The roof of three classrooms at Mmanjaakgora Primary School in Prisca village, in North West, has been stolen just days before the reopening of the third term on Tuesday. Picture: Facebook
The North West Department of Education has condemned the theft of three classroom roofs at Mmanjaakgora Primary School in Prisca village, Moretele, just days before it is set to reopen on Tuesday.
Mphata Molokwane, spokesperson for the North West Department of Education, said the ‘zinc sheets’ covering three classrooms were stolen at the school on Saturday.
Molokwane says the incident has disrupted both the educational environment and the local community.
“In response to this unfortunate event, the department has swiftly arranged a library as a temporary measure for multi-grade, Grades 1, 2, and 3,” he said.
He said that the measure will ensure that learners continue their education without interruption, especially during the harsh winter season.
“We urge parents to remain calm as we work diligently to resolve the situation and implement the best possible solutions.”
Meanwhile, the MEC for Education in the province, Viola Motsumi, expressed deep concern over the incident, which occurred just days before schools were scheduled to reopen for the third term.
"We can confirm that the roof of the structure that accommodates three classrooms – Grades R, 1, 2, and 3 – has been stolen. I wish to state that the theft of the school roof is not only a criminal act but a direct attack on the future of our children,” Motsumi said.
Motsumi expressed dismay at such behaviour, especially as schools prepare to reopen for the third term during the coldest part of winter.
”This act not only disrupts the education of our learners but also undermines the rights of children, human dignity, and the progress we have made in improving the performance of our schools.
“I met with the principals of under performing schools just last Friday, July 5, and incidents like these only hinder the strides we are making.”
“We are committed to ensuring that our learners receive the education they deserve, and we will not allow such acts to derail our efforts.”
The department has arranged a library to accommodate three grades and a mini library for Grade R.
She has appealed to the community to assist in safeguarding the schools and to report any suspicious activities to the authorities.
IOL