Laerskool Danie Malan in Tshwane placed under lockdown by protesters

Laerskool Danie Malan in Tshwane was reportedly placed under lockdown by protesters on Monday morning, as officials called for calm.

According to a letter sent to parents by the school, and seen by The Citizen, the situation was described as “unsafe”.

“We would like to inform you that the school gates are currently locked by unknown persons, and the situation is unsafe.

“We take the safety of our students and staff very seriously and are already working with the relevant authorities to resolve the matter urgently.

“We request that parents please refrain from coming to the school grounds until further notice. We will keep you informed of any developments as soon as possible.”

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Protest

Protestors blocked the roads with rocks and burning tyres, allegedly over school placements.

Police are on the scene.

No students or teachers were at the school at the time of the incident, around 6am, and private security officials had to cut the locks to get into the premises.

The Gauteng Education Department told The Citizen that they are aware and monitoring the situation.

School placement

Laerskool Danie Malan SGB chairperson Elzaan Wood told The Citizen they arrived at the school to find the gates locked.

“As far as I can understand, it’s parties that are unhappy with the fact that their children haven’t been placed in our school, and unfortunately, our school has already reached capacity so we don’t have any available space for any other learners.

“But there is another school just opposite the street or just opposite Laer Skool Danie Milan called North Park Primary School and they still have capacity for the learners, but it seems that the parents don’t want to place the children in that school,” Wood said.

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Capacity

She said Laerskool Danie Malan has a capacity for 1 350 pupils.

“That’s boys and girls, Afrikaans, English learners, everyone.”

Wood said there were no injuries to any person or damage to school property, adding that the SGB hopes to continue with schooling “as soon as possible”.

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