Right to protest should never interfere with education
The right to protest should not undermine learners' right to access basic education.
This is according to the South African Human Rights Commission that's released the report on the impact of protest related action on the right to basic education. Hearings were held in June after more than 20 schools were set alight in Vuwani in Limpopo.
The commission found a worrying trend, with some protests appearing to specifically target schools and educational institutions.
According to the education department in Limpopo 42 000 learners were unable to attend school during protests in Vuwani, with a total number of 102 schools disrupted.
The commission's Judith Cohen says they have recommended the formation of a national response team, to be led by the basic education department.
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"The other two role-players that are extremely important and for them to take are the SAPS and local government," Judith Cohen said.
She said that a round table with each stakeholder would be the best starting point in dealing with the disruption of education.
The department's Faith Khumalo admits there needs to be a strategy to help them respond to these incidents.
"We have had to manage the situation and in many ways we felt like we have been doing it alone. We need to begin to find the partners that are critical in responding to protests at schools," she said.