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The quality of teaching and learning will be negatively impacted in 2024 because the Gauteng Department of Education and the Department of Infrastructure Development have failed to build new schools this year.

This means that the 2024 Grade 1 and 8 learners will not have access to a conducive learning and teaching environment. This is despite the department's announcement today that the placements will begin on 4 September 2024 and continue throughout the year.

There are many school projects that have been abandoned for more than five years, namely Semphato Secondary School, Rustervaal Secondary School, Nanciefield Primary School, and Mayibuye Primary School. Furthermore, schools such as Allenridge Secondary School in Midrand are still on the rotational learning system because there are not enough classrooms to accommodate all learners attending school daily.

This will affect the placement of learners because there are many learners who applied for the 2024 academic year in the province.

The department has also failed to repurpose closed and abandoned schools. This has resulted in overcrowding in many schools, which has been made worse by the department’s failure to deliver mobile classrooms to minimise pressure in high-demand areas.

The DA demands that the Gauteng MEC for Education, Chiloane Matome, prioritise the delivery of adequate infrastructure and resources to schools, such as mobile classrooms, stationary, and furniture, before the 2024 academic year begins. By so doing, they will ensure that no learner miss a day of schooling in 2024.

Issued by Khume Ramulifho MPL - DA Gauteng Shadow MEC for Education