South Africa Government

05/30/2022 | Press release | Distributed by Public on 05/31/2022 00:35

Employment and Labour on closing Musina school as infested bats crawl on classroom roofs

Musina school closed as infested bats crawl on classroom roofs

An Occupational Health and Safety (OHS) inspector in Musina, Limpopo Province has closed a school following a proactive inspection that took place on Friday 27 May 2022 at Sigonde Primary School. The school was found not to be compliant with the OHS Act 85 of 1993 as amended - which specifies that if the state of the building threatens or is likely to threaten the health and/or safety of persons then the building should be prohibited with immediate effect from being occupied or continued used in terms of section 30 of the above said Act.

The inspector prohibited the school based on the following:

  • The use of the grade 4 class had cracks at the door post which overlaps to the grade 5 class.
  • Grade R 1,4,5,6 and 7 had bats on the classroom roofs which poses danger to the health and safety of persons and may cause sickness, diseases and possible death.

When conducting the administration inspection, the inspector learned that on Tuesday 24 May 2022, 50 learners were absent from school as they reported sick due to the infestation resulting from the bats. Educators alleged that snakes are killed on weekly basis as they are attracted by the bats in the classrooms.

A mobile classroom utilized by the Grade 2 learners is the only class that is still functioning, the school will remain closed until corrections are made.

Acting Provincial Inspector Mr Reckson Tshitshivheli said, "health and safety is part of our business, we do not leave anything to chance. Employers must make sure that at any given time they comply with OHS legislation. When they are not sure they must call of us for advocacy so we can assist them to get their house in order".

"Inspections are our day to day business, when we come across any life threatening situations we will unfortunately have to close the building. We commend our inspectors who do not compromise the health and safety of persons and encourage them to continue to do their jobs to mitigate non-compliance," said Tshitshivheli.

For Media enquiries contact:

Ms Lerato Mashamba
Provincial Communication Officer Limpopo
082 908 1833
[email protected](link sends e-mail)