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26 January, 2016 |
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WCED officials lay criminal charges against arsonists targeting Nomzamo Primary School. Statement by Minister Debbie Schäfer, Minister of Education This morning I was informed that, on Saturday 23rd January 2016, five mobile classrooms at Nomzamo Primary School were deliberately set alight when it is alleged that burning tyres were placed under them. Our officials were on site this morning to inspect the building. However, as a result of this action some learners have had to be sent home until the classrooms have been declared safe or an alternative arrangement can be made. We are still trying to ascertain the reason behind the arson, but whatever it may be, it is simply unacceptable to burn down any school facility. This criminal action negatively affects all learners at the school. They are being deprived of their constitutional right to education. We have huge needs in the Western Cape - we need to build more schools, maintain existing schools, employ more teachers for ever increasing numbers of learners, and continue to provide for our poor learners. Actions such as this waste money which we cannot afford. There appears to be a growing trend to threaten us with destruction of property if people do not get what they want. This is completely counter-productive, as all it means is that there are fewer and fewer resources available to improve education. I strongly condemn the act of arson and malicious damage to property at Nomzamo Primary School. Our officials have laid criminal charges at the Nomzamo Police station. I trust that the SAPS will act swiftly to investigate the case as a matter of urgency and arrest the perpetrators involved in this sabotage. I will be following up on the progress of the case regularly. It is high time that people destroying the opportunities of others are held accountable. | |
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