400 schools in Gauteng now have proper sanitation

Gauteng MEC for Education Panyaza Lesufi says that more than 400 schools in the province now have proper sanitation and that, from next year, several schools will move to paperless teaching methods using tablet computers and interactive boards. Image: Twitter

In addition, the other 150 of the remaining schools will also have their toilets repaired by the end of this month.

This was announced by the Gauteng MEC for Education, Panyaza Lesufi, who reported on the progress made during his first 100 days in office, which ended in August.

"The degree of disrepair in these schools varied and I granted permission for the project to be concluded by the end of the month. Contractors were appointed to do work at all of these schools and a budget of R150m was set aside for this purpose," said Lesufi at a media briefing in Tembisa.

He referred to sanitation as bringing dignity for pupils, and said he believes no learner should be taught in conditions that deprived them of such dignity.

"Before I came in this office [as MEC], there was no budget for sanitation in schools," said Lesufi.

The department said it has developed guidelines for all schools to assist them in managing and maintaining toilets more effectively.

Electronic devices to be used in schools

On the academic front, Lesufi said Gauteng is ready for the Annual National Assessment (ANA). He said the bar has been raised and there are high expectations on learners.

He said learner performance had to be compared with other Southern African Development Community (SADC) schools.

Lesufi said as of next year, he will launch the paperless teaching method in five schools in the province, where learners will use electronic devices instead of textbooks and chalkboards.

He said the first phase of the project will target grades eight to ten, followed by grades 11 and 12 the next year.

"Five of our schools will be converted to paperless schools when schools reopen.This means all learners from grade eight to ten and their educators will each receive a tablet computer and every class will have an interactive board," said Lesufi.

He said infrastructure work to make classrooms e-ready had started and Wi-Fi will be used to connect the classrooms.

The identified schools for smart classrooms are Tandi Eleanor Sibeko Secondary School, Boitumelong Secondary School, Tlamatlama Primary School, Tshepisa Primary School and Phomolong High School.

The MEC also officially opened the state-of-the-art Peter Zongwane Primary School in Phomolong, Tembisa.

The newly built R45m primary school will accommodate about 1,200 learners.