The Freedom Front Plus (VF Plus) kept the pressure on until the Gauteng Department of Education finally announced that it will proceed with the long-awaited repairs to Carletonville High School.
The school was severely damaged by heavy rain in 2024. Two classrooms had to be evacuated and have remained unusable ever since.
The Freedom Front Plus recently submitted written questions to the MEC for Education, Matome Chiloane, and has finally received answers confirming that the Department will repair the damage.
In his oral reply during a session of the Gauteng Legislature, Chiloane announced that a contractor has already been appointed. The project will be officially handed over to the contractor today, 19 March 2026, with the expectation that all work will be completed by 17 July 2026.
The work includes repairing numerous cracks, the roof and roof frames, rebuilding cracked walls, as well as repairing windows and the concrete slab.
This breakthrough follows the Freedom Front Plus bringing the matter to the Department’s attention last year and consistently following up on it.
The Department had initially planned to start the project in 2025, but funds ran out.
The Freedom Front Plus consequently pressured the Department to ensure Carletonville High School is prioritised for repairs in 2026. The process is now under way.
The party welcomes the contractor’s appointment and will closely monitor progress to ensure the work is completed according to plan.
Unfortunately, numerous public schools in Gauteng urgently require maintenance and repairs – a matter that is not given the necessary attention. Failing to act swiftly endangers the safety of learners and teachers. A repetition of the Hoërskool Driehoek tragedy must be avoided at all costs.
The Freedom Front Plus invites all Gauteng public schools in urgent need of repairs to contact the party. The party will gladly engage with the Department of Education on their behalf.
