HUMANSDORP– Amid rising concerns over school safety in the Eastern Cape, The Department of Basic Education(DBE) Minister Siviwe Gwarube arrived in Humansdorp on 17th November 2025 to evaluate whether local schools meet national safety standards and to press for urgent progress on delayed infrastructure upgrades.
Gwarube inspected progress at Pellsrus Primary School and Humansdorp Senior Secondary School, focusing on long‑stalled sanitation improvements and compliance with the National School Safety Framework (NSSF).
The region has long faced infrastructure backlogs and persistent safety challenges problems the Minister said can no longer be tolerated. “We cannot allow persistent delays and poor coordination to rob learners of safe, dignified school environments. Our responsibility is to intervene, monitor and demand progress,” Gwarube said.
At Pellsrus Primary School, the Minister met with the newly appointed contractor tasked with accelerating work under the Sanitation Appropriate for Education (SAFE) initiative. During a walkabout, she assessed efforts to ensure learners finally receive reliable and dignified sanitation facilities after years of postponements.
“Access to reliable sanitation is a basic right,” Gwarube stressed. “Today’s oversight is about ensuring commitments are met and that learners no longer wait for what should have been delivered years ago,” she added.
Gwarube then proceeded to Humansdorp Senior Secondary School, where she led an in‑depth safety briefing with the School Management Team, educators and community stakeholders.
She reviewed the school’s safety documentation to confirm alignment with the NSSF, emphasising that compliance must extend beyond paperwork. “Safety is not a document on a shelf. It is a culture we must practice daily. The NSSF must live in every classroom, every corridor, every playground,” Minister stressed.
The visit also included the signing of the School Safety Pledge, a collective commitment by learners, teachers and the community to uphold safety, respect and shared responsibility.
DBE stated that the oversight visits form part of a national strategy to link infrastructure resilience with strong safety systems two priorities essential to delivering quality education. Reaffirming the Department’s commitment, Gwarube emphasised that, “Our goal is simple. Every child in this country deserves to learn in a school that is safe, dignified and conducive to success.”
Photographs: supplied
