KZN Education MEC criticises ongoing protests at Addington Primary School

KwaZulu-Natal Education MEC Sipho Hlomuka has criticised ongoing protests at the Addington Primary School in Durban.

For three weeks now, civic organisation March and March, alongside Operation Dudula and the uMkhonto weSizwe (MK) Party, have picketed outside the school.

ALSO READ:

Addington Primary: March and March leader opens case against police

March and March, MK Party and Operation Dudula charged over Addington Primary school clashes

They are demanding placement for South African children at the school, while also calling for the de-prioritisation of foreign learners.

Ongoing demonstrations at the school have turned violent, with clashes between local and foreign national parents outside the school premises.

Hlomuka visited the primary school after being accused of being missing in action.

In response to the criticism, Hlomuka said that his delayed visit does not mean he was not paying attention to the matter.

He said all 54 children who were unplaced have now been allocated classrooms.

“It must be stated clearly that learners, regardless of their background, must not be targeted or victimised as the Constitution of the Republic of South Africa is unambiguous that every child within our borders has a right to basic education. Violence has no place in our schools."

The MEC also warned that any disruption at schools will be dealt with decisively.