WATCH: Learners protest at Ekurhuleni School for the Deaf

Ekurhuleni School for the Deaf learners protested over a lack of food and alleged mismanagement of funds on June 11.

The learners held lessons to a standstill to protest for better learning conditions and against the alleged mismanagement of funds.

They were demonstrating outside the school gate at Mofokeng Section, Katlehong, after the Gauteng Department of Basic Education (GDBE) officials allegedly opted for a virtual meeting instead of visiting the school.

They blocked Motaung Steet with burning tyres and rocks. Vehicles were redirected to alternative routes.

The learners demanded that the school principal be removed, citing that she had failed to prioritise their issues.
According to the learners, the challenge with food at the school has been going on for a while.

Other issues included a shortage of blankets and being expected to shower with cold water at their hostel.

Background

The regional chairperson of Ekurhuleni EFF, Nkululeko Dunga, said when they came to the school, they found burning tyres.

“It was difficult for us to communicate with the learners because the school is for muted and deaf children, but what we managed to get was that there are a lot of sensitive matters, such as the learners who stay at the school’s hostels being left hungry,” said Dunga.

“We also found out that teachers were apparently drinking and smoking during class hours.

“There are also allegations that the principal is using money fruitlessly and that her husband allegedly owns the security company at the school. We are still investigating these allegations.

“We have decided with other public representatives, including political parties, parents and the community that we will protest at the school until the Department of Education, the Department of Health or Department of Social Development come to address us because we have tried to engage with them,” said Dunga.

Nomsa Dlamini, who is one of the parents, said she tried to engage with the principal as well.

“We had a group of volunteers who were willing to help clean the school for free. I suggested that to the principal but she refused and said she does not have the authority,” said Dlamini.

“While children are affected because the school is dirty and hygiene is a huge problem, the children are exposed to infections, especially the girls,” she said.

The GDBE spokesperson, Steve Mabona, confirmed in a statement that they are aware that there was disruption to schooling on June 11 at the school.

“Information at our disposal is that the learners were protesting due to their alleged unhappiness over the choice of food being served at the institution. The learners further demanded a change in the leadership of the school,” said Mabona.

“We further confirm that our district officials visited the school and managed to defuse the tension. The department has committed to attending to all concerns raised by the learners.

“We wish to reiterate our call upon everyone in our schooling community to desist from resorting to disrupting schools when they have any concerns about our schools.

“The GDBE has many channels open to engaging stakeholders committed to the delivery of quality education to children in Gauteng and encourages anyone with concerns to utilise such accordingly.”

A way forward

The police, EEF members and parents have called the GDBE officials for a meeting.

More details will be shared once information is made available.