Education minister visits Sarah Baartman district                                           

Department of Basic Education Minister, Siviwe Gwarube visited two Sarah Baartman schools, as part of an oversight visit ahead of the delays in the Sanitation Appropriate for Education (SAFE) program.

The Minister’s visit started at Pellsrus primary before going to Humansdorp Secondary school.  The second school visit follows a tragic accident that left learners and teachers traumatized when a learner was attacked, fatally stabbed and died in the school premises. At Pellsrus primary, the Minister had an engagement with the newly appointed contractor which ended with the site walkabout showcasing the scope of work to be done such as installation of wash basins and fixing toilets seats.

The minister together with provincial and district officials then proceeded to Humansdorp Secondary School. Acting principal, Jerome Kock took the rails whilst the department is still investigating the predicaments the school is facing.

Kock said “the learners/perpetrators involved in the brutal killing were released on bail and arrangements were made for them to write their finals as it is their constitutional right.” Whilst the school and the community is still shaken by the incident, Kock assured the minister that the team at the school is doing everything in their power to make sure that the premises are a safe environment for everyone. “The safety and security team at the school are trying their utmost best to make sure that learners are safe at school by rotating security personnel at the school, making sure that learners are walked to their transport after school safely and so forth.” Said Kock.

Nicholas Debruin, District Director for Sarah Baartman outlined the most challenges that the school is facing saying “Humansdorp SS is the biggest school in the district with the largest grade 12 numbers, sitting at 284. Debruin went on to say that “Gang violence spill over and substance abuse are the two biggest challenges that the school is facing. On top of that, upon initial investigation school management was deemed dysfunctional resulting in the suspension of some including the principal. But not all is lost. As Education is a societal matter, departmental partners were roped in to assist.

Debruin said “a partner at the wind farm took staff for a team building as low morale is a challenge. A debriefing was conducted with the wellness team of the department and sister departments as well for the teachers and learners.” Concluding his briefing, Debruin said that the investigation is still on going. “Head office has sent through a risk management team to the school for in-depth investigation.”

Minister Gwarube stressed the value of school functionality.  She (Gwarube) said “governance and school leadership are interlinked with the performance of the school; the value of a functional school will take you to where the school is supposed to be.

” Gwarube added her full support in making sure that the school regains its former glory. “We must be in constant contact with the managers and School Governing Body (SGB) to turn around the school. I personally pledge support to the school. We cannot have an education system without an educator and if they do not feel safe then it crumbles.” Concluded Gwarube.