MEC urges pupils to form study groups to beat strike
GAUTENG education MEC Barbara Creecy has encouraged matric pupils to form study groups as they "are the best way to learn" - given the national strike by teachers.
Kagiso pupils seen using the Sowetan educational supplement to study during the teacher strike yesterday. PHOTO: Bafana MahlanguWe call on parents and the community at large to take responsibility for their children's education
Creecy has asked parents and members of school governing bodies to volunteer to supervise pupils, using the 400,000 study guides which will be distributed throughout the province.
"We call on parents and the community at large to take responsibility for their children's education," she said on the first day of the indefinite teachers' strike.
About 400000 teachers have joined the public service strike countrywide.
Pupils at Jules High School in Johannesburg streamed out of school at 10am.
Grade 11 pupils Keagile Mabeba and Nomsa Zwane told Sowetan that some teachers came to the school "just to toyi-toyi" outside the gate.
"They (teachers) told us there would be no teaching until the government gives them what they want.
"We have not been taught since August 6."
Grade 12 pupil Nondumiso Mlungwana sat on the pavement studying her notes.
"I am not as ready as I would like to be but I have no other choice but to walk into that exam room and do my best," she said of the preliminary examinations which begin on August 30.
In Soweto, principals at Willowmead Secondary School, Fred Norman Secondary School and Noordgesig Secondary School were warned that Sadtu members would march to their schools today to force their teachers to join the strike.
The principal of Florida Park High School said the school received similar threats "two weeks ago but nothing came of them".
Particular criticism was reserved for Witkoppen Primary School principal Sam Makama, who the unions warned should "run very fast because we are coming for you".
Makama was not available for comment.
One of the closed schools, in Zone 2 Diepkloof, displayed a placard on its entrance gate, saying: "No to 7percent, Yes to 8,6percent".
In Atteridgeville, teachers picketed main roads and some joined forces with Kalafong Hospital staff at the entrance of the health facility.
Meanwhile, pupils strolled on the streets or visited shopping malls in Mamelodi and Soshanguve.
Principal of Makgatho Primary in Atteridgeville Jane Thare said pupils left just before 10am as teachers picketed outside.
In Kagiso on the West Rand, there was no schooling as teachers stayed away.
Pupils were met by locked gates and were forced to return home.
Zeegal
Give them the 1.6% more........children are suffering because of 1.6%, that is so unfair!!!!Report Abuse
DRU
Group studies is an option & some of us who are good on certain subjects let's go there & help out.Report Abuse
Bebewine
@ZEEGAL remember that if the teachers get the 1.6%, we are going to pay more tax you must remember we tax payers are the ones paying their salaries so if they get the 1.6% it will over the budget for the government. So they must appriciate what they get, some of us get 5% increase they are lucky they get 7% they should be glad. Sorry but i feel sorry for the matrics they are about to write their finals. Sorry grl but that is how i feel i dont support the 1.6%Report Abuse
Vuvu7
Definitely study group are the way to go as time is not on our side.Report Abuse
Modipadi
MEC Barbara said "We call on parents and the community at large to take responsibility for their children's education," .... 90% of Parents of those children are toyi toying and with your lousy subjects no one can help those kids. Pay the teachers so that they can take care of our kids while we take care of our Gov.Report Abuse