Management of school infrastructure in informal settlements around Soweto

Abstract

Infrastructure is one of the most imperative components of the school that directly affects teaching and learning. The preservation of it is thus important in ensuring that learners attain their education in a conducive and safe environment. This study examines how school management teams and governing bodies manage school infrastructure in informal settlements around Soweto. The study focused on three schools in informal settlements study applied a qualitative method which involved observation and conditions of infrastructure prevailing at the three (3) selected schools. In-depth interviews were held with the school management teams (SMT) and school governing bodies (SGB) of each of the selected schools. A total of twelve (12) individuals were interviewed, of whom six (6) were SMT members and (6) SGB members. The purpose of triangulation, documents such as the assets register, minutes of the maintenance committees and minutes of the safety and security committees were consulted and analysed to check if schools comply with educational policy on safety and security. The study establishes that, even though the Department of Basic Education is mandated to provide a nontoxic and protected environment for all learners, unfortunately learners and educators in schools are not afforded that opportunity. The study points out challenges relating to school infrastructure in informal settlements. Furthermore, the study revealed that schools where protection and dignity are at risk still reflect the demographic inequalities of apartheid. As a result, the study recommended that schools must have a maintenance plan to keep school infrastructure safe and secure.