Protests disrupt exam progress at Vredenburg, Saldanha Bay schools

On Tuesday morning thousands of Vredenburg residents took to the streets in a violent service delivery protest. Photo: African News Agency (ANA)

On Tuesday morning thousands of Vredenburg residents took to the streets in a violent service delivery protest. Photo: African News Agency (ANA)

Published Nov 15, 2018

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Cape Town – Exams at some schools in Vredenburg and Saldanha Bay were halted as a result of violent protests that have been ongoing since Monday.

While calm returned to Vredenburg following the release of close to 40 arrested residents, violence erupted in Saldanha Bay, with protesters burning tyres. The Diazville Community Hall, Diazville Clinic and municipal office were set alight, with private residences and businesses vandalised.

Police spokesperson FC van Wyk said: “POPS and other law enforcement agencies continue to monitor the situation in Saldanha. SAPS recognises the right of the people to protest. However, they are expected to do so within the confines of the law.”

Residents are demanding better service delivery and they also want access to a piece of land on which to build structures. 

Western Cape Education Department spokesperson Jessica Shelver said matrics in the areas wrote their Xhosa paper 2 under difficult circumstances, and they were again forced to halt exams for Grades 8 to 11.

“We urge the community to be cognisant of the fact the Grade 12s are writing exams and that should they not be able to write, the next opportunity they will have will be in May or June next year which will have a massive impact on their future study plans.”

Cape Times

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