Rustenburg - Learning and teaching was expected to resume in Bloemhof next week following protests by learners, the North West education department said on Friday.
“Learners of Thuto Lore and Gaopalelewe Secondary schools in Bloemhof are set to return to school on Monday after they boycotted classes since the reopening from the Easter break claiming unresolved demands by the provincial department,” said spokesperson Elias Malindi.
He said the department met with the Representative Council of Learners (RCL) on Thursday to listen to their demands.
The learners had complained about the hiring of unqualified teachers in their schools, corporal punishment, non-functional school management and school governing body (SGB), as well unhealthy meals, among others.
The department refuted the claims, saying the department hired qualified academics as educators following an increase in the resignation of teachers.
The newly qualified academics were recognised by the department of higher education and training and had provisional South African Council of Educators (SACE) certificates, North West Education MEC Wendy Matsemela said.
Matsemela expressed her disappointment at the conduct of the learners saying proper procedures should be followed when raising concerns, and insisted truancy was not one of them.
“As learners we should be mindful of proper channels in raising issues. The Constitution recognises your rights to education and success and these rights should be of peaceful demonstration without disrupting teaching and learning,” Matsemela said.
Learners went on the rampage this week, looting foreign-owned shops and torching a bakkie in the process. At least six of the pupils were arrested.
African News Agency
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