Calm returns to Pongola schools
Three learners were arrested and charged for malicious damage to property and theft after stealing cash from the nearby spaza shop
LEARNING and teaching resumed peacefully at three schools in Pongola on Monday, after classes were suspended following disruptions last week.
Classes were suspended at Somile High last Tuesday after two groups of male learners were reportedly fighting over girlfriends.
On Wednesday, eMtshakula High School was shut down following a riot that broke out as learners demanded the school principal, catering staff and security guards should be fired immediately.
On Thursday learners of Bonginhlanhla High School also disrupted learning, stoned the school facility and burnt the staff room.
Three learners were arrested and charged for malicious damage to property and theft after stealing cash from the nearby spaza shop.
The local chief, Sphelele Msibi intervened and order was restored at the schools.
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A source at eMtshekula High School said pupils who were on the forefront of the riot were remorseful.
‘Everything is running well and accordingly we have allocated seats for the Grade 12 learners as they are starting their exams tomorrow (Tuesday),’ he said.
The South African National Civic Organisation (SANCO) has appealed to all learners to avoid anything that might disrupt the writing of matric exams.
SANCO spokesperson, Jabu Mahlangu called on authorities to ensure that checks and balances in the administration of the exams are in place to ensure there are no glitches and hiccups and that required measures are in place to safeguard the integrity of the examination process.
‘We wish all learners who will be sitting for the examinations as from Monday the very best and call on them to stay focused and not to be distracted from the task at hand.
‘The sacrifices and extra effort they have had to put in to prepare for the exams must be jealously guarded so that they achieve their objective,’ said Mahlangu.
Mahlangu stressed that the investment that the country has made in the education of young people as future leaders is key to sustainable development.
‘Public transport operators must demonstrate their patriotism through hassle-free transportation of learners to their various examination centres across the country.
‘Community protests must be suspended or alternatively their planning must take into account that disruption of schooling and the transport system will adversely affect learners who are on the verge of achieving a qualification that will open opportunities for them,’ he said.
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