GDE: Teaching underway at protest-hit Tanganani Primary
The Gauteng Department of Education has confirmed that teaching is underway at Tanganani Primary School in Diepsloot, following delays that initially affected its opening.
The school was scheduled to open on 5 May 2025, but community protests demanding economic opportunities led to disruptions that delayed construction and the appointment of teachers.
The department stated that these issues were beyond its control.
To avoid further interruption to the academic calendar, the department deployed subject advisors to lead lessons until permanent staff could be appointed.
“This measure ensured that academic activities continued while the recruitment of permanent educators proceeded according to the Department’s Recruitment and Selection Policy. Interviews for the teaching posts were successfully concluded on 21 May 2025, and the appointed educators are expected to report for duty by 2 June 2025. Furthermore, the Department will soon advertise an additional three teaching posts to enhance capacity at the school,” said the department’s spokesperson, Steve Mabona.
The school is part of a broader plan to address severe shortages in Diepsloot.
Earlier this month, the Department reported that 285 learners in the area had not yet attended school this year. Of those, 206 are in primary school and 79 are in high school.
Tanganani Primary is one of two schools the Department had earmarked to relieve pressure in the area.
While the school has now been completed with 18 functional classrooms delivered, the second school remains under construction and work on a third has yet to begin.
In a statement, the department confirmed the safety and readiness of the Tanganani premises.
“The school premises are secure, with appropriate fencing and lockable gates in place. Sanitation needs are being addressed through the deployment of flushing mobile toilets, and water tankers have been made available to ensure a reliable water supply. A generator was delivered on 15 May 2025 to provide temporary electricity, while a kiosk was installed on 24 May, with full power distribution expected by 27 May 2025,” Mabona added.
To make up for lost learning time, the Department has introduced a range of academic recovery programmes.
“These include baseline assessments conducted between 12 and 16 May 2025, followed by the development of customised intervention plans informed by diagnostic results. Remedial teaching and peer-supported learning sessions commenced on 23 May and will continue until 30 September 2025,” said Mabona.
A mid-year academic review is scheduled for 31 July 2025. The goal is to fully reintegrate all learners into the regular curriculum by the start of Term 4.
