THE Council of Education Ministers (CEM) has expressed its disappointment at the ongoing sporadic attempts by political and civic organisations to disrupt learning at some schools around the country.
These organisations, the CEM said, have threatened teachers and learners, while others have gone to court and failed to stop schools reopening, and now are intent on resorting to threats and disruptions to achieve their intended goals.
The CEM appealed to all aggrieved political and civic organisations to rather engage with their political counterparts and authorities through official platforms.
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“We are disappointed and dismayed that these organisations have neglected to recognise the efforts of the department in providing alternatives for parents who, out of well-founded anxiety and fear, wish not to return their children to school,” explained Basic Education Minister Angie Motshekga.
“Some parents wish not to return their children to school because children have comorbidities and this is a fact well understood and embraced by the department. For these parents, we’ve made provision, as allowed by the South African Schools Act for Home Education. This option is available and can be accessed by applying at Provincial Education Departments.”
The council added it has not ruled out the possibility of going to court to seek protection from those intent on obstructing schooling.
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