Since the reopening of schools in the province, the 2022 academic year has been hit by a couple of hiccups, including the alleged abduction of 162 pupils, school transport issues, and protest marches. 

Recently, residents held a total shutdown and march in Ledig, near Sun City, which allegedly prevented about 5 000 learners from both primary and secondary schools, including educators, from attending schools. The department has now come up to issue a stern instruction to all learners and teachers to report to school on Thursday 27 January 2022.

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

"I hereby wish to condemn, in the strongest terms, the restriction of learners and teachers to go to school. The South African Schools Act, the Children’s Act, and the South African Constitution are clear on the violation of children’s rights, and more particularly, the right to education. I, therefore, command that teaching and learning must resume from Thursday 27 January 2022," Matsemela says.

The affected pupils are from two secondary schools and five primary schools, including those from the surrounding villages.

Matsemela says learners have already lost three days of quality teaching and learning due to the shutdown, and the department was forced to obtain an interdict to stop this anomaly 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,” she further adds.

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