there was no safe drinking water.
Responding to the fact that children were not in class rooms today, the Provincial Executive Manager in the Labour department, Andile Makapela said the learning site was a safety hazard to both learners and educators and after considerations and deliberations this was the only option left.
"The prohibition notice will however be lifted after the school has been fixed and it is in an acceptable condition in which learning could take place," Makapela said.
Enquiries:
Page Boikanyo
Cell: 082 809 3195
Issued by: Department of Labour
28 May 2009
