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The Select Committee on Education and Recreation condemns in the strongest terms the disruption of learning and the burning of schools in Marite, Mpumalanga. The Committee has learned that two schools, Kwanang Primary and Rhindzani Secondary School, were torched last night.

It is disappointing that the community has resorted to torching schools in their efforts to get a tarred road. “Destruction of property can never be acceptable, irrespective of the validity of issues raised by the community. The torching of these schools in fact undermines what might be a genuine demand by the community,” said Ms Lungelwa Zwane, the Chairperson of the Committee.

The Committee reiterates its call made last year during the Vuwani protests that communities must raise their concerns through relevant systems set out by government.

The burning of essential property, such as a school, undermines the future prospects of children in the Marite community and the country at large. Furthermore, it puts a strain on the already limited resources intended to ensure quality of education to all learners.

The Committee calls on the law enforcement agencies to strengthen their presence in the area to reduce the threat of destruction of more properties.

Issued by Parliamentary Communication Services on behalf of the Chairperson of the Select Committee on Education and Recreation, Ms Lungelwa Zwane