DA condemns violence and vandalism in Bramfischerville

Democratic Alliance Gauteng Shadow MEC for Education and MPL, Khume Ramulifho condemns vandalism of government property by protesters following what occurred at the Bramfischerville Primary School on October 26.

Khume said: “While the community has genuine concerns, the approach must not deny pupils the opportunity to learn.

“The Gauteng Department of Education said in a response to a DA inquiry that the number of years that a portable classroom should be used for schooling is 15 years.

“There are other schools that are just new in Bramfischerville but are receiving priority than old ones.”

Khume said all pupils in various communities must get proper schools and that government needs to put an end to portable classrooms.

“Residents are fed up with the lack of responsiveness from the GDE to build a brick and mortar school, some decided to take this matter in their own hands.

“It is unfortunate that violence and vandalism are continually seen as the best methods to get the Provincial Governments attention,” Khume said.

The DA believes that the School Governing Body must be empowered to represent the parents in engaging with the department.

Earlier this month, the DA conducted site inspections to ascertain whether the projects will be ready for the 2016 academic year.

The DA will engage with the disgruntled residents to take up their fight with the Gauteng Provincial Government to ascertain whether there are plans to build a brick and mortar school and the time frame to do so.

@ThembaVukeya