Clayhaven Primary School, an award winning institution, has been plagued by infrastructure
challenges. It still remains a temporary prefab structure where the building has taken much impact
from the forces of nature. Of concern was the ageing ablution facility.
However, a R331 000 make-over of Clayhaven Primary School’s toilets – utilised by staff and pupils
alike – by the South African Muslim Charitable Trust (SAMCT) has made the mouldering environment
significantly more conducive to education.
The school was opened in 1977 to accommodate learners affected by the 1976 Umgeni River floods
and 44 years later is still regarded as a temporary structure and one facing major challenges, the
result of being ravaged by both the forces of nature and physical decay.
Commenting at the official hand-over of the new facilities, SAMCT representative, Mr Gaff Osman,
said: “Children have the right to a fit and proper education, regardless of their economic
circumstances. Equally, it must be said that that such an education includes ensuring a facility in
which learners feel safe and which boasts adequate infrastructure within which to learn.”
“Sadly, this is not a reality for numerous South African learners – including those attending
Clayhaven Primary School, here in Phoenix. Instead, many, together with their teachers, must
contend with crumbling infrastructure, over-crowded classes and less than hygienic ablution
facilities. This does nothing but perpetuate a high level of inequality within the country and
continued poor educational outcomes for learners.”
Management and teachers had done the best they could to make repairs, but Mr Gaff Osman said
that in the face of insurmountable financial difficulties, they were fighting a losing battle.
“Key components of a winning educational system include the curricula, effective and dedicated
teachers, and infrastructure. These elements must, surely, provide the basis for improving the
quality of education here in South Africa and anywhere in the world. Fundamentally, then, the
foundation… the bedrock upon which the other elements of education are built, lies in the quality of
the infrastructure, its planning and its design, which should be focused on the appropriate
development of our learners.”
“South Africa’s educational bedrock, leaves – in so many instances – a lot to be desired. Case in point
is Clayhaven Primary School… a fully operational teaching environment completely lacking that
bedrock. Instead, it contends with and works around deteriorating structures, unhygienic ablutions
and disintegrating flooring,” Mr Gaff Osman said.
He stressed that infrastructure – especially as regards the school’s toilet facilities and classroom
flooring – was deteriorating more rapidly than repairs could be undertaken, when the delivery of
education to the school’s learner remained the priority.
“Credit must go to the staff and learners for their respective commitment to teaching and learning in
such an environment. However, the lack of Government funding and the ailing infrastructure is a
serious challenge and one which is undoubtedly having a detrimental effect on the school’s teacher
and learner population. With the operational expenses the school faces, it has clearly proved
impossible to replace infrastructure… until now. Upon learning of the less than satisfactory school
toilets – used by staff and learners alike – the South African Muslim Charitable Trust was pleased to
be able to intercede,” added Mr Gaff Osman.
The SAMCT, created in 2008, was established to provide funding, services and other resources for
the improvement of the lives of the vulnerable, deprived and disadvantaged. In this regard, it has
successfully delivered significant assistance solutions throughout the country, irrespective of race or
religion and works to support needy organisations in the fields of health, social development,
poverty alleviation and education.
Mr Gaff Osman concluded: “The provision, we believe, of new and hygienic ablution facilities
provides the school with a new foundation, critically ensuring the health and safety of teachers and
learners and preventing their future exposure to disease. It is my fervent hope that in providing
Clayhaven Primary School with new ablution facilities, we have made the school a little more
conducive to effective teaching and learning. It is but a small step in what will undoubtedly be a long
journey of restoration, but it is a step which will ensure the good health of all those associated with
Clayhaven Primary School, given the need to ensure this becomes a disease-free educational
facility.”
“I wish the Principal and staff every success in the betterment of teaching and learning here and may
you maintain your steadfast belief in ensuring the best possible education for those in your charge,
regardless of the circumstances with you are forced to contend.”
For more information about SAMCT or its Clayhaven Primary School ablutions donation, please
contact:
Rasheeda Motala
Social Responsibility Officer
Tel: 084 506 2280
Email: samct@samct.co.za