Public Works and Infrastructure mec Martin Meyer conducted an unannounced visit to Havenpark Secondary School in Phoenix, where it is alleged that a logistic related business is operating illegally on the school's premises Picture: Doctor Ngcobo/Independent Newspapers
Image: Doctor Ngcobo
COMMUNITY activists in Phoenix are calling for the KZN Department of Education to reprioritise funding to support schools which are “forced to lease out parts of the school” to ensure that they can keep the doors open.
The call comes after the MECs for Education and Public Works and Infrastructure announced that they would conduct an investigation into Havenpark Secondary School after it was found to have leased a part of its property as a bus and truck depot.
The high volume of buses and trucks have caused the community to petition against the depot, citing the safety of pupils, and noise and air.
Community activist Sham Maharaj said the school was in a “catch 22” situation as they were struggling to make ends meet due to a lack of funding by the department.
He urged the government to provide support to schools which were struggling to pay for basic services such as electricity, water and security.
“This is an ongoing situation. Havenpark is just the tip of the iceberg. There are schools which are forced to lease parts of the school to sewing companies, trucking companies, car washes, and even welding factories. This has been going on for a few years.
“Nearly all schools in Phoenix have been forced to lease parts of their property to cope with the financial demands of maintaining their institutions This is a way to generate money and raise much needed funds. Schools are trying to desperately fundraise to pay for their utilities, security and for extra teachers.
“If we had good governance then the schools would not have to worry about money to pay for such services. Schools have no alternative. However, we are concerned about the safety aspect of having trucks and buses operating from a school.
“It is dangerous with big trucks going in and out while children run out of the gates. But if the department plays its part and provides schools with funding for essential services they would be able to cope,” he added.
Maharaj said fingers must be pointed back at the government's inability to fund basic services like education.
Another community leader, Seelan Achary, said he was concerned about the predicament which schools faced.
“Instead of concentrating on teaching, School Governing Bodies (SGB) and management at schools have become fundraising agents. They should be focusing on the quality of education at schools, but with low funding and the low school fees collections, which places an unfair burden on schools management and SGBs.
“They are working hard to fundraise to keep the schools alive and operational. I applaud the efforts of parents who serve on SGBs voluntarily so that they are able to keep the schools in the excellent condition schools are in, despite poor, low or no funding.
“Havenpark has been working hard to fundraise to keep the school maintained. They are doing the best that they can. The relevant government departments should be answering to the schools as to how they will assist schools,” Maharaj added.
He said the department has pushed the buck of maintenance onto schools and SGBs.
“Where is the free education that was promised to us? The DOE needs to provide adequate funding to schools.
“The community is within its right to object, as they want safe roads, a clean environment, they do not want things that will negatively impact them, they have the right to protest. It is an unfair situation,” he said.
Jonathan Annippen, IFP councillor and community leader, said the school’s decision to lease a portion of its open space to a private bus owner must be viewed within the broader realities that many public schools faced.
“Across the province, schools often operate under severe financial pressure and are expected to supplement limited state funding through responsible fundraising initiatives. In terms of the South African Schools Act, School Governing Bodies (SGBs) are empowered to take reasonable steps to supplement school resources, including the management and use of school facilities to generate income for the benefit of the institution.
“However, these powers are not unlimited. School property is ultimately state property and its use is regulated. Any lease or commercial use of school land must comply with provincial regulations and requires the approval of both the KZN DOE and the KZN Department of Public Works, which is the custodian of many government properties,” he added. Annippen said undertaking alterations such as levelling and paving the land without these approvals raises legitimate governance and compliance concerns.
He said beyond the legal considerations, the situation also had implications for the surrounding community.
“The regular movement and parking of multiple buses can place additional strain on local roads, increase traffic congestion, and potentially affect the safety and tranquility of residents living near the school.
“While schools may generate income through the use of their facilities, the use of school grounds as a commercial bus depot would require proper authorisation and careful consultation with authorities and the community to ensure that it remains lawful, appropriate, and in the best interests of pupils,” he added.
Spokesperson for the KZN DOE, Muzi Mahlambi, said the department received complaints from residents about a logistics business operating from the school grounds last week.
He said on Thursday, they department had directed that the district director and circuit management office go to the school to investigate so that “immediate and drastic action will be taken if warranted to do so”.
He said the head of department countered that while schools hd delegated fund-raising powers, those powers had limitations, which the school implemented in its fund-raising.
“The head of department has directed that the district director and circuit management office go to the school, investigate what is happening there, so that immediate actions could be taken if warranted to do so,” Mahlambi said.
MEC for Public Works and Infrastructure, Martin Meyer, said the school was suspected of illegally housing a logistics business on school grounds' without departmental approval, posing risks to pupils, and including unauthorised structures.
“As the custodian of government properties, we are investigating and acting to address this threat and restore the school to a safe learning environment. Schools must be protected spaces for our children,” Meyer said during a press briefing at the school site inspection on Thursday.
KZN Legislature Standing Committee on Public Accounts chairperson Tim Brauteseth said the bus depot had been put in place without any consultation with residents and without road assessments.
He said all the roads around in the vicinity were single-lane roads and not suited to carry heavy-duty bus traffic on them.
The school governing body could not be reached for comment.