ANC MPL, Christian Martin, has laid charges against the Eastern Cape Education Department for its alleged failure to ensure that schools in Port Elizabeth's Northern Areas remain open for learning.
This week, parents and school governing bodies closed Northern Areas schools in a bid to press home long-standing demands for the Department to address teachers shortages and other issues affecting schools.
Eastern Cape Premier, Phumulo Masualle, has also established a task team to address the education crisis.
Martin, who laid the charges against the Department in his personal capacity along with several other parents, says he wants the children back in the classroom, while parents and SGB's should be dealing with the Department separately to address the issues affecting schools.
"In the light of the closure of schools, since the 18th of January, is becoming more serious now, therefore I have taken the decision with some other parents to open a case against the Department of Education"
In outlining the charges against the Department, Martin said the first charge relates to the alleged violation of the Constitution as it relates to the basic education of a learner.
The second charge is the contravention of the School's Act. It states that any person without just cause prevent a learner from attending school can be fined or imprisoned.
Meanwhile A Port Elizabeth teacher who was appointed to fill a critical post at a local school has not been paid since being appointed last October.
The teacher, who did not want to be identified, told AlgoaFM News she received a letter of appointment early in November.
She said the school then sent her documentation to the District Office in PE.
The teacher said her principle made contact with the department who said they had forgotten to send the paperwork but would do so.
She phoned the department on Wednesday to get an update on whether or not she was on the system when she was accused of harassment.
