Community members meet at the school
Hope emerges with temporary solution
Badumedi Secondary School, nestled in the heart of Vontin under the Moretele Local Municipality, is facing a crisis as the aftermath of strong winds left its roof in shambles, posing a severe threat to the safety of its learners. With the rainy season looming, local authorities are under increasing pressure to address the situation with urgency.
While the initial response from local authorities was slow, recent action has provided some relief for the affected learners and their families. The incident, which happened on 19 September, was promptly reported to the relevant authorities by the school’s administration on 20 September. However, the delayed response time from local authorities left the community in distress.
The authorities finally took action on 12 October by convening a meeting with community members to assess the extent of the damage at the school. During the assessment, it was discovered that approximately six classrooms had been adversely affected by the damaged roof, with Grade 9 classes bearing the brunt of the impact.
In a move to ensure continuity in education, the education authorities have committed to sending mobile units to the school within the coming week. These units will serve as temporary classrooms, allowing students to resume their studies in a safer environment while long-term solutions are considered.
As an interim measure, learners in Grade 8 and Grade 9 will attend school on a rotational basis, as there is insufficient space to accommodate both grades simultaneously. This solution, while not ideal, is seen as a necessary step to minimize disruptions to the students’ education. Grade 10, 11 and 12 classes will continue uninterrupted.
Mr. Sello Chipa, a concerned community member, expressed his gratitude for the authorities’ involvement and the provisional solutions provided. He stated, “We are grateful for the assistance from the education authorities. While the situation is not perfect, it’s a step in the right direction, and we appreciate the efforts to ensure our children’s education continues.”
The community remains vigilant and committed to monitoring the situation closely, ensuring that the local authorities follow through on their promises and work towards a more permanent solution for Badumedi Secondary School.
