As over R500 000 promised to repair flood damage at the Daniëlskuil Combined School failed to materialise after four years, the Democratic Alliance (DA) submitted questions for clarification from the Northern Cape Department of Education on the apparent non-payment of pledged emergency funding.
Significant localised floods occurred in January 2021 when Daniëskuil received 315 mm rainfall, which is only 65mm less than the average rainfall for the entire year occurring within the space of just 10 hours. There are also challenges stemming from the school’s location. The school was built in the 1980s in a dip that leaves the premises prone to seasonal floods.
The school principal reported subsequent flooding of classrooms and the computer laboratory to the department, along with the school’s inability to feed learners. Quotes sourced for repairs, electrical work, cleaning, painting, carpentry, relocation of mobile classrooms and replacement of damaged LTSM estimated the damage around R585 745.00.
The department gave written confirmation in February 2021 that funding would be made available for the repairs. But the school says that not a single cent has been paid into their account. Petra Diamonds assisted with repairs in the interim.
At a time when the department blames budget shortfalls for all its shortcomings, we must scrutinise its financial management closely. I’ve asked the MEC for Education, Abraham Vosloo, to clarify the exact amount of funds transferred and the specific dates on which transfers took place. I’ve also asked if the department provided any non-financial support to the school to facilitate repairs.
We cannot afford to misuse and misspend the funds allocated for essential education services. Our children deserve better.