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The Department of Basic Education has appealed to communities to protect schools against individuals and groups threatening to close schools and disrupt learning.
The appeal was made as Grade 7 learners prepare to return to school on Tuesday.
“The Department has become aware of attempts made by some members of School Governing Bodies (SGBs) around the country to close schools and disrupt learning,” said Department spokesperson, Elijah Mhlanga.
He said SGB members in Gauteng disrupted 38 schools in Daveyton/Etwatwa, 37 schools in Tsakane, and 8 schools in KwaThema on Thursday.
Mhlanga said there were also reports of members of the Congress of South African Students disrupting schools across the province.
“The Department would like to remind all members of SGBs that the closing of schools remains a legal function reserved for the provincial Head of Department and when SGB members act outside the legal dictates of their role and function, they risk the immediate disbandment of the entire School Governing Body,” he said.
Mhlanga said that the Council of Education Ministers also warned that any individual or group who disrupts learning will be reported to the authorities and they could be charged with violating the South African Schools Act.
