Schools closure likely to continue

SCHOOLS in Port Elizabeth’s northern areas are likely to remain closed this week. However, principals and teachers have been instructed to be at their desks from this morning.

Port Elizabeth acting education district director Mphakamisi Hlekani said all staff must report for duty irrespective if pupils are there or not. “We need them to be at work to see what needs to be done when the learners are back,” Hlekani said.

“They must profile vacancies and shortages. We need them at work.” The school closures, which went into effect last Monday, follow a decision taken by parents.

They are demanding an end to years of teacher shortages, the payment of years of outstanding budgets and that special needs children be adequately resourced.

Hlekani said some parents had complained to the department and wanted the schools reopened. Other parents, he said, had been collecting homework for their children.

Northern Areas Education Forum secretary Richard Draai said negotiations with Eastern Cape premier Phumulo Masualle would continue. He said another meeting would take place tonight at 6pm at Sanctor High School in Bethelsdorp.