Learners demand free wifi, one tablet per learner and removal of private schools
These were just some of the demands made to the Education Department and Vodacom last Wednesday, as the Congress of South African Students (Cosas) led learners from across the province in a march.
POLOKWANE – The protest started at the Siegfried Maré Park and ended at the department. In the memorandum delivered to Vodacom, Cosas Provincial Secretary, Sello Mahladisa said the programmes run were not of benefit to learners.
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“These programmes are meant to equip learners with the necessary skills to be able to survive in the fourth industrial revolution. We also call for data costs to be reduced. Learners cannot afford to purchase data but they need it in this competitive world.”
He said the network provider should realise that learners are the children of the working class. Vodacom could not be reached for comment by the time of going to print. The memorandum delivered to Education, stresses the learning conditions in rural schools.
“The current education system teaches learners to be job seekers and not job creators. We need innovative subjects like entrepreneurship in schools that will give learners skills that have value.”
Other items on the memorandum included the demand for:
1. Quality education.
2. Free WiFi in all schools.
3. Removal of modulation.
4. Government supplying all learner stationery.
5. Removal of private schools.
6. Security and cleaning personnel at all schools.
7. One tablet one learner.
8. Proper sports facilities in all schools.
9. Free sanitary towels for all schools once every month.
10. Removal of mobile classes.
Should a response not be received within due course, they would “revolt”, and demand the removal of the MEC, Mahladisa said. Education Spokesperson, Sam Makonto confirmed receipt of the memorandum and said they would respond within the specified time frame.
