Community shut down seven schools in WhiteHazy Circuit
The community claimed that these schools had Covid-19-positive cases, but government failed to close and sanitise them, hence their action.
Angry community members within the WhiteHazy Circuit shut down seven schools in this area on Monday.
The affected schools included Manzini, Masoyi and Khanyisani high schools.
“We want to send a message to government and the minister of education that we are not going to allow our children to be sent into slaughterhouses. We as parents will never forgive ourselves should our children die of this virus.
Read: Robbers and vandals hit Mpumalanga schools hard
“We are not afraid of the police or being arrested because we believe in our cause,” said Martha Khoza, one of the community leaders.
Community members ordered teachers and principals to release the children with immediate effect.
In one of the schools the learners joined in the protest, offering support to the community members.
The Department of Education in the province has criticised the disruption of classes, arguing that parents have a choice to apply for homeschooling for their children.
Also read: Tonga Police Station the latest to be hit with positive Covid-19 case
“We will continue mobilising for a complete shutdown and have all schools closed in our circuit. I hope other areas will see what we are doing this side and join us in our quest to have schools closed until it is safe for teaching and learning to take place,” vowed Khoza.
