The Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) leader Julius Malema has pledged to address the appalling hygienic conditions at Khutsong, Merafong Municipality’s Relebogile Secondary School. Malema emphasized the value of fair education and adequate facilities as a basis for learner achievement while speaking at his supervision visits to Gauteng’s top- and bottom-performing schools.
These visits are a part of the EFF’s continuous monitoring work in the field of basic education, which aims to evaluate the difficulties schools encounter and suggest solutions that address systemic inequities.
Synopsis of the Supervision Visit
Malema started his day at Lufhereng Secondary School, which was praised for its outstanding academic achievement in Soweto, Johannesburg Municipality. With great support from teachers, students, and the community, the school has continuously performed exceptionally well in its matriculation results.
He continued on to Relebogile Secondary School, which stands in sharp contrast to Lufhereng, where problems include inadequate infrastructure, a lack of resources, and poor sanitation have led to below-average student achievements. The school’s 2024 matric pass percentage of only 57.4%, down from 62% the year before, highlights the urgent need for assistance.
“The conditions at Relebogile Secondary School are unacceptable,” Malema said. No teacher or student should have to put up with such a setting. Since sanitation is a fundamental human right, we will act immediately now to resolve this issue.
The Relebogile Secondary School Sanitation Crisis
Teachers and students share unclean and insufficient restrooms at Relebogile Secondary School, which has terrible sanitary facilities. Inadequate amenities, dirty water, and broken plumbing have made the space unsuitable for instruction.
“We carry buckets to work to use as temporary solutions,” one teacher said in disgust. It demotivates us and affects our capacity to provide high-quality instruction.
In order to guarantee prompt improvements, Malema promised to collaborate with local EFF leaders, particularly Members of the Municipal Council (MMCs). He outlined plans to:
• To ensure a steady supply of water, dig a fresh borehole.
• While long-term infrastructure solutions are being put in place, expand the number of temporary sanitary facilities.
• Provide extinguishers to ensure fire safety, especially because the school kitchen uses gas stoves.
“These actions are urgently needed to restore dignity and ensure safety for both educators and students; they are not optional,” Malema stated.
Gauteng’s Educational Inequalities
The disparities between Relebogile Secondary School and Lufhereng Secondary School serve as an example of the larger injustices in Gauteng’s educational system. Despite Gauteng’s remarkable 2024 matric success rate of 88.4%, schools in disadvantaged communities like Relebogile are still falling behind because of a lack of funding and socioeconomic difficulties.
Malema emphasized that eliminating these disparities requires addressing infrastructure deficits. He claimed that the government would have taken care of these problems in a matter of months if the school had been situated in a wealthy neighborhood like Sandton or Midrand. Black students and their potential are completely rejected by this negligence.
The EFF’s dedication to educational equity
As a fundamental right, high-quality education has been continuously promoted by the EFF. The party’s overarching goal of advancing educational parity is in line with Malema’s visits to Lufhereng and Relebogile Secondary Schools.
We are reminded that we need to hold the government responsible when we visit schools like Relebogile. But as leaders, we also have to be accountable and take action. To offer workable answers to these problems, the EFF will collaborate closely with local officials, Malema stated.
Additionally, he declared his intention to have the Public Protector look into why the government permitted the sanitary catastrophe to continue for so long. “We must guarantee accountability and address the underlying causes of this neglect, even if the Department of Education steps in,” he continued.
Voices of Learners and Future Goals
Malema spoke with students and teachers face-to-face during his visit to learn about their issues. After Malema’s visit, students expressed hope while also expressing anger over the absence of basic amenities.
“We feel like our voices are finally being heard,” one student remarked. We hope our school will change as a result of this visit.
In order to track developments and give updates on the promised interventions, Malema committed to return to Relebogile Secondary School. Additionally, he exhorted students to maintain their academic focus by saying, “Do not let these conditions discourage you.” Your accomplishments will spur change.
The EFF Leader’s Wider Campaign
Malema’s media briefing covered urgent continental concerns in addition to education. He called for greater support for the Southern African Development Community’s (SADC) programs and criticized the lack of successful intervention in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC).
“We cannot permit the DRC’s turmoil to continue. The unity of Africa is being directly attacked. To maintain peace throughout the area, the continent must put the DRC’s stability first, Malema stated.
Working Together for Change
As his tour came to an end, Malema urged community people, educators, and political leaders to work together to improve underperforming schools like Relebogile Secondary School.
“Politicians alone cannot win this battle. Communities must unite to demand better resources and hold officials accountable. The EFF is committed to leading this charge, but it is a collective effort,” Malema said.
Key Takeaways
• Julius Malema’s visit to Gauteng schools highlights significant disparities in the province’s education system.
• Relebogile Secondary School’s sanitation crisis underscores the urgent need for infrastructure upgrades.
• The EFF has committed to immediate interventions, including borehole installation and improved temporary facilities.
• Malema advocates for accountability and plans to involve the Public Protector in investigating the neglect at Relebogile Secondary School.
• The party’s efforts align with its broader goal of ensuring educational equity and fostering a better future for all learners.
Photocredit: @EFF
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