Snakes, Sewage, and Broken Promises: Parents Demand Urgent Action at Durban Deep Primary School

Durban Deep Primary School Faces Severe Infrastructure and Safety Issues. Parents of students at Durban Deep Primary School in Johannesburg are voicing serious concerns over the school’s deteriorating conditions. Reports highlight issues such as snake infestations, broken container classrooms, and inadequate sanitation facilities, all of which pose significant risks to learners’ health and safety.

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Snake Sightings Heighten Safety Fears

Situated adjacent to a veld, the school has experienced multiple snake sightings on its premises. In a particularly alarming incident, a python was reportedly killed on school grounds. Parents fear that the compromised state of the classrooms, many lacking functional doors and windows, leaves children vulnerable to such dangers.

“Not long ago, we killed a python here. Yes, it didn’t bite our kids but who’s to say it won’t next time,” expressed a concerned father.

Inadequate Sanitation Facilities Pose Health Risks

The school’s sanitation infrastructure is severely lacking, with only five toilets available, many of which are not fully functional. Parents report that these conditions have led to health issues among students, including infections.

“My child had an infection more than once because of these toilets, but nothing has been done even after that,” shared a distressed parent.

Promises of Infrastructure Improvements Remain Unfulfilled

Despite longstanding promises from authorities to construct a proper school building, parents claim that no substantial progress has been made. Instead, additional container classrooms have been added, which are reportedly unsafe and easily damaged.

“Instead of building the school, they keep bringing more containers, and the children break these things easily. They are not safe at all,” noted a parent.

Community Plans Protest to Demand Action

Frustrated by the lack of response from the school governing body and the Gauteng Department of Education, parents are organizing a protest to highlight the dire conditions. They express skepticism about political promises, especially with upcoming elections.

“Voting time is coming, and these politicians are going to come here and give us empty promises again. They only give us attention when they want votes, but they never help,” remarked a parent.

The crisis at Durban Deep Primary School highlights the urgent need for immediate government action to protect the safety and well-being of its learners. Parents demand concrete steps instead of repeated promises, making it clear that the current conditions are unfit for any learning environment.

Both the Gauteng Department of Education and local and national leaders must take accountability. For too long, they have ignored the deteriorating state of schools like Durban Deep. The community now urges them to prioritise education beyond political agendas and election seasons. Schools should offer safety, growth, and a sense of security—not fear and neglect.

As parents and residents organise a peaceful protest, they deliver a strong and unified message: every child deserves to learn in dignity. Access to education must come with access to clean, secure, and properly maintained facilities. The community refuses to stay silent, and their voices will continue to rise until those in power take meaningful action.