COSATU Gauteng condemns the burning of schools in the province

8 April 2020

COSATU in Gauteng is disturbed by the burning of schools in Gauteng. Amid the COVID 19 virus,criminals see it fit to engage in this heinous act of destroying schools. It is concerning that to date 22 schools have been burned and no one has been arrested. COSATU is appealing to affected communities to assist law enforcement agencies apprehend these perpetrators.

The Federation is concerned by the levels of lawlessness in our communities since lockdown, this include Gender-Based Violence, stealing and burning of schools. We are calling for swift action against those who vandalized 22 schools in Gauteng, as well as calling for the government to declare burning of public institutions as treason.

The federation in Gauteng reiterates its commitment to work with community-based organizations, alliance partners, the Gauteng Departments of Education and Community Safety and public service unions to protect public facilities. Our aim is to make communities aware that the more public facilities are destroyed the more resources will be taken away from other services needed the most by communities.

Issued by Louisah Modikwe, Provincial Secretary, 8 April 2020