Phiwokuhle Mothemela
The Minister of Basic Education Siviwe Gwarube says she will be engaging the minister of police on how to deal with crime in communities where there are schools.
Gwarube visited the Westview Special School in Gqeberha on Monday as part of her nationwide learning and listening tour.
The MEC for education in the Eastern Cape Fundile Gade and officials briefed Gwarube on the challenges and successes of the department in the province.
Speaking on extortion that is on the rise in the city, Gwarube said the criminal activities in Gqeberha were among the reasons she decided to kick off her tour in the Eastern Cape.
"Schools are a microcosm of whatever is unfolding in the community," says Gwarube.
She also mentioned that the province was planning a safety summit to address the safety issue in schools.
Minister Gwarube responded to the announcement made by Western Cape Education last week that it would cut around 2,400 teaching jobs in the province due to a R3.8 billion budget shortage.
"This is not just a problem in the Western Cape, it is a nationwide problem that stems from years of underfunding in the education system."
She added that deputy-general Mathanzima Mweli would engage all nine MECs for education on the financial position in the provinces and put together a case that will be presented to the National Treasury on how they can be assisted.
"It cannot be that services of frontline workers, such as teachers, be cut", the minister said.
