Gwarube addresses school infrastructure challenges

THE Minister of Basic Education, Siviwe Gwarube, appeared before Parliament's Portfolio Committee on Basic Education this week, reaffirming her department's commitment to delivering safe, dignified school infrastructure across South Africa.

- TRACY-LYNN RUITERS

Gwarube outlined key progress made under the Accelerated Schools Infrastructure Delivery Initiative (ASIDI) and other programmes, including the replacement of 331 schools built from inappropriate materials, clean water connections to 1336 schools, electrification of 373 schools, and the provision of new sanitation to over 1000 schools. The Minister also confirmed that 96% of pit toilets targeted under the SAFE initiative have been eradicated.

Despite these strides, she acknowledged the scale of the work still ahead, like the significant infrastructure backlog.

Gwarube also played open cards explaining that over 8200 schools are in need of additional classrooms and more than 13000 requiring toilets.

"We are not only correcting past doings, but laying the foundation for a system that prioritises, dignity, equity and resilience. We owe it to this generation and the next," she said.

Andre de Bruyn, chairperson of the Educators Union of South Africa (EUSA), praised the gains but warned the figures don't reflect the daily realities. "Overcrowded classrooms with 40 to 50 learners, poor sanitation, and under-maintained facilities are still the norm in many under-resourced schools," he said. "Teachers are stretched beyond their roles, coping not only with education but also safety, hygiene, and the emotional toll on learners."