ANC MPL Christian Martin laid criminal charges against the Port Elizabeth district education office yesterday for its inaction on the closure of northern areas schools.There has been virtually no teaching since Monday after parents voted the schools would remain closed until the department addressed various challenges such as overcrowded classrooms and teacher shortages.
Yesterday, Martin arrived at Gelvandale police station, together with a handful of parents who believe that schooling should continue despite the education crisis.
He said he had opened a case of intimidation, incitement, violation of the constitution and contravention of the school’s act.
“According to the School’s Act, no person acting without just cause can prevent a learner from attending compulsory school. I believe that this is the first case of its kind to be opened,” Martin said.
He said, as a MPL, he had asked various parliamentary questions regarding the crisis but had decided that he could not wait for a response.
“I opened this case in my personal capacity. This is our children we are talking about … I will deal with the consequences later.”
He said the department should send letters to principals warning them that school should resume or disciplinary action would be taken against them.
DA MPL Edmund van Vuuren said: “The ANC is so confused about what the solutions are that they are now laying charges against each other.”
Van Vuuren said Martin should ask Education MEC Mandla Makupula to resign instead.
“By opening a case… MPL Martin is admitting that his party has failed.” — butlerl@timesmedia.co.za
ANC MPL lays charges against education office
There has been virtually no teaching since Monday after parents voted the schools would remain closed until the department addressed various challenges such as overcrowded classrooms and teacher shortages.
Yesterday, Martin arrived at Gelvandale police station, together with a handful of parents who believe that schooling should continue despite the education crisis.
He said he had opened a case of intimidation, incitement, violation of the constitution and contravention of the school’s act.
“According to the School’s Act, no person acting without just cause can prevent a learner from attending compulsory school. I believe that this is the first case of its kind to be opened,” Martin said.
He said, as a MPL, he had asked various parliamentary questions regarding the crisis but had decided that he could not wait for a response.
“I opened this case in my personal capacity. This is our children we are talking about … I will deal with the consequences later.”
He said the department should send letters to principals warning them that school should resume or disciplinary action would be taken against them.
DA MPL Edmund van Vuuren said: “The ANC is so confused about what the solutions are that they are now laying charges against each other.”
Van Vuuren said Martin should ask Education MEC Mandla Makupula to resign instead.
“By opening a case… MPL Martin is admitting that his party has failed.” — butlerl@timesmedia.co.za
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