[WATCH] Learners join in Cosas march to hand over memorandum
The Congress of South African Students (Cosas) in Limpopo, joined by learners from schools around Polokwane, marched to the Department of Education this morning.
POLOKWANE – The Congress of South African Students (Cosas) in Limpopo marched to the Department of Education this morning, to hand over a memorandum of demands.
The union was joined by learners from schools around Polokwane and according to Koketso Koko, regional coordinator, the department is failing to handle matters pertaining Covid-19 in the basic education sector.
Cosas demand that the department put measures in place if Covid-19 cases are confirmed in schools. They say it must be made clear that if there is a confirmed case at a school, whether the school must be closed for fumigation or disinfection.
“The department should come up with clear plans on the safe return of learners instead of relegating responsibility to school management. Currently, the department does not have a plan to host other grades, therefore their return must be halted until such time that a plan is in place,” said Koko.
Koko said they want the Gr 12 learners to be kept at camps until they write their exams.
“We want the department to arrange a space where our Gr 12 learners will stay until they start and finish their exams. We would also want other grades to only return to school when infections are low.”
Review asked two learners, Ephraim Mamedi and Tebogo Selokelo, why they decided to join the march.
Mamedi said they supported the march because Cosas fights for them and if they do not support them, it means they do not agree with what they are fighting for.
“I came here to show support because everything that they demand is for us. I saw a need to come here and make sure they have received the memorandum. I stand with what Cosas is doing,” Selokelo added.
