A recent oversight visit to a primary school in Mt. Edgecombe, KwaZulu-Natal, has uncovered the unacceptable misuse of school property as an illegal truck depot. The visit, conducted by KwaZulu-Natal Public Works and Infrastructure MEC Martin Meyer, Councillor Rory Macpherson, and department officials, revealed that school grounds and sports courts were being used for truck repairs, with diesel spillage, scrap metal litter, and broken fencing.
The department, which acts as the custodian of government assets in KZN, said it would not allow schools situated on departmental land to be used for dangerous operations. Meyer stated that the councillor approached the department after the eThekwini Municipality fined the property for violating bylaws. According to Meyer, the damage to the property and the business being run on the property were clear.
Impact on the Community
Councillor Rory Macpherson expressed concern about the devaluation of properties, nuisance, and threat to schoolchildren and road users, which has persisted for nearly two years. Macpherson noted that three or four trailers were parked on the pavement at a time, extending into the road, posing a danger to road users and children walking to and from school.
The trucks being repaired on the school field created a serious health issue, with diesel, rubber, and spare parts lying next to the tennis courts where children were playing. Macpherson contended that any agreement between the school and a business to provide supplementary funding should have involved a business that complemented the school’s function.
Consequences and Next Steps
Macpherson added that commercial buildings opposite the school felt their property values were being diminished by the “ongoing chaotic scene across the road,” which has included attracting “the wrong elements” and the “smell of diesel.” The municipality responded and took action, issuing two R5,000 fines and ordering the removal of the trailers. The KwaZulu-Natal Government is expected to issue fines to the school or the business owner.
The MEC himself has said this is one of the worst examples of flagrant disregard of arrangements that he has seen. The situation highlights the need for proper land use management and enforcement of bylaws to protect communities and ensure that schools are safe and conducive to learning.
- Damage to school property
- Health risks to children
- Devaluation of surrounding properties
- Threat to road users
