Basic Education Minister Angie Motshekga says she will meet the Eldorado Park community only if the disruption of teaching and learning, and the violent protests cease forthwith.
The department on Friday said the Minister has noted with appreciation, the resolution reached between the Gauteng Department of Education (GDE) and the community of Eldorado Park regarding matters affecting Klipspruit West Secondary School.
There has been ongoing community unrests after a black principal was appointed at the school, which had resulted in the shutting down of the school and subsequent violent protests in the area.
GDE and the community of Eldorado Park have been engaged in talks to resolve the matter.
Minister Motshekga has been monitoring the situation and expressed appreciation on the work done by the Gauteng Education MEC Panyaza Lesufi and his team thus far.
Minister Motshekga said she would like to meet with stakeholders and the Eldorado Park Steering Committee as early as next week to find solutions over the concerns that have been raised.
She is awaiting a report from the GDE in order to better understand the issues that have led to the protest. It is anticipated that the report will be given to the Minister on Tuesday.
The Minister has appealed to the community and those leading the protest in particular, to desist from violence and opt for dialogue towards resolving the impasse.
She has called upon everyone to focus on restoring teaching and learning in the affected schools while talks continue.
The department said it has noted many days of teaching and learning that were lost due to the ongoing disruptions.
“The Province will need to put in place a catch up plan to recover the lost contact time.” - SAnews.gov.za
