These include curriculum rescheduling, extended learning time such as afternoon and Saturday classes, and targeted support from subject advisors and district officials to recover lost teaching time.

During times of community protest, students and schools should continue to be protected areas, the department said. An effort must be made to ensure that the constitutional right to protest is exercised in a manner that does not compromise the equally important constitutional right of children to access basic education.

Preliminary reports from the district offices indicated levels of disruption across schools on Monday (25/5), with learner attendance affected in several areas. Mangaung township and Heidedal schools experienced the greatest impact.

‘The long-term cost of lost teaching and learning time is one we can ill afford’

“Our children are not party to the matters giving rise to this shutdown, yet they are among those most affected,” said Free State education spokesperson Howard Ndaba. “While communities have a constitutional right to express their concerns, we appeal that schools and learners be protected from unintended disruption.

“The long-term cost of lost teaching and learning time is one we can ill afford, particularly at a time when we are working collectively to improve educational outcomes.

“The department will continue to monitor the situation closely and remain in contact with relevant stakeholders to support the full restoration of normal schooling,” he said.

Schools within the town area also experienced reduced learner attendance:

“The education of our children is a shared societal responsibility,” said Ndaba. “We therefore appeal for collective understanding and cooperation to ensure that learners can return to school and continue with the academic programme without further interruption.”

OFM News/Zenande Mpame sm

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