Central SA
#Matric2019: Education halted in Boitumelong─── LUCKY NKUYANE 06:18 Thu, 24 Oct 2019

Education has come to a total halt in the embattled Boitumelong Township near Bloemhof in the North West amidst rampant protests in that area.
Pupils from Grade 1 to 11 have not gone to school since Monday, following the eruption of violent protests in that area sparked by the arrest of 23 anti-gang members.
One of the pupils in that area tell OFM News that she has not attended school this week and even fears going out on the streets.
She and fellow pupils have raised concern that the continuing protests have the potential to harm their education and future.
OFM News previously reported that 275 matriculants were successfully evacuated to a place of safety to write their exams - which began on Wednesday.
The evacuation follows after residents also denied entry to five buses organised by the Department of Education to take learners to a place of safety.
The shutdown in that area comes after residents made a demand that some Anti-gang Committee members be released on bail after they were arrested recently for various crimes which include kidnapping, assault, and murder.
Meanwhile, police spokesperson Sabata Mokgwabone said parents had to bring their children to the evacuation point after bus drivers organised by the department refused to drive into the township amidst fear of their safety.
Premier Job Mokgoro says the Department of Education has done all that is necessary to achieve a pass rate that is significantly better than previous years.
Mokgoro wished grade 12 pupils well in their final examination and encouraged learners to continue to ensure that the province continues its legacy of being among the best performing provinces.
The province remained stuck in the fourth position in the national results for the past two years.
OFM News