Pupils left stranded after school closure

Pupils at Nothondo primary school in Fort Beaufort had to run for safety as angry parents marched into the school premises demanding that the school be closed immediately due to unsafe toilet structures and unpaid construction workers.

According to the main contractor Joe Ntoyanto they haven’t been paid by the department of Education since last year September they decided to close the school down until all they grievances are resolved. 

“Since last year I have been paying the construction workers out of my own pocket, believing that the Department would compensate me but instead I was sent from pillar to post. Because of this some of the construction work such as building new toilets had to come to an abrupt end “. 

Stoyanto said “The lavatories they have at the moment are very hazardous to little children and that’s why the parents joined in because they fear for the lives of their children”. Said Ntoyanto.  

He further said that premises of the school will remain closed until the department pays every cent their owe him. 

“I will make sure that this school remains closed until they give me all my money. We have been waiting for months now but nothing has been done to change the situation”, concluded Ntoyanto. 

Xoliswa Hoga Jayiya a parent concurred with Ntoyanto saying that she always fears for her child every time he goes to school as some of the structures can cave-in any moment. 

“Although it hurts to us as mothers to see such little being deprived of their basic right to education but we can’t let them be exposed to such a dangerous environment. The department must pay the construction company now so that classes can resume”, said Jayiya