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The Portfolio Committee on Basic Education has expressed its concern and condemns in the strongest possible terms the burning of schools and infrastructure in Vuwani, Limpopo, during recent protest action.

Committee Chairperson Ms Nomalungelo Gina said the community needs to take cognisance of the education of the learners. “The destruction and burning of state property will not resolve the issue. The only parties that are disadvantaged are the learners who are not receiving teaching at the moment.”

She said the community has every right to protest, but this should not include the destruction of infrastructure. “This is a school term in which all learners will be writing exams and learners need the educational support and teaching they can get. Protesters should be mindful of the effect this will have on Grade 12 learners, who in the next few months will have to sit for their final examinations. Protesters should remember it is their children, cousins and neighbours who will be negatively affected by this action.”

The Committee has urged all interested parties, traditional leaders, community leaders, education officials and law enforcement authorities to speedily reach a solution to address the matter so that the education of these learners can continue.

Issued by Parliamentary Communication Services on behalf of the Portfolio Committee on Basic Education, Ms Nomalungelo Gina