EFF protesters block off entrances to HTS Middelburg
The morning drop-off of learners at HTS Middelburg was hampered by the ongoing labour strike after members of the EFF blocked off all entrances to the school.
Despite vehicles being parked in front of all entrances, the strike remained largely peaceful and learners were permitted entrance to the school.
Mr Hoppie van Jaarsveld, headmaster of HTS Middelburg, told the Middelburg Observer that the strike was approved by the CCMA’s commissioner as a legal strike, but that employees and their supporters were protesting outside the appointed picketing rules.
He further added that the EFF members were there on demands “to liaise with the school” but that the school has thus far maintained communication with NUMSA and will not be negotiating with any political parties.
“The workers are demanding provident funds, transport to and from school, as well as increased hourly rates on their wages. We, however, are a non-profit organisation and are unable to instate increases according to everyone’s demands.”
The school obtained a court order stipulating among other things that strikers may not blockade any entrances to the school, that they may not prevent any staff members, parents or learners from entering or leaving the premises, and that picketers are to remain in the confined space that includes the patch of grass at the main entrance.
The Public Order Policing Unit, however, had to be dispatched after protesters went against those stipulations.
Despite police presence, members of the EFF remained stationed at all entrances until roughly 09:00 until POPS successfully persuaded the members to keep themselves within the earmarked space.
EFF Vice Chairperson for the Nkangala District, Cllr Thabiso Tshoane, told the Middelburg Observer that their members are present in solidarity of the striking workers.
“We are a vanguard of the community and are therefore representing members of the community.”
Cllr Tshoane added that they have tried to engage with the school governing body, who has been avoiding engagement for the last two weeks. He also alleged that a meeting was scheduled for today and that the school governing body did not honour that meeting, hence them blocking off all access.
The members further added that they will not leave the school premises until the issues are resolved.
• By the time of the Middelburg Observer’s departure, all picketers had agreed to return to the ringfenced section next to the main entrance.
