Chaos erupts in picket over learner placement at Addington Primary School

Chaotic scenes played out at Addington Primary School in Durban on Wednesday, as police dispersed protesting crowds outside school grounds. 

Members of civic organisation, March and March, joined by Operation Dudula and the uMkhonto weSizwe (MK) Party staged a picked outside the school gate.

Police had to use force to remove the group near the premises.

What started as a peaceful protest of chants and songs, quickly turned volatile - with participants demanding enrolment for unplaced children.

Police reacted by firing stun-grenades to disperse the crowd and allow learners to be picked up.  

March and March leader, Jassinta Ngobese-Zuma, explained: “We don’t have an option, for many years

I’ve seen many parents complaining online that their children are at home not getting any education. 

“Some have resorted to getting online learning because of situations like this. No South African child should be forced into a situation where they can’t access education in their own country, that is not going to happen. We don’t care who says what.” 

Ngobese-Zuma said nothing will stop them from demanding what she’s termed as a basic right for children.