Angry parents march to police station, school

PIGG’S PEAK – Parents of pupils at Hlanganani Primary School caused a spectacle as they marched to deliver a petition over a number of concerns they have with regard to the operation of the school.

The march took place on Monday and some of the concerns raised may not be repeated as they are allegations that have not been verified.

The matter of the dispute is also pending at the High Court.

The march started from the Pigg’s Peak Police Station, where the parents sang and shouted, calling on members of the public to join them.

Some parents arrived as early as 7:30am and the numbers increased as time went by until they formed a group of about 80 protesters.

Police officers were there to keep peace.

The police had to control traffic because the parents marched along the the public road that passes through the city cen- tre.

Some members of the public were shocked by the parents marching while others joined them.

Others were seen watching through shop windows and other buildings.

Some motorists were seen parked to the side watching the march.

The parents were carrying placards alleging the school belonged to the people of Pigg’s Peak.

They threatened not to pay school fees until they had received a positive response to their demands.

The parents said they want to choose their own Board and principal to run the school and work hand-in-hand with government.

The marchers first delivered a petition to the Pigg’s Peak Senior Regional Officer, Singizile Dlamini and then proceeded to the school, which is situated opposite Mhlatane High School.

Upon arrival at the school, they sang and danced until two members of the current Board, Sikhumbuzo Ndlovu and Richard Freemantle, came to receive the petition.

The petition was read and presented by Welcome Mhlanga on behalf of the parents. Mhlanga is the Principal of Timphisini High School.

Use dialogue - police chief

Dlamini said this when parents went to inform him of their intentions about the march. He asked them if they had reported their grievances to the authorities. They said they reported them to the Ministry of Education, but nothing had been done.

He said, sadly, the parents had a very valid complaint which he wished could be dealt with in a proper manner.

He further promised to organise a meeting so they can discuss the issue. He said this was his first time seeing parents doing such in Pigg’s Peak.

He promised to report the matter to the relevant authorities. In the meantime he arranged a meeting with the parents where he told them to resolve disputes in a proper way.

Comments

Nothing needs to be verified on the allegations. They are true. The parents can not waste their time on false issues. Narrate the allegations and don't protect the board. Parents meeting were stopped at the school. Only one demand is in court for your information. Parents were told to take out their children, from the school if they can't work with the board. The petition was signed by over 90% of the parents.
May 25, 2012, 3:36 AM, Annonimous

Your newspaper previously reported that the ministry of education did not want to get involved because the school is privately operated. Surely someone is sitting on his or her paid job in the ministry. Education is protected in terms of the constitution and that is why it was declared a basic right for our children by the courts. The ministry of education regulates the department by formulatimg policies, bye-laws and bills for parliament. Why is the ministry failing to intervene and mediate or conciliate with the aim of protecting the rights of the minor children in this matter? Is the school operating on a commercial licence obtained with the deartment of commerce? This is absurd to say the least!
May 25, 2012, 3:36 AM, mlungisi simelane (mcsimelane@swazi.net)

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