Basic Education Department appeals for learning and teaching to be restored in Vuwani
The Department of Basic Education (DBE) remains concerned that teaching and learning has not resumed in Vuwani schools since unrest took hold of the area seven weeks ago.
Twenty eight schools have been directly affected by arson attacks and acts of vandalism while many others remain closed due to ongoing intimidation and threats of further violence.
In total of 52 827 learners have been affected by the unrest , however what is of vital concern is the approximately 2 600 Grade 12 learners who have already missed weeks of school as well as their mid-year examinations which are critical in terms of preparations for the year end National Senior Certificate examinations. If schooling does not resume soon the vital time lost may result in all of these learners having to repeat the year.
For the learners who have been at school for at least 12 years and should be preparing to enter tertiary institutions or ready themselves for the world of work this is an unfortunate situation.
The DBE commends the efforts of the Inter-ministerial Task Team and the Inter-Ministerial Committee in its tireless work to restore stability to the area of Vuwani. We are confident that their on-going efforts will yield positive results and will allow the Education Department to move in and implement the catch up and recovery plans that have been prepared.
We continue to urge parents and community members to take responsibility for the education of the learners and ensure they go back to school as a matter of urgency.
As we head into Youth Day celebrations honouring those who died on June 16th 1976 we call on the Vuwani community to remember the sacrifices made by the youth of 1976 to ensure that every child in South Africa has the right to quality basic education.
Enquiries:
Elijah Mhlanga
Cell: 083 580 8275
Troy Martens
Cell: 079 899 3070
