Electricity restored at Dunoon Primary School amid ongoing vandalism fears

Electricity has been restored at Dunoon Primary School following weeks of disruption, but concerns remain that the school could again be targeted if criminal activity in the area continues.

Eskom spokesperson Simlindile Mafunduka said a fault caused the power outage after the school’s electricity kiosk was knocked down by a vehicle.

She said Eskom technicians repaired and reinstalled the kiosk earlier this week, and that the only outstanding work was the installation of the electricity meter.

According to Ms  Mafunduka, the technical team is committed to installing the meter on Wednesday, which would fully restore power to the school.

She confirmed that the incident was not related to copper theft and said the school’s electricity supply should return to normal once the meter installation is completed.

A source close to the school said the problem was first discovered by a security guard on Thursday, January 8.

When teachers arrived at the school for the start of the academic year, there was still no electricity or Wi-Fi, affecting teaching and basic services.

“Electricity was restored on the evening of Thursday, January 22, bringing relief to staff and pupils.”

 However, the source said individuals believed to be linked to previous incidents were later seen in the area, raising fears that the school could remain a target.

The outage had a significant impact on the school’s daily operations, she said.

“The water pump relies on electricity, forcing the school to incur additional costs for water, while printing and photocopying of learning materials had to be done off-site.”

“The Western Cape Education Department assisted the school with supplies and did their very best. But the community also has a responsibility. When people allow this to happen, it is the children who suffer,” said the source.

Residents have been urged to report any suspicious activity. 

The source also questioned why scrapyards continue to operate while schools are repeatedly affected by vandalism. 

“This community is failing this school. Copper is stolen and sold, and everyone knows where it ends up,” the source said.

The school relies on an inverter as a backup power supply, which community members help to keep charged.

Previous solar panels installed by the department were damaged or stolen, she said.

Western Cape Education Department spokesperson Millicent Merton confirmed that the matter was reported to the department on Monday, January 12. 

Ms Merton said that in July last year, aluminium windows were vandalised and window panes stolen.

“The windows were repaired by the department. No incidents of cable theft were reported at the time,” she said. 

She also confirmed that the department’s Safe Schools programme supported the school with additional security during December 2025 and January 2026.

Milnerton police said they have no records of damage to property or theft linked to the most recent incident and encouraged the school to open a case for investigation. 

The source said previous reports had been made, but no action followed.

Community activist Bulelwa Cungwa called on residents to protect local schools. 

“Schools belong to the community. If we don’t protect them, we are failing our children,” she said.

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