Two learners at Bellville Technical High School are facing disciplinary action, after they allegedly detonated a teargas canister on school premises, last Wednesday.
SCREENSHOT OF VIDEOThe Western Cape Education Department (WCED) confirmed
the incident saying the school was evacuated that day in terms of safety
procedures.
It is alleged that the teargas used in this incident
was obtained by the learner from his father - a police officer.
The Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) in the Cape
Metro Region has called for an investigation into this matter. The EFF, through
its parliamentary representative, Lencel Mashiadika Komane and the RCT
officials led by the Regional Chairperson, Ntsikelelo Tyandela, alongside
Regional Secretary Banzi Dambuza conducted an oversight visit to the school to,
what it says, ‘’assess adherence to health and safety regulations’’.
♦️ICYMI♦️
— EFF_Cape_Metro (@EFF_Cape_Metro) July 30, 2024
EFF Member of Parliament fighter Lencel Mashiadika Komane alongside Regional Leadership led by Chairperson Ntsikelelo Tyandela conducted an oversight at Bellville Technical High School, where a learner detonated a teargas grenade on school premises on July 24, 2024. pic.twitter.com/tIOTv8FDf9
However, the members were refused entry as they
apparently had to make an appointment with a departmental spokesperson.
‘’While we acknowledge the role of
Parliamentary oversight, we cannot accept blatant disregard of the rules and
regulations. A member of the EFF and MP of the national assembly arrived at the
school yesterday [Monday] without any prior notice. He brought along with him
members of the political party who are not MPs, demanding information on an incident
that occurred last week,’’ said Bronagh Hammond, WCED spokesperson.
‘’The group was wearing full party political regalia,
which is in clear violation of both the SA schools act and the Western Cape
Provincial Schools Act. The school management did engage with the group, but
rightfully so did not provide personal information in accordance with the POPI
Act,’’ she added.
The EFF cried foul, claiming their efforts were
met with hostility and obstruction.
‘’Acting Principal P.J. Nel, who refused to
grant our parliamentary representative access and demanded an appointment with
the Department of Basic Education's spokesperson. We
reject the notion that the legitimacy of oversight activities should be
determined by the political affiliation of the public representative. The
refusal to cooperate with our public representative, due to their EFF
affiliation, reflects a disturbing trend of undermining democratic processes
and protecting those who may be complicit in negligence,’’ said Banzi Dambuza, EFF
Regional Secretary.
♦️ICYMI♦️
— EFF_Cape_Metro (@EFF_Cape_Metro) July 30, 2024
Fighter Lencel Komane’s oversight visit to the school was met with hostility and obstruction by the acting Principal P.J. Nel, who refused to grant our parliamentary representative access and demanded an appointment with the Department of Basic Education's spokesperson pic.twitter.com/uW1r6Huy6A
The EFF condemned the matter.
‘’We call for full accountability, immediate
identification and accountability of all individuals involved in the teargas
incident, including those responsible for the unsafe storage of the teargas
grenade. We condemn the actions of the
school officials, particularly the Acting Principal in the obstruction of
parliamentary oversight. We are calling for enhanced safety measures and
implementation stringent health and safety regulations in schools to prevent
such dangerous incidents in the future,’’ said Dambuza.
‘’The safety of our children should never be
compromised, and any attempt to impede oversight and accountability will be
vigorously opposed by the EFF. We remain steadfast in our commitment to
ensuring that all educational environments are safe, secure, and free from any
form of negligence,’’ he added.
*** THIS BLOG WILL BE UPDATED AS SOON AS WE GET
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