ANC TOP BRASS MUST EXPLAIN
COMMUNITY PROTESTS SET TO CONTINUE TODAY
WHILE pupils at Kimberley’s 75 public schools were sent home early yesterday, the provincial Department of Education said schooling in the city will continue as normal today.
The Northern Cape Department of Education dismissed all schools in the Sol Plaatje municipal area yesterday morning as a result of the uncertainty surrounding the extent of local protests.
“This was a conscious decision taken by the department to ensure that the safety of teachers and pupils were not placed at risk,” de- partment spokesperson, Geoffrey van der Merwe, said yesterday.
As schools contacted parents to inform them of the department’s decision, many rushed from work to schools to fetch their children.
Many parents were quick to point out that the protests are having a negative impact on residents and especially pupils.
“This ‘shutdown’ is becoming a great inconvenience for residents. We now have to rush from work to pick up our children from school. Other parents are working out of town for the day and now have to arrange for transport to pick up their children. That is unnecessary stress that the protesters are putting us under.
“We understand that they want the mayor to resign but we cannot all be put in a corner for that. The protesters must follow the right procedures.
“This is not the first time that a community has called for the resignation of a mayor, why does Kimberley have to come to a standstill just because the mayor has to resign?” the parents asked.
Other parents pointed out that their children had to walk home as there was no one available to fetch them. “This places our children at increased risk.”
Many also pointed out that there are only two weeks to go before the matrics start their preliminary examinations. “Our children should be at school learning. This cannot go on like this.
“These people are playing with our children’s future. Our children need to go to school.”
Another parent added that it was the children who were suffering most.
“They want to be educated and have a better future, but now our schools are being closed because of corruption.”
Some people also questioned Premier Sylvia Lucas’ silence. “Where is the premier? Our children’s rights to an education are being violated. This is unconstitutional.
“This is an ANC factional battle, disguised as a community protest. The premier’s silence is concerning.
“My heart is sore for our matric pupils. This is really sad. Our poor kids. Their education is being disrupted. Our matrics are starting preparations for their final exams. They should be at school and in class.”
Van der Merwe stated that the interruption in learning will not have an effect on the matric examinations as there were Spring Camps to assist pupils in preparing for their final examinations.