Key Takeaways:
- The March and March movement and Operation Dudula protested at Addington Primary School against learners born to foreign parents.
- The protest reignited a volatile dispute that has gripped the community, with tensions running high.
- The South African Police Service (SAPS) was deployed to ensure the safety of those inside the school.
- The African National Congress (ANC) has discussed the matter and is seeking solutions to address the issue.
- The school is currently at full capacity with 1,548 learners, with 968 being South African citizens.
Introduction to the Protest
The March and March movement and Operation Dudula returned to Addington Primary School on Wednesday, protesting against learners born to foreign parents. This protest has reignited a volatile dispute that has been ongoing in the community, causing tensions to run high. The protesters gathered at the school gates, shouting slogans and waving placards, while the South African Police Service (SAPS) was deployed in large numbers to maintain order and ensure the safety of those inside the school.
Response from Authorities
Dr. Sibongiseni Dhlomo, the chairperson of the education and health subcommittee for the African National Congress (ANC) in KwaZulu-Natal, stated that the matter has been extensively discussed within the party, and solutions are being sought. He emphasized the importance of keeping schools as centers of learning and teaching, free from disturbances. He also expressed concern for the well-being of the younger pupils, who may have been exposed to traumatic experiences during the previous protest. The ANC is working to find a resolution to the issue, recognizing the need to address the concerns of the community while ensuring that the education of all learners is not disrupted.
The Controversy Surrounding Addington Primary School
The controversy surrounding Addington Primary School began when the anti-immigrant group confronted parents at the start of the term, claiming that the institution favored foreigners. However, according to the school’s statistics, out of 1,548 learners, 968 are South African citizens. This contradicts the claims made by the March and March leader, Jacinta Ngobese-Zuma, who believes that the majority of learners at the school are foreigners. Ngobese-Zuma argues that the issue is not just about Addington Primary School but about the lack of space and resources for South African children in schools across the country.
Concerns of Parents and the Community
Sikuzani Furaha, a parent originally from the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), expressed her concerns about the safety of the children during the protest. She believes that as long as there is a police presence, the children are safe, and it is unnecessary for parents to intervene. She emphasized that fighting and conflicts should not take place in front of children, as it can be traumatic for them. The concerns of parents like Furaha highlight the need for a peaceful resolution to the issue, one that prioritizes the well-being and education of all learners, regardless of their nationality.
The Way Forward
The situation at Addington Primary School remains volatile, with tensions running high between the protesters and the school community. The deployment of SAPS has helped to maintain order, but a long-term solution is needed to address the underlying issues. The ANC’s efforts to find a resolution and the concerns of parents like Furaha emphasize the importance of keeping schools as safe and inclusive spaces for all learners. Ultimately, the goal should be to ensure that every child, regardless of their nationality, has access to quality education and a safe learning environment. By working together, the community, authorities, and stakeholders can find a way to resolve the issue and promote a culture of understanding and inclusivity.
