TSHIENDEULU – Despite its production of good matric results every year, Nkoneni Secondary School has been experiencing a shortage of classrooms since 1998 when their classrooms started falling down.

According to the school principal, Edward Nndwakhulu Muludzi, the school did not have a good foundation when it was built in 1986, by the previous government.

Because of that reason, the then six classrooms that have now turned into falling walls started to develop cracks in the floor and walls. This is what caused the roofing of the structure to collapse.

When Mirror visited the school on Monday morning, children were collecting firewood from a nearby bush, so that they could make fire to warm themselves against the chilly weather, as they are exposed to the bad weather inside the classrooms.

Teachers, who were sitting around the fire, said they have learned to "regard these falling walls as our classrooms." This is the reason why they have been producing good matric results since matric was introduced in 1998.

Nkoneni produced 100% pass rate in 1994 and Professional Insurance Brokers also honored them for that outstanding performance. Last year they scored 84% pass-rate while they scored 86% in the year 2000. It is always in the top 20 in the Zoutpansberg district.

Last year, Nkoneni took position two in the top ten schools that performed well in Mathematics with a record of 87% in the district. After many unfulfilled promises from the departments of education and works, Mulaudzi said they have now learned to accept the conditions facing them.

A tent that was provided by the Department of Works is now worn out. Parents have contributed funds for the renovations of two classrooms, but the falling walls still make it difficult for the learning process to continue smoothly, as children from the other class can hear the teacher from the other class.

In his comment, the Superintendent of Education in the province, Prof Harry Nengwekhulu said the issue of classroom shortages is not a new problem. "A situation where schools operate under trees or with no text-books is not new in our province either. However, they might be in a priority list," said Nengwekhulu while referring the matter to the regional Director Masotsha Mathivha.

Meanwhile, Mathivha said he knew about the school and his officials visited it several times and took pictures of the falling walls. He said the school was their prioritised number one. Also, the national department has promised that it will fund the region so that there can be new classes this year.