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Protest over teacher shortages appears to be gaining momentum, with several schools in Port Elizabeth's Northern Areas closing.
Parents of learners at Astra Primary School in Bethelsdorp closed the school on Tuesday, while Algoa FM News has learnt that at least six other primary schools, including, Parkside Primary School, are also closed.
On Monday, several schools in Helenvale reportedly closed their doors, while last week Schauderville and Korsten were also closed, but have since reopened.
The Chairperson of the Astra Primary School Governing Body, Marcel Esbach, says up until now schools they have not received appointment letters from the Eastern Cape Department of Education despite promises to fill vacant posts.
Esbach says the parents have now decided that the school will close indefinitely.
"It's not just our school, it's all the affected schools struggling to cope with the amount of learners.The parents decided in our meeting last week, we closing the school gates, no learners or teachers are allowed on the premises, up until they decide to supply us with our teachers that we need." says Esbach.
The Deputy chairperson of the Astra SGB, Eugene Fredricks, says as parents they are now ready for action.
"We are sick and tired coming to that point where they are always making empty promises. We asking parents to assist us, we are ready for action now." says Fredricks.
