Burning of a school a huge setback for KZN Department of Education
The Department of Education in KwaZulu-Natal hereby expresses frustrations at the burning of eSokheni High School, Greytown. The protesting learners allegedly resorted to burning of school property and vandalism after they demanded that a new school should be built, and that they wanted to be provided with learner transport since they are forced to travel long distances when traveling to school.
We believe that burning of a school has deprived learners of the right to basic education as enshrined in the South African Constitution. This will cause a severe interruption in educating learners. In addition, monies budgeted for other essential educational necessities will now have to be redirected to remedy the damage caused. This is a huge setback for a province that already has huge education backlogs.
The list of Items vandalized and stolen:
- Office of the principal
- Photocopying machines-Duplo & Minolta Machine
- Data projector
- 26 Tablets were stolen from strong room
- Lawn mower (grass cutting machine)
- School management files including educators files
- TV and DVD were stolen from strong room
- Staff room and Educators’ cottages
We call on all stakeholders, including educators, teacher unions, churches, community members, civil society, South African Police (SAPS) to continue to work together with our authorities to urgently resolve this issue and focus on providing access to quality basic education to learners.
As of this morning, 9 suspects had already been reportedly been arrested by the police, and more suspects could still be apprehended.
Teaching and learning has been temporary suspended for the safety of learners and educators. The Department of Education in KwaZulu-Natal is working around the clock to resolve the challenges of eSokheni High School. A meeting of all education stakeholders will be convened at the school on Friday, 15 September 2017 to try and find lasting solutions to the matter.
Enquiries:
Kwazi Mthethwa
Media Liaison: Deputy Director
Office of the MEC For Education
Cell: 078 264 6165
Fax: 086 654 6089
