MEC Lesufi claims getting death threats for fighting racism

ANGRY Gauteng Education MEC Panyaza Lesufi has claimed that his life and those of his family have been threatened.

Lesufi said in his fight against racism at schools across the province, those unhappy with his decisions had targeted his family.

He made the allegations after questions by Dan Roodt from the Pro-Afrikaans Action Group, who riled him when he claimed the department was anti-Afrikaner schools.

Roodt’s colleague also asked Lesufi why the department was ignoring research that indicated there was a correlation between race and IQ.

Lesufi said: “The people who are in this room today, I was given information they will be here. These are the acts they are doing everywhere.

“Yes, my life is at risk but I am not scared. I don’t need any protection. I joined this struggle knowing that it is about life or death. I am not scared of racism.”

He claimed he was being followed and his car had been scratched and tyres slashed.

Lesufi said schools across the province would be integrated. He said the recent Hoërskool Overvaal court victory would be short-lived.

Earlier this week, the Pretoria High Court ruled Hoërskool Overvaal didn’t have the capacity to accommodate 55 English-speaking pupils. The court suggested the pupils be admitted at neighbouring schools.