Academic activities were disrupted at Hoër Tegniese Skool Rustenburg (HTS) in the North West after groups of learners fought among each other and disrupted classes, on Monday.The clashes come after a grade 12 learner from the school, Lethabo Sibanda, was stabbed to death by a fellow pupil last Friday at the Rustenburg bus terminal.
According to reports, learners refused to write exams demanding justice for Sibanda. It is alleged that the suspect who stabbed Sibanda, is also a pupil at HTS, so learners thought he was at school school and caused havoc demanding he be chased out of the school. The learners disrupted learning and teaching, as they kicked desks and chairs outside of the classrooms even fighting among each other. Parents were called to the school and one parent, Sizwe Dlamini said the situation is frustrating as they’re no longer certain that their kids are safe at school. He said they’re concerned about the latest developments as they found kids throwing stones and objects when they arrived at the school.
“As parents we’re very much concerned about the developments that we’re witnessing in our schools. I urge all parents to come together and work together with the educators and police to get to the root of the problem,” urged Dlamini. Another parent who requested anonymity, said she is frustrated because she was called while at work, to come to the school to collect her child, and when she arrived at the school her child was not there.
“When I got to the school I met with some lady who works at the school, who told me not to worry as my child is safe. Mind you there are no learners and I stay far from the school, so I don’t know where I’ll find my child since he doesn’t have a phone, I’m so frustrated,”said the parent. Ward 44 Councillor of the EFF Lesedi Magadane has called on the department of education and the SAPS to intervene.
