Watch: EFF demonstrate against alleged racism rumours outside school

EFF members gathered outside Tzaneen Primary School’s gates singing struggle songs while a meeting took place with the principal, Willes Steenkamp. Local security companies and police law enforcement kept a watchful eye on the peaceful protest. This after EFF supporters saw photographs on social media, and assumed that classes were divided into racial groups. “We are satisfied with the outcome of this meeting,” said Mary Khumalo, from the EFF Chairperson at Ward 4.

Steenkamp stated the following: “Learners attending Tzaneen Primary School are place in classes due to language preference. The school offers English, Xitsonga, Sepedi and Afrikaans as home languages. When parents apply, they state their preferred language and placements are done by means of language as stated in the policy.”

“There is no racism in placement at the school. The EFF visited the school to conduct an oversight and are happy with the situation,” the statement concludes. At noon, EFF supporters and members gathered outside Ben Vorster High School where parents had an unscheduled meeting with the principal, Jan van Staden to discuss the placement of learners who are not currently admitted at the school.

“There are parents who want admission to the school for their children. The official admissions process is not yet concluded. We have more applications than any school can handle,” says Van Staden. He added that many schools in the area face the same challenge with mass applications. The EFF was content with the outcome of the meeting according to Van Staden.

“Six learners who live in Tzaneen were not admitted and the principal considered the request,” says Samuel Mangena, chairperson of the EFF Mopani branch. “We believe the school will assist,” Mangena added. Van Staden added that they will make sure that they look into every individual application and make sure that no injustice is done.

“However, I cannot promise or guarantee the placement of learners,” said Van Staden. In last week’s edition of the Herald the Department of Education stated that one of the key challenges faced during the re opening of schools is the placement of learners in a few of the circuits in the province,
especially urban areas.

Media liaison officer for the department, Mike Maringa stated last week that the majority of applicants received admission notices, but that others were declined based on ‘various individual reasons’, he added that the department will not entertain or promote ‘school of choice’ in the placement of learners.