Steinkopf High School pupils have been living in the school’s hostel without electricity for more than six weeks.
Councilor Warren Britz alleged that the school’s electricity bill increased to the extent that Eskom turned off the power last month, in August 2024.
Britz told NFM News that the pupils were confronted with harsh realities at the hostel, having to endure a lack of electricity, bathe in cold water, light candles to study, and complete homework before sunset.
Britz said that he and councilor Susan Cloete tried to provide aid but were limited for the short term. “We handed over gas, food, and some necessities to the pupils from donations we received. However, these are not enough to sustain the learners for an extended period,” he said. “With only two months left and final examinations looming, limited food and toiletry supplies, and no electricity, students’ concentration may be negatively impacted, potentially affecting their year-end results.”
Parents are expressing concern over the security of the residing pupils, as the lack of electricity could lead to vandalism of the hostel’s premises. The hostel currently accommodates about 69 learners from Steinkopf High School.
Britz alleged that grievances have been submitted to the School Governing Body (SGB) and Principal Nikodemus Vries, but no concrete steps have been taken to resolve the matter.
Councilors Britz and Cloete are calling for relevant stakeholders to come on board to assist the pupils.
The Northern Cape Department is yet to respond to the intervention.
