Tshwarelo Hunter Mogakane
Pretoria - More than 1 000 matric learners could not sit for their final year exams this week due to protests in the Vosman area near Emalahleni in Mpumalanga.
The protests, over three-week-long water and electricity shortages, resulted in the N4 being shut down around Emalahleni. Three people were reportedly shot and injured and a 50-year-old woman died as a result.
In the ensuing protests, children from six centres in the affected areas could not access their schools, leaving Basic Education Minister Angie Motshekga with a serious decision to make.
“The Department of Basic Education has noted with concern the continued community protests that are causing disruptions in the administration of the National Senior Certificate exams in some parts of the country.
“At six centres in Nkangala District in Mpumalanga, 1 127 candidates could not write maths and maths literacy P2 due to the community protests (on Monday). The matter is under discussion as to when will these candidates be given another opportunity to write the affected papers,” said the department’s national spokesperson, Elijah Mhlanga.
He said the situation was better yesterday, when matric learners were able to sit for their exams. However, he cited other cases in North West and Gauteng.
“There was a late start of the exam in the North West due to a community protest. The department is also investigating an incident at one centre in Gauteng East District where 53 candidates did not write economics P1.
“The principal had advised the candidates not to appear for the paper and also misdirected the province that there was a protest in the area. The district is to initiate a disciplinary proceeding against the principal of Phandimfundo Secondary School,” he said.
The department appealed to community members to allow learners to write their exams. “The department will make an announcement regarding the next steps to be taken for the learners who missed exams through no fault of their own,” Mhlanga said.
DA provincial leader Jane Sithole praised the department for intervening. “The protest coincides with matric exams. School children walking to school and travelling in different forms of transportation should have been exempted from this protest in order for them to reach their respective destinations.
“The DA commends the Department of Education for intervening. The department should further ensure that no learner is left behind and affected academically,” said Sithole.
Meanwhile, provincial police commissioner Lieutenant-General Semakaleng Daphney Manamela called for calm following the shootings at Vosman.
“One person was shot and taken to hospital. Unfortunately she passed on … An investigation is under way which will look into allegations that the victim as well as the other two who reportedly sustained some injuries were shot by a member or members of the police,” said Manamela.
The Independent Police Investigative Directorate (Ipid) confirmed the shooting and promised to investigate the incident.
“Ipid is aware of the incident and a preliminary investigation will commence as soon as possible,” said Ipid spokesperson Lizzy Suping.
According to provincial police spokesperson Brigadier Selvy Mohlala, protesters in nearby KwaGuqa Extension went on the rampage on Monday evening, looting and burning the Pick n Pay shopping centre in Extension 5.
“Police remain in the area and motorists are urged to drive with caution along the N4 road near KG Mall as well as on other roads nearby,” Mohlala said.
“However, the N4 road was cleared after being blockaded. A case of public violence has been opened. Two people have been arrested so far,” he said.
Pretoria News