DA condemns SGBs disrupting learning and teaching at Braamfischer schools

24 May 2021

The Democratic Alliance (DA) in Gauteng condemns the disruption of schooling at Moses Kotane and Julius Sebolai Primary Schools in Braamfischer, Soweto, today, and calls on the Gauteng MEC for Education, Panyaza Lesufi to intervene with immediate effect to ensure that teaching and learning resumes in those schools.

The DA has been reliably informed that the members of the School Governing Bodies (SGB) in both the schools are picketing outside the schools and prohibiting learners from entering the schools’ premises.

It is alleged that the SGB is demanding full control of the schools’ finances.

While the SGB plays an important role to ensure that schools operate in a fair and transparent manner, they have no right to prevent learning and teaching from taking place.

Considering that schools have adopted the rotational system due to the Covid-19 pandemic, learners are already behind with regards to the curriculum, yet some parents are disrupting schooling for all learners.

It is unacceptable that some parents, who are meant to ensure that they protect the right of children to access basic education, are disrupting learning.

The DA is appealing to the SGB to find alternative ways to engage with the department without disrupting learning and teaching as it is putting the future of our children at risk. We believe that all education stakeholders must do their best to ensure that we protect the interests of learners and teachers.

Issued by Khume Ramulifho, DA Gauteng Shadow MEC for Education, 24 May 2021