Gauteng Education MEC condemns political campaigning in schools
Gauteng Education MEC Matome Chiloane has condemned political parties from entering public schools during school hours.
Gauteng Education MEC Matome Chiloane has vehemently condemned political parties from entering public schools during operating hours.
GAUTENG EDUCATION MEC CRITICISES POLITICAL PARTIES VISITING SCHOOLS
This follows what is described as a campaign trail by a certain political party at some schools in Eldorado Park on Thursday, 25 January 2024, while learning and teaching was taking place.
“We strongly condemn the intrusion of political parties into Gauteng public schools. Education environments must remain apolitical to ensure a focused and unbiased learning atmosphere. Curriculum delivery time must always be respected, and no one must disrupt schools,” said MEC Chiloane.
WHICH PARTY VISITED THE SCHOOL?
It is uncertain as to which political party the MEC is referring to; however, there have been several oversight visits by some political parties in Gauteng public schools. The visit has been mainly over learner placement, exposing poor infrastructure and uninhabitable conditions.
The most recent visit at a Gauteng public school was by ActionSA when its leadership visited the new Birch-Kemp School in Kempton Park. The school was exposed by the party as it currently only consists of prefabricated structures that are not connected to municipal services.
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ACTIONSA’S REASONS FOR CONDUCTING OVERSIGHTS
Commenting on the matter, Siyanda Makhubo, ActionSA City of Ekurhuleni Caucus Leader, said: “It is clear that the Gauteng Department of Education (GDE) did not plan correctly in creating this school as students will have to use temporary toilets as Ekurhuleni scrambles to connect services to this school.”
“ActionSA has contacted the Department of City Planning in Ekurhuleni which has confirmed that there was no communication from the Department of Education as to how and when services will be connected by the municipality,” he added.
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To this end, Makhubo said the party will be engaging with the community on this matter.
“This is to look for ways to find a lasting solution to the mess the department has created,” he said.
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