“Pupils from some of the Eastern Cape’s worst-performing and most dilapidated schools broke down in tears as they described learning in collapsing classrooms, drinking questionable water and fearing for their safety during an emotional education roundtable in Qonce.”

“The discussion, hosted by Equal Education, focused on worsening infrastructure conditions at schools in Qonce and surrounding areas.”

“Among the schools represented were Lukhozi High near Dimbaza and Mbulelo Benekane Senior Secondary.”

“One grade 10 pupil from Lukhozi High... told the gathering that pupils felt unsafe and neglected at school.”

“The pupil said animals regularly wandered around the school grounds and pupils had to endure icy winds blowing through damaged roofs and broken windows during lessons.”

“Another pupil, from Mbulelo Benekane Senior Secondary, said overcrowding and shortages of learning material made studying extremely difficult.”

“Two pupils from Lukhozi High said rain regularly swept through classrooms because of broken windows and leaking roofs, while pupils were forced to drink water stored in drums they feared could be contaminated.”