The Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) have condemned the government's failure to build or replace schools in key provinces during the 2023-24 financial year.
This follows revelations during a recent parliamentary portfolio committee meeting, where the Department of Basic Education admitted that no new schools were constructed in the Eastern Cape, Free State, Limpopo, and North West.
The EFF has condemned this as a gross dereliction of duty by the government, particularly in the context of its failure to meet the educational needs of impoverished and marginalised communities.
In a statement, EFF spokesperson Leigh-Ann Mathys described the government's inaction as an indictment of a ruling party that continues to show "contempt for the future of our children".
Mathys pointed out that despite significant funding allocations, these provinces, particularly the Eastern Cape and Limpopo, have failed to effectively use the money provided for school infrastructure. The Eastern Cape received R1.8 billion for school infrastructure but spent only 70% of its budget. Limpopo, with an allocation of R1.5 billion, spent just 41%.
"This is not a mere administrative failure, it is a calculated act of neglect that leaves children in overcrowded classrooms, without adequate facilities, and trapped in a cycle of poverty," said Mathys.
The EFF also contrasted this inaction with the performance of the Department of Basic Education a decade ago. In the 2014-2015 financial year, the department successfully completed 32 schools in the Eastern Cape alone, and several other provinces saw similar successes.
"The decline is a clear indication of the ANC government's regression and its deepening incompetence," Mathys said.
"How is it possible that in 2023, with greater resources and technological advancements, fewer schools are being built than 10 years ago?"
The lack of progress in building schools is compounded by the government’s failure to eradicate pit latrines, which continue to pose a serious health and safety risk for students. Despite promises to tackle the issue, over 3,900 schools across South Africa still use pit latrines, she said.
The EFF pointed to the Sanitation Appropriate for Education (SAFE) initiative launched in 2018, which has failed to deliver meaningful change.
This is not just incompetence; it is a crime against the children of this nation," Mathys said.
The EFF has long criticised the government's handling of these issues, accusing them of squandering resources.
Mathys also highlighted the mismanagement of funds by the DA-led Department of Basic Education, which allocated R3.6 billion to print matric exam papers using private service providers. This expenditure was significantly higher than the R1 billion spent the previous year when using state printing infrastructure, she said.
"This gross misuse of funds, facilitated by the DA, is a blatant act of corruption aimed at enriching their white business partners," Mathys said.
She further argued that both the ANC and DA prioritise "white capital" over the needs of South African children, especially those from African, rural, and disadvantaged backgrounds.
"The DA's reckless spending of R2.6 billion more on printing matric exams — solely to benefit their private interests exposes their utter disregard for the African child," Mathys said.
"Just like the ANC, the DA has no intention of eradicating pit latrines, building enough schools, ending overcrowded classrooms, or replacing mud schools. Under the so-called Government of National Unity (GNU), they continue the ANC's legacy of neglect."
The EFF called for urgent action, demanding that the Department of Basic Education be held accountable for its failures.
"We refuse to accept a reality where our children are condemned to inferior learning conditions while billions are squandered or underspent.
"The EFF stands with the children of South Africa, and we will continue to fight tirelessly to ensure that every child has access to quality education, safe learning environments, and the dignity they deserve,'' Mathys said.
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