SAHRC relieved that the Vuwani shutdown has ended, yet remains cautious over impact on learners
The South African Human Rights Commission (Commission or the SAHRC) is relieved that the Vuwani shutdown has ended as of Monday the 2nd October 2017. News of the end of the shutdown is particularly pleasing to the Commission as learners are able to return to school. The Commission however, remains cautious in light of the fact that learners have missed a month’s worth of schooling in the wake of the shutdown and is concerned about the impact this may have on learning.
“We are extremely concerned for the matriculants who have missed many days of schooling, which will definitely have a negative influence on the outcome of the final matric exams.” said Commissioner Angie Makwetla, Commissioner responsible for children’s rights.
Since the shutdown barred children from attending school, thus impacting on their right to education and not being in the best interest of the child as articulated in sections 29 and 28 of the Bill of Rights, respectively, the Commission intervened as a mediator.
With the SAHRC’s Limpopo Provincial Manager, Victor Mavhidula, taking the lead, the Commission’s approach was to consult with all stakeholders involved. The Commission consulted with the Pro-Makhado Task Team, Vhembe District Municipality and the Provincial Government on an individual basis to ascertain what the remaining challenges were. The Commission then convened a meeting with all stakeholders on Friday the 29th September 2017.
At this meeting, the Commission made it clear that the shutdown had to end and that the best interest of the child had to be put first. This meant that the shutdown had to come to an end, children needed to return to school and a long term solution for the problems facing Vuwani needed to be negotiated and sought.
“In a country where we are battling with serious issues of poverty and unemployment, one would expect parents and community members to guard the right of their children to education with all their might, yet this did not happen in the instance of Vuwani. The tactic of barring children from attending school during protests is not in the best interests of the children and communities need to find another way to raise their concerns whilst community leaders listen to and address the concerns of residents.” said Commissioner Makwetla.
Enquiries:
SAHRC Spokesperson
Gail Smith
Cell: 060 988 3792
E-mail: gsmith@sahrc.org.za
