76 children in a class at Cape Flats school

THE new school year is off to a rocky start after an education watchdog spilled the beans that 76 children were crammed into one classroom at Zeekoevlei Primary School.

Parents for Equal Education (Peesa) founder Vanessa le Roux shared a post on Facebook, with claims of overcrowding. 

According to her, a parent says that there are just two teachers who must teach nine subjects. And as a result of this, 76 children are drukked into one Afrikaans class.

Le Roux wrote: “I received a call from a parent of Zeekoevlei Primary, who asked how can it be OK? Her child is in Grade 7 and they are allegedly 76 children in one class, for the Afrikaans subject (sic). 

“Are these people ouf of their minds. Where is the School Governing Body? What do they expect from the teachers?”

The ouer added: “The Afrikaans class has 76 learners. The Grade 7 learners have nine subjects with two teachers who must teach all nine subjects. 

“I am very disappointed, the children are not being put first, you can clearly see that. If you put 76 children in a class then you don’t put children first.”

When the Daily Voice reached out to the Western Cape Education Department, spokesperson Bronagh Hammond confirmed that there are challenges related to class structures, but said that officials are addressing the matter.

Hammond explained: “This matter is being resolved as we speak. Our district staff are currently at the school to address it. 

“The WCED district officials visited the school on Tuesday and identified challenges related to class structures and timetabling. 

“Following the conclusion of an School Governing Board-funded post at the end of last year, the school now requires an additional Afrikaans class in Grade 7 to accommodate learners effectively.

“The WCED is actively supporting the school in restructuring its programme to address this need. 

“The qualifications of all educators have been reviewed, and a meeting is scheduled for this afternoon to explore available options and adjust the timetable accordingly. 

“The matter is expected to be resolved within this week.”