By Duncan Mnisi
Parents and teachers at Gen Piet Joubert School of Skills in Polokwane are protesting after being billed nearly R400,000 for water the school never received.
The school, which serves more than 600 students, has endured unreliable water supply for over four years.
Residents and staff point to persistent shortages in the nearby Môregloed residential area as further evidence of systemic municipal failure.
DA Ward Councillor, Johan Retters described the situation as both neglectful and exploitative, criticizing the local government’s dependence on delayed and unreliable water tanker deliveries.
“It’s not just about service. It’s a violation of basic human rights. Children are going to school without water, and a struggling school is being milked dry by the same municipality that’s failing,” he said.
The controversy has sparked anger among parents, teachers, and the wider community, who are demanding answers from municipal officials. They accuse the municipality of mismanaging funds and failing to deliver essential services, deepening the crisis.
Egbert Wierenga, a teacher at the school, called the billing an insult and stressed the urgent need for at least 40,000 liters of water daily to cover basic hygiene and food preparation.
Despite the lack of water, the school continues to receive inflated bills — a practice many view as unfair and exploitative.
Municipal authorities have yet to respond to the allegations.
For now, the community waits in frustration, hoping the government will act to resolve both the water shortages and the disputed charges.
