EMJINDINI TRUST, Mpumalanga — Teaching and learning have been disrupted at three schools in the Emjindini Trust area near Barberton since Monday, following a parent-led shutdown over severe overcrowding and dilapidated infrastructure.
Parents have closed Chief Funwako Secondary School, the only secondary school in the area, citing unbearable conditions. They claim some classrooms accommodate up to 98 learners at a time — a situation they argue has directly contributed to poor academic performance.
The protest action has affected learning across three local schools, though the primary focus remains on the overcrowded secondary facility. No injuries or violence have been reported.
Local authorities have not yet issued a formal response regarding timelines for addressing the infrastructure complaints or class-size reductions.