Tempers reach boiling point at Mariannridge Secondary School
It is alleged that the learners destroyed the school's facilities during their protest for hygenic and working toilets.
WHAT started as a strike for hygenic, working toilets by learners at Mariannridge Secondary School, is said to have turned destructive as it is alleged the bathrooms were vandalised and a room was set alight on Tuesday.
Parents are reported to have blocked the entrance to the school today, 25 July.
Ward 13 DA PR councillor, Marlaine Nair, said the Department of Education is belived to have assigned two security guards at the school.
“Parents are still interfering and blocking the way. One of the parents, I am told, hit the principal today as he wanted some contract at the school,” said NairÂ
Nair urged parents and learners not to destroy the school’s property during the strike.
“I understand the community’s frustration. Children deserve an environment that is conducive to learning. The DA spokesman in the KZN Legislature, Dr Imran Keeka, has taken the matter up. Hopefully the Department of Education will act speedily on this matter,” said Nair.
ALSO READ:Â Mariannridge parents allegedly shut down school during exams
The DA spokesman for education in the Legislature MPL, Dr Imran Keeka, said, “I’ve written to the chairman of the Education Portfolio Committee, calling for the committee’s intervention. It is left to be seen if he too will sit on his hands while schools burn.”
“The toilets were destroyed and we are contemplating laying charges of arson. If we do decide to proceed with this course of action, the police must investigate the matter as it is a criminal offence,” said Keeka.
KZN SAPS spokesman, Captain Nqobile Gwala, said Mariannhill police and Public Order Police were alerted to the incident on Tuesday and were dispatched to the school.
Learners were found outside class and were addressed by police.
“Half of them returned to class whereas others went home. No damages were reported and no case was opened. Police are still monitoring the area,” said Gwala.Â
At the end of May this year, parents allegedly welded the school’s gates shut during exams due to lack of response from the Department of Education.
The Highway Mail conducted a site visit in January this year to highlight the school’s failing infrastructure.
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