DA urges provincial government to prevent mass blackout at schools

5 November 2019

The Democratic Alliance in the Northern Cape (DA) urges the provincial government to prevent the widespread disconnection of electricity at schools.

Following our earlier call to the Northern Cape Department of Roads and Public Works to settle the outstanding accounts for the AJ Ferreira High School in Upington, we are relieved indeed that the school has electricity and that it seems to have been spared the worst consequences of government’s ineptitude.

At the same time, it is alarming to note that the Westerkim Primary School in the same municipality has had their electricity disconnected yesterday. Information at our disposal seems to indicate that an amount of R23 024.38 was outstanding as of September 2019, with a letter threatening disconnection of electricity dispatched on October 1 2019.

Other schools at risk of disconnection include the Rietfontein Combined School, where there is a dispute between the provincial department of Roads & Public Works and the municipality regarding the amount in arrears. The Philandersbron Primary School and Leerkrans Primary School had yearly property rates becoming due on October 31 2019, but both schools already carry the burden of outstanding accounts.

Any failure by Roads and Public Works to pay these accounts promptly, whether it results from indifference or incompetence, places the academic future of our learners at risk. What was done for AJ Ferreira High School must be done for all other schools. Not because it is some great favour being bestowed by the department, but because it is part of their job.

All schools are currently going through their cycle of exams and finishing the academic work for the year. Learners who are already stressed about the outcome of their exams must now face the additional challenge of inadequate light in the exam rooms. And without electricity, basic components of a school environment cannot function.

There can be no use of photocopier for copies of provincial exam papers, printing circulars for parents’ attention, copying notices of school governing body meetings, printing memoranda or letters for the attention of staff, or any other reproduction of communication. Indeed, without electricity, schools cannot use the computers and email addresses to which the provincial department sends essential information regarding exam administration!

It is a serious dereliction of duty for government not to pay the accounts. And it is a serious mistake to let those derelict officials get away with it.

We urge the provincial government to do what is needed for the sake of our learners.

Issued by Priscilla Isaacs, DA Northern Cape Spokesperson for Education, 5 November 2019