Parents let Alfonso Arries reopen

Classes resume, but overcrowding problem still not resolved

TEACHING resumed at Alfonso Arries Primary yesterday, with parents of the 763 pupils who are on the school’s waiting list sending their children to school even though they are not enrolled.

The angry parents vowed last week to keep the Chatty Extension school shut until more classrooms were built, but they backtracked on their decision yesterday, saying their children would go to the school even if they were not taught.

The decision follows robust meetings between the parents and the school’s governing body (SGB).

With 33 classrooms, the school already caters for 1 200 pupils.

But an extra 801 pupils have already been enrolled, with 763 more still left on the waiting list.

Nomathamsanqa Masebe, 33, whose two children are on the waiting list for Grade 2 and Grade 4, said she had decided to send them to school regardless.

“But I am even more worried now that they are in school without a teacher or any educational activities going on,” she said.

“They are basically just visiting the school and not learning, but I can’t just let them sit at home.”

Asked if the protests and closure had been in vain, Masebe said they had been a necessity.

Nontombi Dapo, 33, whose child is in Grade 2, said: “We had to consider that time is running out as the term will be over soon.

“All we can do now is hope the teachers assist us by putting pressure on the government.”

Principal Andile Lucwaba said the opening of the school made no difference.

“I am relieved that there are no longer threats of violence, but this does not change anything,” he said.

“We are still faced with classroom and teacher shortages.”

SGB treasurer Amanda Ganya said: “It would be premature for us to comment before engaging properly with parents and teachers. This is very delicate and political.”

Pupils spent most of yesterday playing outside as others failed to arrive.

Asked why Department of Education officials had not been to the school, spokesman Malibongwe Mtima said: “There are many schools we are scheduled to visit where issues critical to the department will be addressed.

“However, we are doing this according to a diary.”