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The Portfolio Committee on Basic Education has asked for intensified learner support in communities where service delivery protests distracted schooling.

The Chairperson of the Committee, Ms Nomalungelo Gina, said the manner in which learners in Kuruman (Northern Cape) and Sterkspruit (Eastern Cape) have been compromised is concerning.

“The Committee understands the issues the communities are raising but realising them should not be at the expense of our children’s education. Infrastructure, water and houses are all delivery aspects that spheres of government are working hard to achieve and realise,” Ms Gina said.

“Education, especially for children who are from previously disadvantaged should be a priority. This parliament will not compromise on this, and will do all possible to ensure a better life for all and that South Africa, whether rural or urban, is a literate nation,” she said.

The Committee will this week undertake a fact-finding visit to the two concerned districts – John Taolo Gaetsewe (NC) and Sterkspruit (EC) – where well over 17 000 learners, of school-going age, have reportedly been thrown out of classes for a number of months as a result of service delivery protests.

Ms Gina said the visit will assess whether catch-up programmes for the final exams were adequate and will enrich the Committee on a number of education related aspects. She urged officials to assist learners whichever way possible to ensure learners succeeded in this year of schooling.

ISSUED BY PARLIAMENTARY COMMUNICATION SERVICES ON BEHALF OF THE CHAIRPERSON