GOOD Statement by Brett Herron,
GOOD Secretary-General & Western Cape Member of Parliament
1 November 2024
The Western Cape Education Department has serious questions to answer regarding the alarming state of the learning environment at Montana Primary School.
Earlier this week, GOOD was approached by concerned parents following the commencement of the school building’s demolition and the removal of asbestos on-site. This situation has left approximately 800 learners being taught in makeshift classrooms in shipping containers, with reports of no water and toilet facilities.
Neither the children nor the teachers are wearing masks, despite the presence of contractors working with asbestos rubble nearby, which continuously creates unsafe dust conditions.
Furthermore, it has come to our attention that the old school building is being vandalized and dismantled while students there are expected to focus on their studies on the same site.
MEC for Education David Maynier must urgently explain how and why he has allowing this to happen.
Parents and learners need clarity on whether the school being demolished for rebuilding, and if so, how long this will take. Additionally, can the Department honestly justify that teaching learners in shipping containers is a conducive and acceptable arrangement?
Maynier must also clarify what measures are being taken to ensure the safety of the learners during this chaotic time.
Media enquiries:
Brett Herron, GOOD: Secretary-General
Cell: 0825183264
Email: bretth@forgood.org.za
Samantha Jackson, GOOD: Media Manager
Cell: 083 5509875
Email: samantha@forgood.org.za