Brazen theft of solar panels at Golden Steps School
Although Golden Steps is a public school and receives a subsidy from the Department of Education, it is not enough to sustain the school’s day-to-day running, hence the school is largely reliant on sponsorships and donations from nongovernmental organisations and the public.
Golden Steps School, an institution of learning in Cottonlands for children with a special needs background, has been left in the dark after solar panels generously sponsored and put to good use in running the school, were stolen last month.
The school also admits children with multiple disabilities and has an enrolment of 223. Apart from the disabilities that these pupils endure, they also come from very impoverished backgrounds.
Therefore, the school provides a hot meal and transportation daily.
Although Golden Steps is a public school and receives a subsidy from the Department of Education, it is not enough to sustain the school’s day-to-day running, hence the school is largely reliant on sponsorships and donations from nongovernmental organisations and the public.
Golden Steps School’s acting principal, Dr Shireen Hariparsad, said, “The school was extensively looted in 2021, however, many sponsors and donors came to our rescue. One of the sponsors was the electronic department of DUT, which sponsored and installed solar panels at an estimated cost of R1 million. The solar panels were installed to ensure there is a continuous supply of power, hence the safety of pupils and staff will never be compromised. Unfortunately, on the afternoon of April 26, I received a call notifying me that six thieves cut the school fence, held the guard up and stole the solar panels. This has now compromised the safety of everyone at school.”
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It is indeed a very emotional time for the staff and pupils of Golden Steps School as they have been raising funds through market days and raffles, ensuring that they have adequate resources to promote a culture of learning and teaching to the best of their abilities at the school.
“The school always maintained and upheld its standard of education with a vision of ensuring that our children are provided with quality education and skills so that they become responsible and independent individuals in society. Verulam and surrounding areas, such as Cottonlands, experience major power outages and without solar power, the school will never be able to function effectively,” added Dr Hariparsad.
She was disturbed to note that criminals are constantly targeting a special needs school, which puts the institution on the back foot. In recent weeks, Dr Hariparsad had a collaborative and constructive meeting with various security stakeholders to curb theft at the school.
She indicated that being a special needs school, their focus is on imparting functional academics and skills development.
“It is for this reason that the school is always in need of resources, however, if the resources are stolen, then this can be very damaging to the institution. We are appealing to the public to assist us in the recovery of these solar panels and for donations in cash or kind so that we can get a new set of solar panels installed with stricter measures in place. We would greatly appreciate any form of assistance. Together, we will rise,” she concluded.
Anyone with information regarding the stolen solar panels may contact Reaction Unit South Africa on 032 533-8772 or Verulam SAPS on 032 541- 5242. You may also contact Dr Shireen Hariparsad on 083-462-1338 or 032 815- 1052.
The banking details for Golden Steps School are as follows:
- Name of account: Golden Steps School
- Bank: FNB
- Account number: 50910279865
- Branch code: 220229
- Branch address: Wick Street, Verulam
