VUWANI: There are no plans to relocate more than 2 500 matric pupils in Vuwani and its surrounding areas, as the area remains volatile and schooling has yet to commence following violent protests which saw more than 20 schools in this part of Limpopo torched and destroyed recently.
The Limpopo Education Department said it was hoping that a solution would be found soon to end the violence before mid-year exams start next Tuesday.
More than 20 schools were gutted or destroyed after villagers launched violent protests against the Municipal Demarcation Board’s (MDB) decision to remove them from the Makhado municipality in order to incorporate them into a newly created municipality.
Despite the wanton destruction and the threat of further violence, pupils – who are desperate to learn – have made the trip to school every day, only to find that there are no teachers at the schools and no classes are being taught.
This despite furniture and mobile classrooms having been delivered to the area to replace the damaged infrastructure.
Some pupils have tried to be admitted to neighbouring schools, but have been rejected amid fears that, if they are accepted, these schools will also become targets.
Pupil Mpho Ramatsitsi said she had sought admission at two schools.
“They told me that if they take me, they risk exposing their schools to arsonists who are targeting schools and teachers in the area,” said Ramatsitsi.
Ramatsitsi, who is in Grade 12, returned to Vhudzani Secondary School with seven other pupils yesterday, but found their school still not open.
Education authorities have no plans to relocate pupils, instead saying they have plans to implement catch-up programmes.
“We don’t have a plan to relocate pupils, we hope that the negotiations between stakeholders will find lasting solutions,” said department spokesperson Naledzani Rasila.
However, local civic organisations said schooling would not start until government heard their demands to remain within the Makhado municipality.
A high police presence remains in the affected areas.
Deputy National Police Commissioner Fannie Masemola said: “We are aware that Vuwani will remain a hot spot." – ANA