Public Protector Adv Thuli Madonsela on Thursday brokered a deal that could see learners from Olifantshoek in the Northern Cape going back to school as early as next week.
This follows her meetings with Gamagara Mayor, Maria Diniza, Northern Cape provincial police commissioner, Lieutenant General Janet Basson and community leaders that stand accused of instigating violence in the area.
During the meetings, which took place separately, it was agreed that the bail conditions of the four community leaders, who were arrested and charged following violent service delivery protests in the area, would be relaxed.
This would allow the leaders to go back home and take part in community meetings. In turn, the leaders would ensure that the community allows learners go back to school. The accused currently live in a farm in the outskirts of the small town in compliance with their bail conditions.
The bail conditions require them to not set foot in Olifantshoek and ban them from taking part in community meeting. They are, however, still prohibited from participating in protests.
During the meeting, the police agreed to relax the bail conditions effective mid next week.
The meeting was a follow up attempt to resolve the stalemate that has seen learners from three Olifantshoek schools failing to return to school after the September recess. They have stayed away from schooling since June 2012 amid protests by community members over service delivery matters.
For more info:
Oupa Segalwe, Manager: Communication
Public Protector SA
Tel: 012 366 7035
Cell: 072 264 3273
E-mail: oupas@pprotect.org
