School fence divides community

When the School Governing Body (SGB) at Modimolle’s Dagbreek Primary School saw the need for protection of assets, personnel and the learners, they had a discussion with the parents to build a perimeter fence.

The recent installation of a razor-wire fence at the school was however met with mixed emotions.

The Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) has expressed concern that the fencing had the potential to injure learners.

The red berets marched to the school in Phagameng Township on Thursday 2 May, to press home demands for the removal of the fencing.

A memorandum was handed over to the teaching personnel in this regard.

The protestors also took the opportunity to request an internal audit from 2017 to be carried out at the school.

Further EFF demands called for the disbanding of the school governing body.

Speaking on behalf of the marchers, the EFF’s Victor Legoba said they decided to march after failing to reach an amicable solution during round-table discussions, with the SGB and school
management.

“We just want that fence to be removed before any child sustains injuries. We also want the SGB committee to be disbanded,” Legoba said.

Ironically, on Tuesday 30 April, parents who attended a meeting with the SGB and the school management felt that the fence will enhance safety and security at the premises.

SGB chairperson Cate Mphafudi said the fence was installed after a consultation meeting with the parents.

“Even today, the parents have expressed that they do not see any reason for the school to remove the fence. As parents we feel that our children, the teachers and the entire school are safe in the premises,” she said.

Mphafudi further added that there were no plans to remove the fence and risk the safety of the school, staff and learners.

— The BEAT