Glenhaven Secondary was allegedly used for a large Easter gathering, leading to extensive damage to the school property.
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Residents of Brindhaven are outraged after Glenhaven Secondary School was allegedly used for a large Easter gathering, leading to extensive damage to the school property, health concerns, and calls for urgent government intervention.
According to residents, an estimated 400 congregants descended upon the school from Thursday and occupied classrooms as sleeping quarters, transforming the education facility into an unconventional venue for a traditional Easter gathering.
Shockingly, the event reportedly included the slaughtering of livestock on the school grounds. An inspection conducted on Sunday by Ward Councillor Johnson Chetty, alongside members of the Brindhaven Civic Association and the Community Policing Forum (CPF), uncovered what officials described as “deplorable” and “hazardous” conditions.
The Post reported that among the issues reported were blocked sewer lines, a widespread infestation of flies and pests, broken windows, and considerable structural damage. Educational spaces were left in disarray, with desks and chairs scattered, while waste and animal remains cluttered the school grounds.
"Cattle were reportedly seen on the premises, and at least one cattle carcass was found inside a classroom,” Chetty revealed. Furthermore, bags filled with animal intestines were discovered in classrooms, alongside bones and other remains.
At present, the school is deemed unfit for occupation by both teachers and students due to health risks.
Chetty expressed his outrage following the disturbing inspection.
“I was alerted to bus and taxi loads of Easter worshippers that were congregating at the school. They started arriving on Thursday and left early Sunday morning," he recounted.
“I was appalled at the sight of a cow that had been slaughtered on the premises, overflowing bins, an infestation of flies, and litter strewn across the school.”
He alleged that the event had been pre-planned and sanctioned by school authorities. "In my discussions with the School Governing Body (SGB) Chair, it appears that this gathering was sanctioned by the acting principal and the SGB. However, there are serious questions about accountability, particularly regarding the slaughtering of animals, which the community had been assured would not take place.”
Chetty also lamented the lack of communication from school leadership. “Neither the acting principal nor other responsible parties have returned our calls. The principal had previously assured the community that there would be no slaughtering, breaching their trust. This is disrespectful and goes against law and order, as well as basic ethical standards. A school is a place of learning, not a venue for large gatherings of this nature."
He has formally requested urgent intervention from the Department of Education and Public Works to restore the school and prevent similar incidents in the future. “At the very least, the school requires immediate deep cleaning and sanitisation, but more importantly, those responsible must be held accountable,” he stated.
Local residents reported that they endured loud noise and disturbances throughout the weekend, with music resonating late into the night. Anand Jayrajh, a Management Committee Member of the Brindhaven Civic Association, shared the community's dismay. “We were utterly shocked and distressed at what transpired in the heart of our community. Hundreds of people arrived, including live animals, creating a chaotic scene.”
Jayrajh described the aftermath as deeply unsettling. “There was evidence of animal slaughter, with carcasses, offal, and bones lying around. Animal intestines were found in plastic bags, even inside classrooms. An unbearable stench permeated the area and thousands of flies hovered nearby.”
The absence of appropriate facilities for overnight accommodation raised further questions about the legality and safety of the event. “With schools reopening, it is doubtful that the environment will be safe for pupils and staff. The toilets were clogged, and the classrooms left in a deplorable condition, posing significant health risks to the community,” he warned.
He also raised concerns about potential violations of municipal bylaws, public health regulations, and animal welfare standards. “The incident raises questions about hygiene, fire hazards, and whether proper legal procedures were followed in the slaughtering of animals. School premises should serve as sacred spaces for education and should not be used for such gatherings.”
Highlighting the ongoing crisis, Jayrajh noted, “The country is currently experiencing a grave epidemic of foot and mouth disease. We must question whether the slaughtering of animals on the premises complied with legal requirements.”
KZN MEC for Public Works and Infrastructure, Martin Meyer, acknowledged the seriousness of the incident and indicated that an investigation would follow. “While I understand schools need to raise money, it cannot be done in a manner that damages the school or jeopardises education. This is a shared responsibility between Public Works and Infrastructure and the Department of Education. I will request officials to inspect the school.”
At present, the school is deemed unfit for occupation by both teachers and students due to health risks.
Chetty expressed his outrage following the disturbing inspection. “I was alerted to bus and taxi loads of Easter worshippers that were congregating at the school. They started arriving on Thursday and left early Sunday morning," he recounted. “I was appalled at the sight of a cow that had been slaughtered on the premises, overflowing bins, an infestation of flies, and litter strewn across the school.”
He alleged that the event had been pre-planned and sanctioned by school authorities. "In my discussions with the School Governing Body (SGB) Chair, it appears that this gathering was sanctioned by the acting principal and the SGB. However, there are serious questions about accountability, particularly regarding the slaughtering of animals, which the community had been assured would not take place.”
Chetty also lamented the lack of communication from school leadership. “Neither the acting principal nor other responsible parties have returned our calls. The principal had previously assured the community that there would be no slaughtering, breaching their trust. This is disrespectful and goes against law and order, as well as basic ethical standards. A school is a place of learning, not a venue for large gatherings of this nature."
He has formally requested urgent intervention from the Department of Education and Public Works to restore the school and prevent similar incidents in the future. “At the very least, the school requires immediate deep cleaning and sanitisation, but more importantly, those responsible must be held accountable,” he stated.
Local residents reported that they endured loud noise and disturbances throughout the weekend, with music resonating late into the night. Anand Jayrajh, a Management Committee Member of the Brindhaven Civic Association, shared the community's dismay. “We were utterly shocked and distressed at what transpired in the heart of our community. Hundreds of people arrived, including live animals, creating a chaotic scene.”
Jayrajh described the aftermath as deeply unsettling. “There was evidence of animal slaughter, with carcasses, offal, and bones lying around. Animal intestines were found in plastic bags, even inside classrooms. An unbearable stench permeated the area and thousands of flies hovered nearby.”
The absence of appropriate facilities for overnight accommodation raised further questions about the legality and safety of the event. “With schools reopening, it is doubtful that the environment will be safe for pupils and staff. The toilets were clogged, and the classrooms left in a deplorable condition, posing significant health risks to the community,” he warned.
He also raised concerns about potential violations of municipal bylaws, public health regulations, and animal welfare standards. “The incident raises questions about hygiene, fire hazards, and whether proper legal procedures were followed in the slaughtering of animals. School premises should serve as sacred spaces for education and should not be used for such gatherings.”
Highlighting the ongoing crisis, Jayrajh noted, “The country is currently experiencing a grave epidemic of foot and mouth disease. We must question whether the slaughtering of animals on the premises complied with legal requirements.”
KZN MEC for Public Works and Infrastructure, Martin Meyer, acknowledged the seriousness of the incident and indicated that an investigation would follow.
“While I understand schools need to raise money, it cannot be done in a manner that damages the school or jeopardises education. This is a shared responsibility between Public Works and Infrastructure and the Department of Education. I will request officials to inspect the school.”
IOL