Democratic Alliance Demands Immediate Action
By Thabo Mosia
The Democratic Alliance (DA) in Gauteng has called for urgent action to eliminate asbestos structures in 29 schools across the province, citing serious health risks for students and teachers.
Mike Moriarty, Chairperson of the DA caucus in the provincial legislature, has demanded a clear and comprehensive timeline for the removal of hazardous materials, coupled with greater accountability from the Gauteng Department of Education and the Department of Infrastructure Development.
“Education will say the people that built the school are contracted to another department, the Department of Infrastructure Development, and so all that happens in the end is finger-pointing,” Moriarty said.Health Risks of Asbestos in Schools
Moriarty stressed the severe health implications of prolonged exposure to asbestos, including life-threatening diseases such as mesothelioma and asbestosis.
“Through 29 schools that are still affected, there are up to 25,000 learners and 700 teachers at risk. So, we want these eradicated,” he said.The DA emphasized that the presence of asbestos structures in schools not only endangers the health of learners and teachers but also violates the 2013 Basic Education norms and standards for public infrastructure. These norms required the replacement of inappropriate materials, including asbestos, by November 2016—a deadline that has long passed.
Call for Temporary Solutions
As an immediate step, the DA suggested the installation of temporary structures at affected schools to mitigate risks while asbestos eradication efforts are underway.
“We would like parents, who are organised through their school governing bodies, to become more vocal about their local schools. We will assist in that regard, in the drawing up of petitions, and in getting their voices heard,” Moriarty added.Accountability and Blame-Shifting
Moriarty criticized the ongoing lack of accountability between the Gauteng Department of Education and the Department of Infrastructure Development, describing it as a cycle of blame-shifting.
“All that happens in the end is finger-pointing. No one is taking responsibility, and the health and wellness of pupils should be prioritised,” he stated.The DA has also indicated plans to enlist the assistance of the national Department of Basic Education to expedite the eradication of asbestos structures in Gauteng schools.
Safe Schools Initiative
The DA’s complaint comes in the wake of Basic Education Minister Siviwe Gwarube launching the Safe Schools application, a digital platform aimed at enabling public participation in addressing infrastructure issues, such as the eradication of pit latrines.
The platform is part of the government’s community-driven approach to restoring dignity to learners and teachers by improving school infrastructure. Moriarty expressed hope that similar urgency would be applied to addressing asbestos structures in schools.
No Comment from the Gauteng Education Department
Despite repeated requests, the Gauteng Department of Education declined to comment on the matter.
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