NW EDUCATION CONDEMNS THE FORCEFUL REMOVAL OF TIRELONG SECONDARY LEARNERS FROM THE BOARDING SCHOOL BY THE COMMUNITY

The North West Department of Education condemned the forceful removal of Grade 12 learners of Tirelong Secondary school who have been accommodated at Naawpoort Mega Farm school on Monday, 17 January 2022.

It is reported that on Sunday, 16 January 2022 community members came to the school at 21:00 in 4 Quantums, 1 truck and 2 motor cars to forcefully collect their children. It is alleged the group overpowered the security guards at the gate.

The security company reported that members of the community arrived at school and they broke the gate lock and pushed the gate to the ground. It is reported that they arrived in numbers, they were singing and chased the security away at night.

The MEC for Education, Mmaphefo Matsemela condemned the forceful collection of learners at Naawpoort Mega Farm school.

“On behalf of the department l would like to condemn the forceful collection of learners and damage to school property. As the department we have assured parents that their children were safe”.

“We are really concerned to see adults gambling with the future of learners. Almost 56 out 74 learners have been taken away from the school. These community members are violating the learners right to education which is enshrined by the constitution. They take learners even though parents have signed concerned forms. Again why do they take children at night”, said MEC Matsemela.

Only 18 learners refused to leave with the community members.
The 18 learners indicated that they wanted to study without any disturbance.

The department pleads with parents not to deny learners a chance to study. A case has been opened with the police.

 

For more information please contact:

Elias Malindi
Spokesperson
072 892 8399/ 072 115 4855