Broken Promises: Special Needs School in South Africa Crumbles Amid Neglect
Image Source: Burglary door broken at Duzenendlela Special School in Orange Farm. via Veli Nhlapo
Published by Everything ZA News
ORANGE FARM, South Africa – Duzenendlela Special School, a beacon of hope for children with special needs in the impoverished community of Orange Farm, South Africa, is rapidly becoming a symbol of neglect. The school, plagued by a lack of resources, crumbling infrastructure, and administrative hurdles, is failing to provide its students with the proper care and education they deserve.
For years, members of the school governing body (SGB) have pleaded with the Gauteng Department of Education for assistance. Leaks, broken toilets overflowing with sewage, and a lack of basic furniture paint a grim picture of the learning environment.
“It’s gotten worse over the years,” says Puleng Mokoena, an SGB member. “This school teaches valuable skills like welding and carpentry, but there are no materials or even teachers for these classes anymore.”
The situation has become so dire that basic safety measures are compromised. Broken railings on ramps leave wheelchair-bound students vulnerable, and a fire dump site sits unfenced at the back of the school.
Parents report a rise in fights and inappropriate behavior among students, a consequence, they say, of the chaotic and under-resourced environment.
The Gauteng Department of Education, while acknowledging the problems, seems slow to act. A month after promising to send an assessment team, spokesperson Steve Mabona remains unable to provide a concrete plan or timeline for addressing the school’s needs.
This lack of urgency is met with frustration by the SGB. “We are not listened to,” says Nthabiseng Tseeke, another SGB member. “Our concerns are dismissed, and the administration resists any attempt to improve the situation for our children.”
The consequences of this neglect are far-reaching. Teachers, faced with inadequate resources and overwhelming challenges, are leaving the school. Students, lacking proper support and a safe environment, are falling behind.
Duzenendlela’s story is a stark reminder of the immense challenges facing South Africa’s education system, particularly for its most vulnerable students. The school’s plight demands immediate action from the Department of Education to ensure that these children with special needs receive the quality education they deserve.
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