Luxolo classrooms declared unsafe

GRAAFF-REINET NEWS - Six classrooms at Luxolo Intermediate School in Thembalesizwe, Graaff-Reinet, have been declared unsafe and unusable.

Acting Principal Christo Frazenburg explained that parts of the two-storey building appear to be shifting slightly, possibly due to shallow foundations. Signs of separation between columns of bricks can be seen in some pillars supporting the upper floor's balcony.

After this was pointed out to departmental officials on a recent routine visit to the school, engineers were sent to examine the problem and six out of the twelve classrooms in this block were declared unsafe and are not being used.

Part of the school's solution has involved using the hall to teach the Grade 4 and Grade 5 classes - a total of almost 100 children. Stationery cabinets act as a room divider, but it is no barrier to sound, and Frazenburg said it is far from ideal.

The school hall now houses the Grade 4 and Grade 5 classes.

Classes at the school are already large, and one post is yet to be filled. The timetable has been arranged so that, despite the shortfall, all children are being taught, with no classes left without a teacher. With a small staff of only 14 educators, including the principal who is currently on sick leave, this puts an extra workload on the rest of the teachers.

Only the Grade 2 group (53 learners) has been split into two classes, with 42 to 55 learners per class in all years except Grade 9.

The affected school building.