In Conversation With Bricks Moloi- Provincial Secretary- SADTU (Free State)
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The South African Democratic Teachers’ Union (SADTU) in Free State has expressed serious concern about the recent closure of schools due to poor infrastructure. Most recently, Matla Primary School in Bloemfontein was declared unsafe by Labour Inspectors after inspections revealed that the kitchen, learners’ toilets, and some classrooms failed to meet occupational health and safety requirements. Similarly, St Benedict Primary School in Ladybrand was shut down on 6 March 2026 for comparable reasons.
These closures highlight a wider systemic issue affecting schools across the province. SADTU has repeatedly raised concerns with senior officials in the Free State Department of Education about infrastructure conditions that pose health risks to learners, teachers, and support staff. Despite these warnings, reports presented by the Department in the Provincial Education Labour Relations Council (PELRC) show little progress in resolving the problem.
These closures highlight a wider systemic issue affecting schools across the province. SADTU has repeatedly raised concerns with senior officials in the Free State Department of Education about infrastructure conditions that pose health risks to learners, teachers, and support staff. Despite these warnings, reports presented by the Department in the Provincial Education Labour Relations Council (PELRC) show little progress in resolving the problem.
