Those preventing learners from attending school must be charged

Charges must be laid against those preventing learners from attending school in the Northern Cape (see Times report).

More than 16 000 learners are reportedly being prevented from attending school as a result of violent protests and intimidation in the Northern Cape. This is a violation of their constitutional right to basic education. Learners have been prevented from attending school for over three months. Residents in the John Taolo Gaetsewe District Municipality are reportedly intimidating teachers and pupils during protests to demand tarred roads. The actions have precipitated the forced closure of over 35 schools.

The Northern Cape Provincial Department has been aware of the situation for three months and the Basic Education Department has been quoted as saying that Minister Angie Motshegka is involved "behind the scenes". 

The best interest of our learners must guide every decision that we make around education. 

In terms of Section 3(6)(b) of the South African Schools Act, 1996, any person who prevents a learner subject to compulsory attendance from attending a school is guilty of an offence and liable on conviction to a fine or imprisonment for up to six months.

On Thursday, I will be visiting schools in the John Taolo Gaetsewe District Municipality in the Northern Cape, together with Allen Grootboom, DA Northern Cape Education spokesperson, to assess the conditions faced by teachers and students in the area.

If the situation has not changed I will be laying criminal charges in terms of the South African Schools Act against those who are preventing learners from attending school.

Basic education is a fundamental human right and we cannot allow political maneuvering to bring education to a halt. Those who obstruct learning must be brought to book.

Statement issued by Annette Lovemore MP, DA Shadow Minister of Basic Education, August 27 2012

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