Statement issued by Mr Bulelani Bobotyane UDM Eastern Cape Provincial Secretary

The United Democratic Movement (UDM) in the Eastern Cape is deeply alarmed by the dire state of Mzomtsha Primary School in KwaZakhele, Gqeberha.

The deteriorating infrastructure, extreme overcrowding, and lack of government intervention pose a significant threat to the education and future of the 250 learners enrolled at the school who come from disadvantaged backgrounds.

Mzomtsha Primary School, built in 1958, has never been renovated despite repeated calls for intervention.

Currently, teachers are forced to accommodate multiple grades—Grades 1, 2 and 3 on a single classroom, severely compromising the quality of education.

Additionally, two other grades are being taught in one class due to a lack of space. The learning environment is unsafe, with crumbling infrastructure that endangers both learners and educators.

Parents who took to the streets protesting at the school gate this week said they had written multiple letters to the relevant authorities, highlighting these urgent issues, but their calls for action have been ignored.

The government’s failure to address this crisis demonstrates a blatant disregard for the future of our children and the overall development of our province.

We stand in solidarity with the affected learners, teachers and parents who have now been left with no choice but to protest until all their demands are met.

The Eastern Cape provincial government must urgently:
1. Renovate the school infrastructure to ensure a safe and conducive learning environment.
2. Address the issue of overcrowding by providing additional classrooms.
3. Appoint more teachers to improve learning conditions.

Neglecting the learners of today is destroying the future of this country.

The UDM will not rest until the government takes responsibility and delivers on its obligation to provide quality education for all.

#EducationCrisis #FixMzomtshaSchool #FutureOfOurChildren