Pupils, schools at receiving end of violent protests

That's according to the South African Human Rights Commission (SAHRC).

It's released a report on the impact of protest action on the right to basic education.

Hearings were held in June after more than 20 schools were torched in Vuwani in Limpopo.

The commission found a worrying trend of some protests appearing to specifically target schools and educational institutions.

According to the educational department in Limpopo, 42 000 learners were unable to attend school during protests in Vuwani with the total number of 102 schools disrupted.

The SAHRC's Judith Cohen says they have recommended the formation of a national response team to be led by the Basic Education Department.

"The other two role players who are extremely important to have on board and to have their co-operation and for them to take ownership of this person would be the South African Police Services and Local Government and Traditional Affairs," she said.

The department's Faith Khumalo admits there needs to be a strategy to help them respond to these incidents.

"When the crisis hits, the real impact is on our learners and our schools and we have to react immediately," she said.