Normal teaching and learning resumes in earnest at Mawombe High School near Mtubatuba in Northern KwaZulu-Natal following, a three-week closure as a result of student violence in the school.
The conditional opening of the school was preceded by a string of meetings involving all stakeholders. The completion of a two-day rigorous admission process paves way for serious teaching and learning in school premises. Of the total 613 learners, 499 were successfully registered. These are learners who abided by all the stringent rules and conditions of admission.
Among the conditions, no learner would to be admitted unless accompanied by a parent or legal guardian. Learners were also expected to bring their identity documents or birth certificates. Some had to be sent away as they did not meet the requirements set by the department.
“We are satisfied with the registration process. We are also hopeful that learners have learnt their lesson and the repeat of this incident will not occur at Mawombe again. But we also hope this serves as a lesson to all the learners across the province that violence is not the answer to any situation. We further wish to thank the members of the South African Police Service (SAPS) for ensuring safety and security at the school at the time of the violence and continue to do so currently. To educators whose lives were endangered by rampant learners, we wish to extend our heartfelt appreciation for putting the future of these learners ahead of themselves,” said Senzo Mchunu, MEC for Education in KwaZulu-Natal.
Some of the learners who are said to have lead the campaign to vandalise the school have not registered. Learners who did not have their identity documents will be given one more chance to register.
For more information contact:
Muntu Lukhozi
Cell: 082 562 5965
E-mail: muntu.lukhozi@kzndoe.gov.za
