Basic Education Minister Angie Motshekga has condemned the continuing violence in the Grabouw area of the Western Cape, following the burning of Umyezo wama Apile School. Angry protesters burnt down the school last week demanding additional facilities and an end to overcrowding.
“It is quite sad that residents are misled into believing that government can eradicate the legacy of inhabitable buildings, lack of resources and overcrowding in our schools immediately.
We are working very hard to deal with the situation at that school. My colleague, Western Cape Education MEC Donald Grant has already identified a location for a new school in the area. I therefore find it unfortunate for residents to vandalise school property and intimidate learners”, says Minister Motshekga.
Minister Motshekga also denied reports that the disruption of schooling in Grabouw is politically motivated. “There is absolutely nothing political about the unrest. The National Department fully supports efforts already made by the Western Cape Education Department to make means to ensure that learners attend school. At the moment, restoring normal learning and teaching at Umyezo wama Apile School should be our main focus, not politicking” , says Motshekga.
Enquiries:
Hope Mokgatlhe (Ministerial Spokesperson)
Cell: 071 680 6849
