KZN school for special needs fails learners

PUPILS with special needs at a school in KwaZulu-Natal have no access to specialists.

The National Council of Provinces conducted an oversight visit to the school and hostel two weeks ago. The delegation led by James Mthethwa found, among other things:

No running water and electricity in the hostel, forcing school officials to buy water from the municipality and store it in a tank;

No therapists or school nurses on the premises;

The unfinished building had grass growing inside and outside, with electricity cables exposed; and

An unreliable school bus meant learners sometimes missed lessons.

Mthethwa said: “The special needs children at Vulekani Special School in Umzimkhulu do not have access to the healthcare services specific to their daily requirements. The 269 learners, in grades R to three, attend school daily without seeing professional nurses and therapists even though a school of this nature cannot function without specialists.”

He said the department of public works provided a report, indicating that plans for a new hostel at the school were undertaken in 2011.

“However, the awarded contractor had to be released because it could not finish the project. The process for the appointment of a new contractor is at an advanced stage and the R28-million project is expected to commence on 17 October 2016 for completion in 2018,” he said.

Provincial education spokesman Muzu Mahlambi said the department was looking into the matters raised by the delegation.

“We have prioritised the issues. They are receiving our attention. The process to appoint a contractor will happen soon.”