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MPs press Basic Education over asbestos in 800 schools

Published

Parliament's select committee on education questioned the Department of Basic Education on Tuesday after hearing that asbestos remains in more than 800 schools. Chairperson Makhi Feni said almost a thousand Eastern Cape schools still have unsafe asbestos.

The committee received a briefing from the department and the auditor general on the department's annual report. Members then questioned officials on why asbestos is still in school buildings.

Feni said the removal of asbestos roofs needs to be fast-tracked. He said learning conditions will get worse as summer approaches. He told the department: "It's worse now; it's going to be summer. We know in winter what asbestos does and also the health hazards that might be caused to those kids".

The department said officials from some provinces were not at the meeting. It said it will engage the Eastern Cape head of department.

Key facts

Who
Makhi Feni (Chairperson of the select committee on education, sciences and creative…); Department of Basic Education (Department being questioned by the committee); Auditor general (Briefed the committee on the annual report)
What
The select committee received a briefing from the Department of Basic Education and the auditor general on its annual report and questioned the department on the continued presence of asbestos in schools. The department said officials from some provinces were not at the meeting and will engage the Eastern Cape head of department.
When
20 October 2026
Where
Eastern Cape
Status
Reported

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