Fight over girls shuts down school in Pongola
Teaching and learning was suspended at Somile High School on Tuesday after a group of learners from Vimbemshini and Newstands fought over girlfriends on Tuesday morning
PONGOLA Chief Sphelele Msibi has been working tirelessly to resolve issues that led to the suspension of learning at two local high schools last week.
Teaching and learning was suspended at Somile High School on Tuesday after a group of learners from Vimbemshini and Newstands fought over girlfriends on Tuesday morning.
Education was also suspended at Emtshekula High School following a riot on Wednesday morning.
Chief Msibi met with parents and community members to resolve Somile High’s debacle on Thursday.
It was alleged that Vimbemshini boys, armed with bush knives and sticks, attacked Newstands boys, accusing them of taking their girlfriends.
A source said Somile High was forced to close down as community members also joined the fight.
‘The conflict actually started at the beginning of this month at a party held in one of the local taverns,’ the source said.
‘It is very sad that adults encourage the youth to fight about girls instead of advising them to stop this nonsense,’ the source said.
Chief Msibi said a decision was taken at the community meeting to elect elders from both areas to monitor the situation and intervene if necessary.
ALSO READ: Rioting learners shut down high school in Pongola
Demands
Chief Msibi also attended another meeting at eMtshekula where protesting learners brought teaching to a halt on Wednesday last week, demanding that the school principal, security guards and catering staff be relieved of their duties with immediate effect.
No reasons were given.
‘I believe this was started by learners who are struggling academically at that school. No learners would disrupt learning after working so hard for the entire year,’ she said.
The community assured her classes would resume today (Monday).
Pongola ward 6 Councillor Petros Mavuso urged parents to talk to their children about the importance of education.
‘Learners must stop these barbaric acts and focus on their education so that they can have a bright future.’
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