IFP PRESS STATEMENT BY: 
MRS PAT LEBENYA-NTANZI
ACTING CHAIRPERSON OF THE IFP YOUTH BRIGADE

17th June 2008

The acting Chairperson of the IFP Youth Brigade, Mrs Pat Lebenya-Ntanzi, today said that the IFP Youth Brigade is extremely worried about the fate of schoolchildren in Khutsong.

"The IFPYB has taken note of reports that many schoolchildren are still not attending school in Khutsong and many of them have not written any exams this year," said Mrs Pat Lebenya-Ntanzi.

Mrs Lebenya-Ntanzi continued: "We are perturbed by reports that the Merafong Demarcation Forum has renewed its vow to keep fighting against the government's decision to incorporate Khutsong in the North West and that they have called on the community to make Khutsong ungovernable and to disrupt education at schools.

"The IFPYB would like to know from government what is being done to make sure that the schoolchildren of Khutsong receive a quality education free from disturbance and disruption?

"Community members of Khutsong allegedly called on the Minister of Education to visit the area, but the Minister has not been to Khutsong as yet."

In conclusion Mrs Lebenya-Ntanzi said: "If children aren't attending school what is there to celebrate during Youth Month? The IFPYB is calling on the Department of Education and Government to intervene as a matter of urgency."