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An infestation of bats a Limpopo Primary School was one of the reasons for its closure by the Department of Employment and Labour.
In a statement on Monday, the Department said the decision followed a visit to the Sigonde Primary School in Musina by an Occupational Health and Safety Inspector on Friday.
Spokesperson, Lerato Mashamba, said the school was not compliant with the Occupational Health and Safety Act, as the grade 4 class had cracks at the door-post which overlaps with the grade 5 class.
She said the Grade R 1,4,5,6 and 7 classes had bats on the roofs which poses danger to the health and safety of the children.
Mashamba said on Tuesday 24 May, 50 learners were absent from school as they reported being sick due to the infestation resulting from the bats.
Mashamba said a mobile classroom utilised by the Grade 2 learners is the only class that is still functioning, while the school will remain closed until the corrections are made.
“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 Limpopo’s Acting Provincial Inspector, Reckson Tshitshivheli.
