The Chairperson of the Select Committee on Education and Technology, Sports, Arts and Culture, Elleck Nchabeleng, has condemned the Gauteng learner who went to Joe Rathebe High School with a firearm. 
 
In a statement, Nchabeleng said the school leadership as well as the School Governing Body (SGB) that allowed for such condition as witnessed on Tuesday should be ashamed. Not a single toilet seemed to be in a working condition, the school library was in disarray with books strewn across the floor, and one learner was found in possession of a firearm. 
 
“We condemn the possession of a gun by a learner at school in the strongest terms possible. Schools should remain places of safety not only for learners, but for educators, general workers and parents. It would seem that the SGB doesn’t exists at Joe Rathebe School,” said Nchabeleng. 
 
He said he trusted that provincial authorities in Gauteng as well as the Gauteng Legislature’s Portfolio Committee on Education committee will find time to visit the school and conduct a proper oversight. 
 
The alleged conduct by the school principal needs closer attention and that if corrective measures are so required they should be put in place speedily. “We cannot afford these kinds of disturbances at this time, as very soon schools will sit for trial examinations,” emphasized Nchabeleng. 
 
Parents protested against the presence of the Joe Rathebe High School principal at school and demanded that the school be shut down. It is understood the parents were angered by the appalling condition of the school. 
 
He said the commitment by the department to investigate what took place at the school within 14 days is noted and welcomed. Mr Nchabeleng said that the investigation must verify the claim that female students are made to pay R2.00 in order to use toilets, and if they are unable to pay they resort to relieving themselves in the open. 
 
“What kind of inhumanity is that if bullies are allowed to run school facilities like this. Accountability is required on this matter and school safety is of paramount importance as well as improving the sanitation condition of that school.”