NC Education dept secures urgent interdict as schooling disrupted – DFA

The Northern Cape Department of Education has obtained an urgent interdict against the Vaalharts School Governing Body Forum following two days of school disruptions.

THE NORTHERN Cape Department of Education obtained an urgent interdict against the Vaalharts School Governing Body (SGB) Forum as schooling was disrupted for a second day on Tuesday.

The gates to schools in the Phokwane and Magareng municipal areas remained closed in protest against large-scale budget cuts that have crippled school operations.

The SGB Forum stated that pupils would remain at home until schools received their full allocations from the Department of Education.

Department spokesperson Geoffrey van der Merwe confirmed that 15 schools were affected on Tuesday.

“No teaching or learning took place. Although educators reported for duty, no pupils were present. The district office has instructed principals to issue notices to parents, requesting that they send their children to school on Wednesday,” said Van der Merwe.

He added that members of the “unlawful group” had closed schools and removed staff from the premises over the past two days.

“With the court interdict now in place, failure to comply with the order will result in those involved being charged with contempt of court, which is a criminal offence. It is crucial to ensure compliance in the best interest of our learners, as they are losing valuable learning time.”

He encouraged parents to fulfil their primary responsibility, by sending their children to school.

“Our principals and educators are ready to continue teaching. A curriculum recovery plan will be implemented to make up for the school days lost at the affected schools.”

Van der Merwe condemned the “negative actions” of the SGB Forum.

“Steps are being taken to withdraw the functions of certain school governing bodies in line with legislation. We further appeal to parents and the school community to ensure their children have access to education. The department emphasises that there is no justifiable reason for this disruption,” he added.