The South African Democratic Students Movement (SADESMO) has expressed grave concern about the management of Eskom over its inability to resolve the electricity supply problem that is negatively affecting education.
“Our government has indicated that education is not a priority in this country. This comes after we learnt that Eskom has made plans to ensure that during the State of National Address there will be no load shedding,” said Secretary General Mr Sizwe Simelane.
“Pupils at schools are being seriously disadvantaged by the disruption of electricity supply. In many instances teaching and learning has to be suspended in subjects such as science and computer studies for more than three hours while waiting for electricity supply to be restored. It is very upsetting to us as students that the programme of learning and teaching is being disturbed but SONA will not be affected by load shedding,” continued Mr Simelane.
“We demand that this government rectifies the problems at Eskom without any further delays. Disruption of the education programme will have long term consequences for our country and negatively affect our students personally in their pursuit of career opportunities. Most of the schools are moving to electronic systems of teaching and learning and their programmes are being severely impaired. We hope that the President will outline government’s plan to remedy the situation when he delivers his speech, failing which we will see our country plunge into deeper crisis,” concluded Mr Simelane.
Issued by:
SADESMO National Secretary General, Sizwe Simelane, 073 022 1064 or 079 825 4497
Media enquiries:
Thabisile Mkhize, IFP Media Liaison Officer, 073 522 1786
