The DA in Gauteng condemns learners’ actions of vandalising and burning furniture at Eersterust Secondary School in Pretoria.
This follows video footage circulating on social media showing learners burning desks and chairs as a measure to keep warm during this winter season. This is extremely irresponsible behaviour that must not be tolerated.
Gauteng schools already have a severe shortage of resources, such as infrastructure and furniture.
Learners must take ownership of their own school equipment and resources. Teaching and learning must take place in a conducive environment where each learner has access to proper furniture.
Learner discipline contributes to school performance and determines learner enrollment.
The DA will conduct an oversight inspection at Eersterust Secondary School when the schools open for the third term to engage with the School Governing Body (SGB) and the school management on how they can instil discipline among learners.
This behaviour is unacceptable as it spreads outside the school environment. We have seen violent protests and vandalism of private and public facilities, and we believe that this incident must not be left unattended.
We also urge all learners across Gauteng to keep safe and protect their schools from violence and vandalism.