ActionSA has called for urgent intervention over unsafe conditions at Kusile Primary School, warning that deteriorating infrastructure is putting learners at risk.

In a press statement released on 14 April, Thapelo Ngele, the ActionSA Ehlanzeni District Regional Chairperson, said the party had formally written to Lindi Masinaurging the Mpumalanga Department of Education to intervene.

The party said reports indicate that some learners have been unable to attend classes because parts of the school infrastructure are collapsing and unsafe, raising serious safety concerns among parents.

According to Ngele, parents have expressed fears about sending their children back to the school due to the hazardous conditions.

ActionSA further highlighted that the school was originally built by members of the community, with limited infrastructure support from the provincial education department over the years.

Despite commitments reportedly made in 2020 to improve facilities, the party said there has been no visible progress in delivering proper infrastructure.

“The continued neglect of Kusile Primary School is unacceptable and places the lives and future of learners at risk,” Ngele said.

The unsafe conditions have also disrupted learning, forcing some learners to seek placement at nearby schools, placing additional pressure on families and surrounding institutions.

In its submission to the MEC, ActionSA called for:

• Immediate provision of safe alternative learning facilities, including mobile classrooms

• Clear timelines for the construction of a proper school building

• Transparent engagement with the affected community

The party urged the Mpumalanga Department of Education to act swiftly to resolve the situation, emphasising that safe and quality education is a fundamental right for every learner.