Basic education portfolio committee has appealed for safety at several Khayelitsha schools in the Western Cape after teachers and learners were attacked by criminals.
Chairperson Bongiwe Mbinqo-Gigaba said the committee’s
urgent intervention was requested by the Khayelitsha Development Forum on a
matter between the Western Cape Department of Education and KDF and all the
Khayelitsha schools.
The committee was made aware that the MEC for Education in the Western Cape had
promised to deploy security guards to all the Khayelitsha schools after ‘the
devastating criminal attacks on educators at schools’.
According to the KDF, between January 2020 and today,
more than six schools have already fallen victim to violent crime by armed
assailants.
“I have taken the matter up with the National Department of Basic Education
(DBE) to ask for assistance in liaising with the relevant provincial education
department. As a committee we take the question of the safety of our learners
and educators very seriously. Whilst these discussions by the education
authorities are underway, I appeal for calm at our schools,” said
Mbinqo-Gigaba.
“Furthermore, I appeal to communities to help us keep all our schools
violence-free. If you know or are aware of such thugs in your community, report
them to the authorities. The safety of our learners and educators is paramount
as education ensures a better future for all learners. They need an environment
that is conducive to teaching and learning.”
She said the committee will also monitor the progress made by the DBE and the
provincial department in resolving this matter expeditiously.
