Roodepoort learners must be given every opportunity to learn

17 August 2015

The Democratic Alliance (DA) supports the decision by the Gauteng Provincial Education Department to prioritise the education of learners at Roodepoort Primary School.

These learners deserve every opportunity to be taught in safety and without uncertainty. The temporary allocation of these pupils to alternative schools will also help learners who are reportedly behind with their lessons.

It is unfortunate that some individuals involved in disputes at the Roodepoort School have not been able to put the interests of the learners first; instead they have chosen to disrupt schooling and intimidate teaching staff. 

Schools should be a safe environment for both learners and teachers, and as indicated during a meeting with Education MEC, Panyaza Lesufi, last week, the DA has requested the department to continue to mediate with parents and the community to ensure that ongoing disputes do not disrupt the remainder of the school year.

The DA will pay close attention to this process and monitor the placement of all learners at alternative schools, as well as ensure that teachers are reporting to work and not just to district offices.

Statement issued by Khume Ramulifho MPL, DA Shadow MEC: Education, August 17 2015