New school stands abandoned

LEPHALALE- The newly-built Sedibeng School in Onverwacht has been standing empty for six months.
According to a question asked in parliament by the DA (Internal Question Paper: 13/2015, published on 18 May) the
estimated cost of building Sedibeng school was about R39-million. Practical completion of the site was done 10 December last year.
“We want our children to move to the new school,” a concerned parent said. She preferred to remain anonymous because she did not want her child to be victimised. She feels that the current premises aren't safe and not sufficiently equipped for children with special needs.
Sedibeng School has about 75 pupils. Their needs vary from children with hearing and learning disabilities to children with severe mental disabilities. These pupils are being taught at a premises that is owned by Exxaro mine about 3km out of town.
“Why should I take my child to a school in the bushes every day if there is a better equipped school in town?”
According to the ministry for basic education's response to the DA's question in the national assembly, the principal refused to move to the new school because all the furniture was not delivered.
In the meantime, some parents and the community surrounding the new school are not happy with this decision. “I live across from the new building and the lights are on every night,” Joey Coetzee said. “I think it is a waste of valuable electricity to keep lights on in a deserted school.”
According to a source close to the school, the principal of Sedibeng School, Bone Minnaar, said that the Student Governing Board must decide if the pupils should be moved to the new school while awaiting the outstanding furniture.
The department of basic education did not respond to queries by the time of going to press.