Basic Education Committee pleased with starting of schools in Vuwani
The Portfolio Committee on Basic Education is pleased to note reports that schooling has commenced today in Vuwani, Limpopo. The Committee encouraged all stakeholders to put in efforts to make this year a success for all learners.
Committee Chairperson, Ms Nomalungelo Gina said: “It is now time for our learners to use every possible method and all time needed to catch up. This is especially important for our Grade 11’s, who will find themselves in matric next year.”
Ms Gina said the Committee is however concerned that just yesterday another school was burnt down. “This is unacceptable. Schools are there to ensure that our learners get a proper education, which in many instances due to the history of the country, many older people did not have.
“Let the learners enjoy the fruits of our democracy by making it possible for them to access education. The right to education is after all a basic Constitutional right.”
Schooling in the area stopped three months ago after local communities were unhappy about the demarcation process. Several high profile meetings were held to try and resolve the matter.
Ms Gina called on parents and the larger community to take ownership of state infrastructure to ensure they are not vandalised during protests. “These infrastructure is for the benefit of the public at large. Once protests or disagreements have been resolved, the community will still need them,” she said.
The Committee is further pleased to note media reports that schooling in the camps that were set up to accommodate matriculants in Vuwani were successful. According to reports, matriculants were able to catch up on all the work that was lost.
“The Committee would like to commend educators and learners for the extra effort that was put to ensure that school work was up to date and that mid-term exams were written in preparation for the 2016 National Senior Certificate examinations which will start in the middle of October,” said Ms Gina.
For media enquiries or interviews with the Chairperson, please contact:
Rajaa Azzakani
Tel: 021 403 8437
Cell: 081 703 9542
E-mail: razzakani@parliament.gov.za
