Ongoing protests in Tshwane disrupt schooling

The Gauteng department of education has expressed its concern over the disruption of schools in various areas around Tshwane as a result of the ongoing protests.

“It is of extreme concern to us‚ that when communities engage in protest actions‚ schools become targets resulting in learners losing valuable time‚” the department said.

Spokesperson for the department Oupa Bodibe said‚ “ We are busy collating information to establish how many schools have been affected”.

Bodibe said one school in Mamelodi was damaged. Its windows were broken‚ he added.

He said mid-year examinations for senior certificate candidates who are not full time were affected by the protests.

“We have engaged the Department of Basic Education and a decision will be made on when the backup papers will be written. Backup papers have been set for such eventualities.

“In terms of examinations for other grades‚ the districts in collaboration with the principals will discuss the issue of revising the timetable to accommodate affected subjects‚” Bodibe said.

“We are working closely with the local police to monitor the situation and intervene where necessary. Our school patrollers have also been instructed to be vigilant and report instantly to the principals any suspicious activities around the schools during the day and night.

“We would like to make an appeal to community members and School Governing Bodies (SGBs) to assist the department in safeguarding of our schools‚ so that the future of our learners is not placed in jeopardy‚” Bodibe added.