07/09/2025
ALRAPARK PRIMARY SCHOOL INFRASTRUCTURE CRISIS COMMITTEE (APSICC)
FEEDBACK REPORT TO PARENTS AND STAKEHOLDERS
Date: 07 September 2025
1. Introduction
On Sunday, 07 September 2025, the Alrapark Primary School Infrastructure Crisis Committee (APSICC) convened a feedback meeting with parents to provide updates on recent developments concerning the school’s infrastructure challenges and related stakeholder engagements. The purpose of this meeting was to communicate progress on key demands, provide an update on interim measures, acknowledge donor contributions, and announce the way forward regarding the return of learners to school.
2. Engagement with MEC and District Director
One of the committee’s principal demands during the protest for improved teaching and learning conditions was for the Gauteng MEC for Education, Honourable Matome Chiloane, to personally visit the school and respond to commitments made in the past.
On 01 September 2025, the MEC, accompanied by the District Director and a full departmental delegation, visited Alrapark Primary School. During this visit:
The MEC announced a formal commitment to build a brand-new school for the Alrapark community.
This undertaking is viewed by APSICC as unprecedented and a direct result of the community’s unified efforts.
The committee expressed its appreciation for this historic commitment, noting that it marks a significant milestone in the school’s development journey.
3. Interim Infrastructure Improvements
The second core demand of the protest related to immediate improvements to make the current school environment conducive to learning while awaiting the construction of the new facility. Key priorities identified included:
Paving of critical areas.
Provision of a safe, compliant kitchen to replace the hazardous facility that previously resulted in an injury to a staff member.
Establishment of a designated learner eating area.
Electrification of mobile classrooms, extending to upgrades of the entire school’s electrical system.
Provision of verandas for weather protection.
Repair and sealing of leaks in mobile classrooms.
Progress to date:
The Department of Education has held multiple follow-up meetings with APSICC.
A paving contractor is already on site, with preparatory works underway.
Efforts are ongoing to address the most pressing safety and functionality concerns on the list.
4. Donor Engagements and Support
APSICC is pleased to report that several private donors have expressed willingness to support the school’s needs.
Power Build and VPS Hauling have formally offered assistance.
Following internal deliberations, APSICC endorsed the offer and referred it to the School Governing Body (SGB) for statutory consideration.
The SGB, in a special sitting on Wednesday, unanimously approved the support.
This was further communicated to Department officials during Thursday’s contractor introduction meeting. The Department confirmed no objection in principle, subject to compliance with legal and procedural requirements. Donors will liaise directly with the Department to finalise these matters.
Engagements with additional prospective donors are scheduled, and a comprehensive report will be shared once these discussions conclude.
5. Resolution on Learner Return to School
Following constructive engagements and visible progress on key demands, APSICC and parents have resolved that learners will return to school on Monday, 08 September 2025.
APSICC will deploy representatives to monitor and support a smooth reintegration process.
Appointed committee members are authorised to make on-the-ground decisions to ensure the safety, welfare, and feeding of learners.
6. Conclusion and Acknowledgements
APSICC acknowledges that the progress achieved to date would not have been possible without the collective resilience, unity, and persistence of all stakeholders. The committee extends its sincere gratitude to:
Parents and guardians of Alrapark Primary School learners.
The learners themselves, for their patience and courage.
The School Governing Body for its decisive leadership.
School management and educators for their dedication during challenging circumstances.
The broader Alrapark community, whose solidarity has been instrumental in securing these outcomes.
This moment represents a turning point in the history of our school and community. Through collective action, we have accomplished more than anticipated and set a precedent for future cooperation. APSICC remains committed to providing regular updates on both the new school construction and interim improvement measures.
Issued by:
Alrapark Primary School Infrastructure Crisis Committee (APSICC)
Date: 07 September 2025