What was supposed to be the start to a fun filled long weekend turned ugly when learners of Stanger South secondary started protesting as the towns folk watching in stunned silence?
On Friday, 18 March 2011 after the morning assembly, learners began protesting vehemently and jeered loudly in an attempt to get their message across – ironically two days before Human Rights Day.
According to protesting learners, the issue revolved around the absence of teaching. The History teacher, Mr Nzungwane, who started just three weeks ago, was present but refused to do his job.
“We are sick and tired of this situation because we are not learning,” said a disgruntled learner. Learners around the school echoed the same sentiments.
Ironically, a cluster of protesting learners, held placards that strongly suggested the return of the same teacher, who was present before the protesting began.
As the situation got volatile, police in riot gear were summoned. They were taunted by the remaining learners who adopted a mob mentality, as the ‘leader’ was taken away after he intimidated other non-participating learners with a rubber hose.
A female teacher decided to lock the main gate, with learners threatening to take to the police vehicle housing the Grade 11 learner. The brave teacher stood between the razor sharp barb wire gates whilst students were just inches from her.
The private security company on duty at the school called in reinforcements, with one police officer having to restrain himself from firing rubber bullets at another section of learners threatening to attack a fellow officer.
Three learners planned this protest two days prior according to several learners interviewed.
A Grade 12 learner negotiated with Inspector Khosa of the SAPF to release his fellow Grade 11 learner, who had been taken to the police station just earlier.
The Grade 11 learner returned to a hero’s welcome whilst the others attempted to calm the learners.
KwaDukuza Ward Manager for Education, Mr JG Govender came in at a time when the situation was spiralling out of control. Together with Inspector Khosa and Mr Govender, the principal and educators arranged for an immediate meeting under police guard.
Thereafter the RCL, principal, teachers and Inspector Khosa engaged in a two hour meeting which reached a stalemate.
“If no consensus is reached, we will protest tomorrow,” said an RCL representative.
A crucial meeting took place yesterday between the school principal and the various stakeholders at 9am. The school principal refused to comment at the time of going to press as the situation proved to be very sensitive.
No comments:
Post a Comment