AfriForum upgrades make Dr. W.K. du Plessis School safer

AfriForum’s Springs branch joined forces with the community, neighbourhood watch members and staff of Dr. W.K. du Plessis School on 16 June to upgrade the school grounds and improve the safety of learners and staff.

Dr. W.K. du Plessis School is a career-oriented school that provides specialised, high-quality education to learners with epilepsy and learning difficulties. Although the school and its hostels were recently renovated, the construction work unfortunately left behind large amounts of rubble and uneven terrain. Large rocks, steel and other building materials were left on the premises, making the environment untidy and potentially hazardous. AfriForum was subsequently approached for assistance, after which the Springs branch and neighbourhood watch became involved in various repair and clean-up projects on the school grounds.

Earlier this year, in May, neighbourhood watch members helped clean the area outside the school, which borders an open field, by removing bushes and reeds that obstructed visibility. This followed a break-in at the hostel when suspects climbed over the fence. During the incident, two fence panels were removed. The following day, neighbourhood watch members worked alongside community members and the school to repair the damaged fence. The incident also highlighted the fact that the access point and surrounding areas were densely overgrown, which negatively affected visibility and safety.

The area surrounding the hostels, however, still required further attention. On 16 June, neighbourhood watch members, community members and school staff once again joined forces to mow grass, trim back bushes and thoroughly clean the grounds. The project not only improved the appearance of the premises but also contributed to a safer environment for learners and staff.

AfriForum’s Springs neighbourhood watch furthermore conducts regular patrols in and around the school to help ensure the safety of learners, teachers and staff.

“This project is an excellent example of what can be achieved when a community works together to make a difference. We are grateful to every volunteer, neighbourhood watch member and staff member who gave their time to help improve and make the school grounds safer. The safety and wellbeing of our children remain a priority for us,” says Petro Kirton, Chairperson of AfriForum’s Springs branch.