Instead of worrying about their studies, learners at the Sebetsa O-Thole Moputso Secondary in Snake Park, Soweto must deal with additional frustration of having to take their lessons whilst seated on the floor.?

FIRST COME, FIRST SERVE?

Every morning, learners are forced to rush to the school so that they can be first and grab the few chairs the school has. This doesn't come easy as well, the learners must fight each other to get the chairs. By the time morning classes start, the learners are tired and frustrated disrupting morning classes. A learner who didn't want to be named fearing victimisation said if he doesn't wake up early to get to class first, he will spend the rest of day sitting on the filthy, cracked wooden floor."It's really difficult we get into unnecessary fights over furniture every day. Sometimes I'm early enough to get a chair but the bullies who come in late take it from me." He added that desks that are meant to create convenience for writing are also being used as chairs."You can't have both, if you have a chair, you don't get a desk because someone will be sitting on it.It's hard but we must persevere. I'm a fresher in high school and I must say this is the worst experience ever."

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ITS BEEN GOING ON FOR YEARS?

Sibusiso Ngubane joined the Student Governing Body in 2021 and the furniture problem was already existing. "Kids don't have enough classrooms to accommodate them as well as furniture. they are faced with a daily struggle and department makes promises to us every year, but they don't deliver," said Ngubane. He claims the problem has been going on for two years and things keep getting worse. "There are cable wires lingering, mobile classrooms have holes, come wintertime it becomes difficult for the kids to concentrate because it's too cold. We have a lot of children in the school and we need more classrooms," he said. Ngubane said the school has never had enough furniture and the last time the department brought some it there was still a shortage."I don't think the department cares. How are they expecting learners to learn and produce good results while sitting on the floor? Mobile containers which are used as Grade 8 classes are in a bad state that you can't tell if it's a dumping site or a classroom.Grade 8,11 and 10 classes are the worst. They are on the floor all year long, even in winter. We need help for our children." Ngubane added.?

DEPARTMENT BLAMES THEFT?

The education department spokesman Steve Mabona said they are aware of the furniture shortages for grade 8 learners at the school. "The shortage is a result of furniture theft that took place last year. The school requested furniture in February 2021 (270 chairs and 190 desks). The department delivered in April and added an assist 100 chairs." Mabona said.Steve said the department visited the school when it reopened and advised the principal to submit a formal request for learner furniture shortage urgently. He said the furniture will be delivered soon.