Educator leads drive to fix desk crisis

A prolonged classroom furniture shortage at Nkang Mahlale Secondary School in Jouberton, outside Klerksdorp, has been eased after a teacher secured 400 desks and a smart board through private sector intervention.

The desks were donated by Harmony Gold Mine following an approach by mathematics and science teacher Mokete Flatela, who acted after learning that the school remained on a lengthy provincial education department waiting list for furniture procurement.

The shortage had disrupted teaching and learning, with pupils frequently moving between classrooms without desks during period changes. Teachers reported increasing frustration as lessons were interrupted, while some learners were forced to lean on chairs to write.

Flatela said he decided to seek assistance outside government channels during the March 2025 school holidays.

“When I define myself, I normally say before I become a teacher, I am part of the community. When the community suffers, I also suffer. That is why I wanted to be part of the solution,” he said.

Flatela wrote to the Cyril Ramaphosa Foundation and Harmony Gold Mine without the knowledge of the school principal, citing delays in the provincial procurement process and the urgency of the situation.

“I understood that we are not the only school in need, but I could see how learners were suffering daily. At times, learners had to lean so that others could write,” he said.

Although Flatela initially requested 800 desks as part of a broader school revamp, an agreement was reached with Harmony Gold Mine for the delivery of 400 desks.

Last week Friday, 200 double desks were delivered to the school, with the remaining 200 expected this week. A smart board, aimed at enhancing technological learning, was delivered in August.

Flatela, who has been an educator for more than 30 years, said the donation would bring stability to teaching and learning at the school.

“There will be stability. Teaching and learning will be normalised,” he said.

The initiative was kept confidential until approval was secured, with the school principal later informing staff and the School Governing Body (SGB) of the donation.

Flatela said he was humbled by the response from colleagues and the SGB, adding that the development reaffirmed his commitment to education as he approaches retirement.

“I want to leave physical things as a legacy to the Department of Education. These desks will change the quality of education for the African child,” he said.

North West Education MEC Viola Motsumi praised Flatela’s actions, describing them as an example of exceptional dedication.

“He did not limit himself to his position. He understood that seeking assistance is not the responsibility of the principal alone but of everyone in the school,” Motsumi said, describing him as a hero. By Retšelisitsoe Temeki