Pupils hand over memorandum to basic education department
The pupils insist on transport for rural pupils and safety at schools, among other things.
Thousands of pupils from all over Gauteng marched on the basic education department’s Pretoria office on Thursday to deliver a memorandum of demands.
They insisted, among other things, on transport for rural pupils who had to walk long distances to school. Safety at schools was another issue.
Congress of South African Students (COSAS) executive member, Sizwe Tiyani said: “We have asked for their [education authorities] assistance for a number of times in the past, but they did not respond.”
Tiyani said the protesters had no intention to cause trouble.
“We told them we were coming and even asked them to get the police to escort us.”
Securitywas a major problem at most South African schools, he said.
“We have had an event where a learner was kidnapped just outside the school gate in Brits. Other incidents included stabbings in schools.”
He said the department should not appoint inexperienced people to guard schools, but rather use the services of the police.
“There is no need to appoint a person who does not know what to do in case of an emergency. At least the police will know what to do.”
He said pupils should feel safe and look forward to going to school every morning.
The pupils thanked the department for what it had been doing on other terrains to improve the education system.
“The introduction of the ‘One Learner One Tablet’ system is appreciated, the department is showing us that they are in the process of improving education in the country,” he continued.
The pupils gave the department 14 days to respond to their demands.
Sunnyside police spokesperson Asnath Malatsi said about 60 pupils from various schools were detained while on their way to join the march. They vandalised some shops in Sunnyside, she said.
“The children were all under age and their schools and parents have been notified,” she said.
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