Download PDFIn 2024, the Free State Department of Education deployed mobile classes to schools in the province to provide additional learning spaces for learners. This included Golden Park Primary School in Bronville, Matjhabeng Local Municipality. Since the time of the donation, the school has suffered instances of vandalism, leaving all the mobile classes given to the school in decay.
“The mobile classes were only used for a few months!” says Naldo Beukes, a Grade 7 learner at the school. It is unclear why vandals target the mobile classes but some think it may be due to frustration, boredom, or even seeking shelter.
“There’s inadequate maintenance and poor security at the school,” says community member and vendor at the primary school, Sue-Ellen Philda. The 45-year-old thinks that the reasons behind the vandalism may be multifaceted, but possible factors include the lack of community engagement as well as the inadequate security measures at the school.
The impact the damage to the mobile classes has on teachers and students is significant, as damaged or destroyed facilities decrease the amount og available learning space and disrupts learning. It creates safety hazards as well as undermines the overall educational environment.
“Learners had to go back to being squashed in classrooms. Even though new classes were built, it doesn’t mean vandalism to mobile classes is right,” Philda.
Community engagement and Outreach programs can be planned to help promote a sense of ownership and responsibility among community members. As well as put security measures in place to prevent further vandalism.
Vandalised mobile classes are a setback for education, but by working together as a community, we can find solutions to prevent further damage and ensure these valuable resources continue to support learning and community development.
“I spoke to the principal about the interview, but he said I cannot answer you since I’m not a spokesperson for the Department of Education!” says Tasha Kok (44), a teacher at Golden Park Primary. According to the principal’s answer to the school community’s affairs, if he is not willing to face reality and fight against vandalism, who will?
This article was submitted on 18 August 2025. You may republish this article, so long as you credit the authors and Karibu! Online (www.Karibu.org.za), and do not change the text. Please include a link back to the original article.
