Protests over food sales disrupt teaching at Strelitzia Secondary
Teaching and learning have been disrupted at Strelitzia Secondary School in Lotus Park for a second time this week.
There’s been tension at a Durban school after unrest linked to a dispute over food sales on the premises left two learners injured, raising safety concerns ahead of exams.
Teaching and learning at Strelitzia Secondary School in Lotus Park have been disrupted for a second time this week.
The KwaZulu-Natal Education Department says it has met with community leaders and parents, while a memorandum outlining concerns has been handed to officials.
Spokesperson Muzi Mahlambi says district officials are working to find a lasting solution.
“This morning, the situation went back to normal teaching and learning.
“The issues that led to this altercation - our officials from the district are attending to them. We are hopeful that we will have a permanent and amicable solution to the debacle,” said Mahlambi.
Parents demand urgent intervention
Chairperson of the school governing body, Beaver Shanmogum, says parents and community leaders are demanding urgent intervention.
“The sad reality is that everybody is affected. Now [we’re] starting our second term exams tomorrow.
“It’s like a don’t care attitude. As a result, with the rioting and uproar, two learners were severely injured.
“A [teacher] was pushed to the ground, she was injured as well. She hasn’t come to school. I’m inundated with calls. Parents want to know if their child is safe. Some teachers have called me as well. The community stood up together. They are saying enough is enough.”
Shanmogum says the meeting with the department left parents feeling unsatisfied and is demanding more immediate action to be taken.
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