Education department denies ‘sabotaging’ vandalised school
THE Western Cape Education Department has dismissed claims by parents that it cut the water and electricity supply to further damage vandalised Uitsig High School with the aim of closing it.
The 125 pupils have not had any lessons since schools reopened last week because the Elsies River school was vandalised and burgled during the December holidays.
And parents claim that the department was behind vandalism as it wanted to close the school.
Victoria Anderson-Thomas said: “Even the blind man can see that this is sabotage. The department is undermining the people of Uitsig. Why is this not happening in the schools in upmarket places?” she asked.
Nosey Pieterse said the only high school in the area has deteriorated under the DA’s watch.
“This used to be the pride of the community. We expected it to be upgraded but the DA has rendered it vulnerable. And now it’s totally ruined,” he said.
Tony Ehrenreich said the department was making the school vulnerable to criminals as it had only two guards. “They don’t give the money for guards and upgrading. They tried to close it two years ago,” he said.
Department spokesperson Paddy Attwell has denied the claims and said the district had arranged to move the 125 pupils to nearby schools for their own safety and to ensure that they have access to education.
“The district director did not threaten to close the school, as claimed. He did not say that the school was closing. The department did not cancel the water and electricity supply to ‘sabotage’ efforts to fix the school, as claimed.
“Vandals have stolen electricity cables and water pipes which make it impossible to provide electricity and water.”
WCED head of education Brian Schreuder said they had noted comments by Cosatu on the condition of the school. “Vandals are chasing security guards off the site almost daily. Our Safe Schools division has also invested in security systems at the school.”