THE STATE IS IGNORING ITS CITIZENS’ PLEAS

THE debate in the communities of ordinary South Africans about the return of pupils to schools in South Africa is reaching boiling point. One cannot stand aside and not participate in the discussion.

The minority group in this debate are the private schools and former Model C schools who are standing aloof once again to the feeling of the masses in South Africa.

These schools have decided to go along with the state’ s instruction that Grade 1, 6 and 11 pupils return this week. The state relented, saying that other grades could return later, but has granted private and former model C schools the right to return other grades to schools as well.

I have always argued that the elitist private school and model C school concepts be abolished in South Africa because they exacerbate our entrenched class system. Although we should be a country where the wishes of the people should be promoted, I get the impression that the state panders to the whims of the people who wield financial clout.

Civil organisations, most teacher trade unions, non-teacher trade unions and progressive political organisations support the return of Grade 7 and 12 pupils to school, but some progressive organisations believe all students including grades 7 and 12 should be at home until South Africa’s virus curve flattens.

I have realised that the state cannot take decisions on behalf of the entire South African nation without speaking to all role-players.

The state is not listening to the organisations representing the majority of South Africans. The coronavirus is a crisis facing all South Africans. It seems as if history repeats itself in that we learn nothing from history. Those in power who were voted in by the majority ignore the cries and pleas of the majority of reasonable South Africans.

I feel that since Grade 7s and 12s are back at schools with all the necessary safety precautions, that they should remain at school. The argument put forward by the one group of progressive organisations is that Grade 7 and 12 students face exit examinations, and one should not disrupt this process. Also, they are back at school and to disrupt this momentum would be detrimental. I agree wholeheartedly with this view. I think it is a view of logic with the interests of Grade 7s and 12s taken into account.

Some teachers feel strongly that they should stay at home until the curve flattens because they are most susceptible to contracting the virus.

Like other workers who are forced to go to work because the principle of no work, no pay will be enforced by the state, all organisations agree that teachers must be at school and those who cannot must submit medical certificates. This to me is also a sane approach to this matter and will create stability in teaching.

There also has been a call from some progressive organisations and some academics that the entire year be suspended and that we start the academic year in 2021. I think it is too early to make such a decision. The teachers and students must focus on this academic year, and in liaison with progressive organisations constantly discuss the way forward. Not to do this would increase confusion and open our children to more social ills.

Already Western Cape Education officials have begun pressuring principals and teachers about the Grade 1 and Grade 11 pupils returning. They are being used by the bullies of WCED to force students back to school. These lackeys were supposed to have transformed themselves into progressive administrators who should be more proactive in voicing the opinions of teachers, parents and pupils. Shame on them!

Nobody wants to see pupils and teachers, or any person, dying of the coronavirus. We want our teachers, non-teaching staff and pupils to be safe. We want what is best for our pupils. Let us do this for our children.