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The DA has written to the MEC for Education in Limpopo, Polly Boshielo, requesting assistance for learners from 16 schools around Giyani who are unable to go to school due to ongoing protests.

The disgruntled residents from section A in Giyani, have barricaded roads with burning tyres and rocks. Their grievance stems from the action taken by the new contractor that replaced Khato civils for the Nsami dam project. Residents are accusing the contractor of hiring new people and overlooking those who were already working on the project. As a result, all roads in and out of section A in Giyani and to the only hospital serving Giyani has been closed.

This is the same incomplete project that saw the tragic and preventable death of 6 year old Nseko Mhlongo after he fell into one of the uncovered manholes in the area.

Most educators in surrounding villages live in Giyani and this protest has seen them stay at home and learners in the affected area  have been told to stay at home by their parents, who fear for the safety of their children to and from school due to the volatile situation.

The disruption to these schools caused by this protest is further compounded by the fact that some learners are meant to be writing their quarterly examinations and these will now be affected by this protest action.

The learners and educators from the following schools are being affected by the protest:

• Giyani High School
• Mafumani High School
• Risinga High School
• Mehleketo Primary School
• Sukani Primary School
• Hlalala Primary School
• Thanda-Bantu Primary School
• Ndzalama Primary School
• Tanani Primary School
• Madzivi Primary School
• Ridha Primary School
• Edward Homu High School
• Hlovani High school
• Vuhehli Primary School
• Mnyangani Primary School
• Nyukani Education Centre

The DA acknowledges the protesters frustrations pertaining to their grievances but denying learners an opportunity to learn is a clear violation of learner’s rights as enshrined in the Constitution and is simply unacceptable. There are other ways to show their displeasure without infringing on learner’s rights.

The DA urges MEC Boshielo to intervene with immediate effect and ensure that these learners go back to school. The MEC needs to engage all her relevant counterparts in government to ensure this issue is resolved with minimum impact and disruption to the academic year.

Issued by The DA