The IFP demands that the KZN MEC of Education, Peggy Nkonyeni must conduct an assessment on the status of security measures at schools around the province.
“Langalibalele Primary School in Inanda is one of the schools that needs security. Criminals are stealing school furniture and food meant for our children. We demand better security measures at schools to ensure that teaching and learning takes place in a safe environment. The state of insecurity in KwaZulu-Natal township schools needs to be improved before it spirals out of control. We cannot allow a situation where learning institutions are becoming playgrounds for criminals due to the inept Department of Education in providing security at schools,” said IFP KZN Spokesperson on Education, Mrs Thembeni kaMadlopha-Mthethwa,MPL.
“The department must realise that the province is faced with a high level of crime and schools that contain various valuable resources, are now targets for robbery and thuggery. Therefore there is a need for the provision of tight security at all schools. Lack of security put the lives of teachers and learners at risk. Security personnel in schools must be provided with metal detectors and be visible 24hours, seven days a week,” continued Mrs Madlopha-Mthethwa.
“MEC Peggy Nkonyeni must come out of her office and be hands on in conducting site visits at schools in order to experience first-hand and get facts about issues concerning security at schools. We want to see the MEC being active in this matter, as she does when she campaigns for the ANC during by-elections.
Issues concerning safety of teachers and learners must be prioritised. We demand more action in resolving education matters rather than seeing the MEC attending ANC rallies and campaigns,” concluded Madlopha-Mthethwa.
The IFP will pursue this matter in the Legislature by submitting written questions and demand answers from the MEC about how many schools lack proper security measures.
Issued by:
IFP KZN Education Spokesperson,
Mrs Thembeni KaMadlopha-Mthethwa, MPL, 071 884 3844 or 079 114 3015
Media enquiries:
Mr Phendulani Biyase,
IFP KZN Legislature Media Liaison Officer, 073 024 5675