The PSA’s spokesperson Dickson Makolomakwa says there is a lack of intervention from the Department of Education to resolve the stubborn impasse between parents and school management of the Thuto-ke-Maatla Secondary School in Groot Marico. It’s alleged that parents allegedly locked the school premises in a protest sparked by the school principal’s decision to not allow learners above the age of 18 to continue their studies at the school.

Makolomakwa says despite the disruption of academic activities at the school, there has been no visible presence of officials from the department to assist educators and learners who are impacted by this situation. 

OFM News reported that 162 school pupils from Tirelong Secondary School were allegedly taken by their parents in a questionable manner. The school principal registered a case of malicious damage to property.

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“The PSA calls for decisive action and intervention by the provincial government to restore order at the school. The South African Constitution states that everyone has the right to basic education, including adult basic education, which the State, through reasonable measures, must make progressively available and accessible,” he adds. Makolomakwa adds that the loss of learning time is impacting negatively on learners’ academic progression.

OFM News