On this Human Rights Day, the Democratic Alliance (DA) in Gauteng reflects on the profound betrayal of the fundamental rights of the children of this province by the Gauteng Department of Education (GDE).
The South African Constitution promises everyone a right to education and human dignity. Yet in Gauteng, thousands of children languish in limbo due to late and chaotic school placement systems. Our children also have to deal with exposure to toxic asbestos classrooms, overcrowded and unfurnished classrooms, and unsafe scholar transport.
Compounding these challenges is the poorly conceived 64% budget cuts hitting Quintile 5 schools, and the inadequate vetting of teachers, placing our learners under the watch of individuals convicted of sexual offences.
The MEC should heed the DA’s call: eradicate asbestos schools, properly resource schools, and enforce the law before more lives are lost and another year is wasted on empty promises.
Only a DA-led Gauteng Provincial Government can save the education system from the brink of collapse by building more schools, ensuring proper planning and management of finances, and enforcing laws to protect our learners. Yes, we can, and our track record speaks for itself.
Sergio Isa Does Santos MPL, DA Gauteng Education Shadow MEC
Sergio Isa Does Santos
iol.co.za
