Disabled pupils tackle department on rights

DISABLED pupils from Ikhwezi Lokusa Special School caused chaos in Mthatha yesterday when they descended on the offices of the department of education.

About 30 pupils, all in different grades, caused traffic disruptions from Ikhwezi township near Mthatha and blockaded the entrance to the Botha Sigcau building, which houses about 11 government departments.

The school caters for grades R to 9 and was established in 1964 to provide education for disabled children. It has about 300 pupils. The pupils, some in wheelchairs and others using walking sticks, chanted “Amalungelo ethu” (Our rights) and sang freedom songs.

They said they were tired of being illtreated by teachers and caregivers and wanted someone from the department to address them.

Their grievances and demands include:

● Not having hot water – they say they have to bath in cold water, even in winter;

● Their cellphones have been unfairly confiscated;

● They suffer verbal abuse about being disabled; and

● They want the abolition of corporal punishment.

Pupils Anele Maza, 17, said they had no choice but to resort to the protest action as their complaints had fallen on deaf ears.

“Throughout winter we’ve had no hot water for bathing so obviously you’ll get sick,” said Anele.

Siphokuhle Susani, 18, said he was tired of being treated badly.

“The people employed to care for us only make fun of our condition and laugh at us, and since January we’ve been trying to address these issues,” said Susani.

Indiphile Baba, 15, said that corporal punishment was still practiced at the school.

“We get slapped and pushed around and then they confiscate our phones even if you’re at the hostel and not in class and we never get our phones back,” said Indiphile.

After causing a commotion at the Botha Sigcau building, the pupils were escorted inside to take part in a meeting.

The Daily Dispatch was refused entry.

Education department spokesman Mali Mtima had not responded to questions by print deadline. —