Parents of learners at Durban Deep Primary School in Roodepoort are growing increasingly distressed over the deteriorating state of the school, raising concerns about their children’s health, safety, and education. The temporary school infrastructure, described as dilapidated and unsanitary, has been blamed for recurring illnesses among students, prompting protests and urgent calls for government intervention.
Health Hazards and Unbearable Conditions
The school’s poor state has led to multiple health issues, with parents reporting respiratory infections, skin conditions, and other ailments linked to the unsafe environment.
“I have a child who’s in Grade One, and she’s 6 years old. The toilets are not right—our children get infections from them. Those toilets are dilapidated and very dirty,” said one frustrated parent. Another added, “Our children are always sick with flu due to the broken windows.”
A parent of a Grade Five learner shared that her child suffers from eczema, which worsens due to strong winds entering the rundown classrooms. “I was hoping my child would be safe at the school,” she lamented.
Years of Broken Promises
The community has been waiting for nearly six years for a new school to be built, after initial promises from the government. Despite multiple protests, parents say their pleas have been met with police backlash and vague responses from officials.
“We protested because we were told a school would be built, but there’s been no development. We’ve tried communicating with officials, but we don’t get clear answers,” a parent explained.
Government Acknowledges Need, but Delays Persist
While the government has acknowledged the need for a permanent 28-classroom brick-and-mortar school, progress has stalled due to logistical and financial hurdles. The proposed replacement school is set to be built on land donated by a property developer, but critical infrastructure—such as roads, sewage upgrades, and electricity—must first be installed.
The developer has admitted facing financial challenges, delaying the land transfer to the provincial government. “There is a challenge in ensuring bulk infrastructure is in place before the property is transferred,” a representative stated.
Winter Brings New Hardships
With winter approaching, learners will have to endure freezing temperatures inside poorly insulated, derelict containers that serve as makeshift classrooms. Parents fear the cold will exacerbate health problems, leaving children vulnerable.
For now, the Durban Deep Primary School community remains in limbo, forced to wait as their children suffer in unsafe conditions. The promised new school offers hope, but with no clear timeline, parents worry their children’s futures hang in the balance.
“We are concerned about our kids—our future’s kids,” said one parent. Until the government takes decisive action, the learners of Durban Deep will continue paying the price for systemic neglect.
