NW EDUCATION CALLS FOR LEARNERS AND TEACHERS IN LEDIG TO REPORT FOR SCHOOL

The North West Department of Education issues a stern instruction to all learners and teachers of Ledig near Sun City to report back to school on Thursday, 27 January 2022.

This follows “the total shutdown and march’ which took place in the area. The shutdown restricted both learners and teachers from going to school and ordered the learners to be part of the protestations, which the department views as unlawful.

The MEC for Education, Mmaphefo Matsemela condemned the restriction of learners and teachers from going to school because any disruption of schools is a crime.

“I hereby wish to condemn in strongest terms, the restriction of learners and teachers from going to school.

“The South African Schools Act, the Childrens Act and the South African Constitution, are clear on violation of childrens rights and more particularly the right to education. I therefore, comand that teaching and learning to resume as from Thursday, 27 January 2022”, said MEC Matsemela.

Over 5000 learners from 2 Secondary schools and 5 primary schools in the area have been affected by the shutdown and this includes the sarrounding villages.

Learners have lost 3 days of quality teaching and learning already due to the shutdown and the department was forced to obtain an interdict to stop this anormally and protect the children/learners. The department indicated that children cannot be made human shields in protests, this should not happen. Schools should never be disrupted.

At national and provincial levels, there are Child Rights Advisory Councils, championed by the President and the Premiers.The department will report this matter to ensure that communities are educated about the rights of children.

 

For more information please contact:
Elias Malindi
Departmental Spokesperson
Cell: 072 892 8399/0721154855