14 June 2007
I was informed by the principal of Northpine Primary School that more than
100 teachers in several buses and cars arrived at the gates of his school this
morning, demanding access to the premises.
The principal said he opened the gates to prevent it from being damaged.
Some strikers then continued to invade at least three classrooms, causing
chaos, intimidating teachers and traumatising learners. My office received a
call from a parent, who was highly upset at the fact that his child came home
crying, explaining what had happened at school.
It appears that some strikers are targeting schools where exams are
scheduled to take place. Clearly this is going to lead to increased tension and
conflict.
It is shocking, totally unwarranted and I want to condemn the behaviour of
the teachers in the strongest possible terms. I have a duty to protect the
learners and teachers, and will be consulting with the department about
measures to beef up security at those schools under threat.
I have also informed the provincial leadership of the South African
Democratic Teachers Union (Sadtu) of the actions of their members.
I want to reiterate that we acknowledge the right of teachers to strike, but
similarly, teachers and learners who do not want to participate in industrial
action, also have a right to be in school and continue with lessons and exams,
without fear of intimidation.
It is completely unacceptable for anyone to traumatise young children in
this way, and use the industrial action as justification for invading schools
and disrupting classrooms.
Bomb scare hoax
In a separate incident early this morning, the school premises of the Eben
Donges High School in Kraaifontein had to be evacuated when a bomb scare was
reported.
Police arrived at the scene and police dogs combed the building for
explosives. It turned out to be a hoax. After an hour the situation was
declared safe and the children went back to class and exams were conducted.
Enquiries:
Gert Witbooi
Cell: 082 550 3938
E-mail: gwitbooi@pgwc.gov.za
Issued by: Department of Education, Western Cape Provincial Government
14 June 2007
