EFF Leaders Visit Ezibeleni School Ahead of New Academic Year

EFF Leaders Inspect Readiness at Minah T Soga Primary in Ezibeleni

Ezibeleni, Komani — Representatives of the Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) in the subregion conducted a school readiness visit at Minah T Soga Primary School in Ezibeleni on the eve of the new academic year, as part of broader community oversight ahead of schools reopening.

The visit was led by the EFF subregional chairperson and secretary, accompanied by a local party member, Klaas. The purpose of the inspection was to assess the school’s preparedness for the return of learners and to gain first-hand insight into ongoing infrastructure and safety challenges.

School management received the delegation and provided a walkthrough of the premises. During the visit, the school principal, Mrs Geja, outlined several operational difficulties affecting the institution. Chief among these is a shortage of classrooms, which continues to place pressure on teaching and learning as enrolment grows. Limited classroom space remains a common challenge for public schools in the Komani and Ezibeleni areas, particularly at primary level.

Another concern highlighted during the inspection was the condition of the school’s fencing. Inadequate fencing has left the premises vulnerable, with the school having experienced incidents of burglary and vandalism in the past. According to information shared during the visit, the school has repeatedly approached the relevant education authorities to request assistance with fencing and infrastructure improvements, but no intervention has yet been implemented.

Despite these challenges, school management indicated that teaching staff are prepared for the start of the academic year. Classrooms, teaching materials, and administrative systems have been organised to ensure that learning can begin as scheduled when learners return.

The visit forms part of ongoing community and political engagement around education readiness, infrastructure backlogs, and learner safety across the Eastern Cape. Such inspections are often used to draw attention to conditions on the ground at schools, particularly in historically under-resourced areas.

Minah T Soga Primary School is expected to open its gates to learners tomorrow morning, with educators ready to begin the year’s curriculum. While infrastructure constraints remain unresolved, the school has indicated its commitment to maintaining continuity in teaching and learning as the new school year gets underway.