The IFP demands that the KZN MEC of Education, Kwazi Mshengu, inform the public about the contingency plans in place to assist learners who accidentally forget their masks at home.
This comes after a 17-year-old suspect was arrested after a 12-year-old Grade 7 pupil told teachers she had been raped, after being sent home to fetch her mask – which she had forgotten at home – in Bulwer in the Harry Gwala District.
We are aware that all learners must wear masks in schools at all times amid the Covid-19 pandemic. Therefore the MEC for Education must inform the public about the contingency plans in place to assist any learners who accidentally forget their masks at home. There must be a clear directive issued to all school principals, teachers and parents on this matter. Failure to issue such a directive will cause confusion and result in blame games between teachers and parents. We are all aware that learners are not used to wearing masks every day and they need to be given time to adapt to this new environment, so that they may protect themselves.
This incident also highlights the need for more action against those who commit violence against young girls. We must hang our heads in shame because our young girls and women are living in constant fear in our communities, due to rapists who are preying on them. We need to deal decisively with this scourge, and call for all rapists to be severely punished. We urge our communities to stand up and fight.
We further urge our courts to show no mercy to the cruel and heartless rapists who are terrorising our communities.
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Contact:
Mrs Thembeni Madlopha Mthethwa, MPL
IFP KZN Spokesperson for Education
071 884 3844
