Given Mahlalela

Given Mahlalela

A primary school in Mpumalanga is operating under appalling conditions because of a lack of classrooms, furniture and toilets.

Pupils and teachers at Sekusile Primary School at Kamaqhekeza Trust near Komatipoort said the school buildings were falling apart.

Teachers said pupils had no desks, forcing them to sit on the floor during classes.

The school has an enrolment of 1360 pupils who share 14 classrooms and four pit toilets.

The principal, teachers and clerks also share an office and four pit toilets.

The teachers said some of the classrooms leaked, window panes were broken and the floor had "pot-holes".

"Some of these classrooms were built after parents contributed money," said school principal, Meshack Mahlabane.

The teachers said they had raised the matter with the Ehlanzeni regional department of education but were told that the officials were looking into the matter.

Mpumalanga education department spokesman Hlahla Ngwenya said the department would investigate the complaints raised by the teachers.