Pretoria – Government has called on parents in Vuwani and the surrounding areas to play their part in ensuring that all learners are back at school from today.
Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs Minister Des van Rooyen said the recent outbreak of violence in Vuwani and surrounding areas remains a serious concern for government as it sets back the country’s development agenda and denies learners an opportunity to improve their lives.
He said the events, especially the burning of schools, goes against the Constitution of the country and the goal of building a better future for the children.
“We need to know that the inclusion in the Bill of Rights of a special section on the rights of the child was an important development for South African children, most of whom are still suffering due to the legacy of apartheid.
“It is therefore important for parents to recognise that our children have the right to education and that it is in the interest of the child to develop their talents through education, both formal and informal,” Minister Van Rooyen said in a statement.
Minister Van Rooyen also commended the communities who stood their ground and ensured the safety of their children’s schools. He said all children have the right to adequate educational facilities, whether in difficult or violent situations.
“It is our responsibility to ensure the protection of children because they are among the most vulnerable members of society. As government, we will continue to work tirelessly with all willing partners to ensure that teaching and learning resumes.
“This important partnership between government and communities can bear positive fruits as it was the case today when community members came out to clean the schools in the affected areas,” he said.
He said children’s dependence on parents should not be betrayed by the burning of their schools, thus denying them an opportunity to be educated.
“We need to remember that without education, there is no development – and that children’s education is a societal issue. Today, we can indeed say that the importance of education in our developing democracy is uncontested as it is the only vehicle that will set us on the path to realising the goals we espouse as contained in the National Development Plan.”
Meanwhile, Basic Education Minister Angie Motshekga reiterated that it was important for teaching and learning to resume in order for learners not to be adversely affected.
“Government would like to urge parents to allow their children to go back to school as it is a right thing to do,” she said.
Minister Motshekga also urged parents to accompany their kids to school on Monday as part of the process to ensure teaching and learning take place. – SAnews.gov.za
