By Doreen Mokgolo
Parents and the Eldorado Park School Governing Bodies Forum have decided to pull their children out of schools in the area in protest after Matome Chiloane, the Gauteng MEC for Education, Sports, Arts, and Culture, failed to meet with them on Friday.
The forum had asked Chiloane to discuss gang violence and the lack of security in schools, but by Friday afternoon, they hadn’t heard back from him.
Speaking to Scrolla.Africa, the forum’s spokesperson, Charis Pretorius, said they now have no choice but to close all schools in the area until the MEC agrees to meet with them.
“We’re going to keep our kids out of school next week, even though it will disrupt the matric exams. We can’t let them go to schools where they’re unsafe and criminals can easily get in,” she said.
Pretorius added that they’re not surprised by the MEC’s lack of response, as they’re used to being ignored by government leaders when they ask for help.
“We deal with serious crime and gangsterism, but we’re ignored whenever we ask government departments for help.
“We sent an email directly to his office, but he chose to respond through the district office, saying his schedule was full and he might have time next week,” she added.
“Schools can’t be controlled by undisciplined students and a department that doesn’t care about the community,” Pretorius said.
The forum, representing over 30 schools, was formed on Tuesday after a series of gang violence incidents, drug dealing in schools, and the recent burning of three classrooms at Lancea Vale Secondary by two learners.
Gauteng education department spokesperson Steve Mabona said the department is working with the Eldorado Park School Safety Community Forum – a crisis committee formed by the community last Wednesday, and which includes various stakeholders.
“We discourage disrupting schools and urge people to use the proper channels to voice their concerns,” he said.
Pictured above: Matome Chiloane.
Source: Doreen Mokgolo
