'Our school doesn't exist'

Education department promises construction will be completed this year.

- Enkosi Selane

As millions of children excitedly dressed for the first day of school; 13-year-old Lerato (not her real name) sat at home with no idea of when she would again be in a classroom.

The former primary school prefect and star pupil is one of hundreds of new high schoolers who have been placed at a school which does not exist.

Railway Secondary School in Tshwane is nothing more than an empty field opposite a crime-ridden train station down the road from a tavern.

Previously, Gauteng department of education spokesperson Steve Mabona said the school would be completed this year.

Dozens of frustrated parents gathered outside Hoërskool Akasia in Pretoria North yesterday, demanding placement for their children at the school while it is under construction.

Smoke filled the air outside the school as tyres were set alight in protest.

"Am I supposed to send my child to an open field for school?" said Thulaganyo Moepi, who expressed disbelief at the situation that left numerous children unable to attend classes on the first day of the academic year.

The promised school, which was set to open this year, shows minimal signs of development.

Speaking to