Nduli Primary School learners return to classrooms following safety disruptions

Learners from Nduli Primary School returned to formal schooling this week after being out of class since October 2025, following months of disruption linked to safety concerns at the school.

The children have been placed at neighbouring schools in the Ceres area, with transport provided by the Western Cape Education Department, allowing them to resume learning safely.

Ward councillor Andile Gili welcomed the development, saying the return to school had brought relief and renewed hope to families.

“It really touches us to see how our children are admitted to local schools,” Gili said. “Seeing our children being adopted with love, care and dignity gives us new hope.”

Videos showing learners being welcomed at neighbouring schools — including WF Loots Primary School — circulated on social media, drawing praise from parents and community members for what Gili described as “the spirit of humanity and unity in our community”.

Nduli Primary learners had been without schooling since October last year after unresolved concerns raised by parents, compounded by the WCED’s declaration that the school was unsafe for teaching and learning. A departmental conditions assessment later confirmed that parts of the school should not be occupied until structural issues were addressed.

“We welcome the confirmation by the WCED that the buildings at Nduli Primary School have been declared unsafe and will not be occupied until the necessary work is done,” Gili said previously. “This validates the concerns raised by the community and shows that these warnings were raised responsibly and in the best interests of our children.”

At the time, WCED spokesperson Bronagh Hammond said the assessment had identified buildings “no longer suitable for teaching and learning”, citing environmental and terrain-related risks. She said the decision to discontinue teaching at the site was taken in the interests of learner and staff safety.

“To ensure continued schooling, learners from Nduli Primary will be temporarily accommodated at alternative schools in the Ceres area,” Hammond said.

Gili said the return to school marked an important first step, but stressed that it could not be the final solution. He said the community was now awaiting further intervention from the WCED, including the placement of temporary classrooms and the fixing or rebuilding of a safe and suitable school.

“Our children deserve a safe, dignified and encouraging learning school,” he said.

While most learners have now returned to class, challenges remain. Gili said 37 Grade R learners had not yet been placed and that some pupils were still not appearing on the CEMIS system, affecting administrative processes.

“We hope that these issues will be resolved before the end of this week, and we will continue to work with all involved to ensure that no child is left behind,” he said.

Gili also thanked parents and guardians for their patience during the prolonged disruption, which left children without access to education for several months.

“It has not been an easy journey, but your dedication to your children’s education remains undeniable,” he said.

Quoting former president Nelson Mandela, Gili said: “It always seems impossible until it’s done.”

Get your news on the go, click here to join the Cape Argus News WhatsApp channel.

Cape Argus