Eastern Cape's Ikhwezi Lokusa Special School Set for R11.2 Million Upgrade

The Ikhwezi Lokusa Special School, located in Mthatha, which serves learners with disabilities, is on the brink of a significant transformation. The Eastern Cape Department of Education has pledged a whopping R11.2 million for renovations and improvements to the school's facilities, responding to urgent calls highlighted by media exposure on the substandard living conditions and allegations of abuse within the institution.

Persistent coverage and subsequent public outcry laid bare the dire state of affairs, with learners reported to be sleeping on brick beds, enduring cold water baths, and worse, suffering alleged abuse at the hands of staff members. Such revelations have spurred the provincial government into committed action.

Malibongwe Mtima, a spokesperson for the Bhisho education department, confirmed that the project's wheels are in motion, with phase one already undertaken by Maliswana Trading – the contractor recently brought on board. This initial phase saw the dismantling of the deplorable brick beds that had become a symbol of the institution's neglect.

Looking ahead, phase two is set to introduce modern amenities such as new ablutions and contemporary beds. Additionally, there will be provisions made for generators to alleviate the impact of power blackouts – a frequent issue plaguing the area and adding to the hardship of the school's residents.

The extensive refurbishment plan encompasses a comprehensive overhaul. According to Mtima, this is set to be a four-month project, during which, apart from the amenities upgrades, the school will have its flooring replaced, broken windows fixed, damaged doors renewed, and an upgrade to its sewer system. Furthermore, it includes the improvement of water reticulation and stormwater drainage systems, and for the female students, the fitting of new sanitary facilities. Aesthetically, the internal walls of both hostels are to be repainted, breathing fresh life into the living quarters.

Significantly, this reconstruction is not purely cosmetic or superficial by any means. The school’s academic calendar has been adjusted to a February start to allow for these phases to be rolled out seamlessly – a necessary step to accommodate the extensive scope of renovations.

This commitment by the Eastern Cape Department of Education to refurbish the Ikhwezi Lokusa Special School happens under the peculiar backdrop that the facility is, in effect, not owned by the government but is a privately owned establishment which the department has been renting. This detail sharpens the focus on the prioritization of government funds towards the well-being of disabled learners in the province.

Moreover, this intervention comes against the backdrop of visits and discussions by the National Council of and for Persons with Disabilities (NCPD), which indicated a possible legal confrontation with the department over the alleged neglect and abuse. The NCPD’s national director, Therina Wentzel, expressed frustration at the sluggish response from the department regarding the issues plaguing the facility, which is home to at least 189 vulnerable learners.

The renovations at Ikhwezi Lokusa Special School mark a significant step in addressing the long-standing issues faced by the institution, signaling a move towards a more inclusive and supportive educational environment for learners with special needs in the Eastern Cape.