Times Of Swaziland: THREATS FORCED 70 SCHOOLS TO CLOSE – HEAD TEACHERS

THREATS FORCED 70 SCHOOLS TO CLOSE – HEAD TEACHERS
================================================================================
Sithembile Hlatshwayo on 17/08/2022 09:44:00


MBABANE – So far, head teachers from about 70 schools have reported that the
threats from unknown people and chaotic episodes from pupils prompted them to
close schools last week.
The head teachers purported that many educators in various schools had been
threatened by unknown people for going to school, resulting in them closing
schools for the day on August 8, 2022. Others claimed that there were protests
staged by the pupils who also damaged property. The above reasons were recorded
in the preliminary reports which were submitted by head teachers through their
regional education offices (REOs), following the Ministry of Education and
Training’s order that they should explain why schools were closed on August 8.
Head teachers were ordered to individually explain why they closed schools last
week Monday and Tuesday, where most learners were sent home. Schools that were
writing mock examinations also had to suspend them.
Reports
The ministry has received at least over 70 reports from the different regions
across the country; Shiselweni, Hhohho, Manzini and Lubombo. According to the
Principal Secretary (PS) in the ministry, Bhekithemba Gama, reports were still
coming in from the various  REOs. He stated that the feedback received in the
Hhohho Region showed that 17 high schools out of 78 were disturbed and 14 out of
171 primary schools. In Manzini, six schools closed, while 38 reported
disturbances. In the Lubombo Region 12 primary schools and nine high schools
were disturbed. Two schools were forced to close. At Mafucula High School, the
community blocked the entrance leading to the school.
When questioned on whether disciplinary action would be taken against schools
which closed, Gama said REOs would refer cases that were expected to be
investigated further. The PS said they would use the reports to check against
the referred cases. The closure of schools came after an audio circulated on
social media, where members of the State security organs were given 14 days
(which elapsed last Friday) to withdraw their services. The audio advised
security personnel to withdraw their services in defending the Tinkhundla System
of Government, while also making a litany of threats which cannot be repeated
given their nature. Following the circulating audio, the Swaziland National
Association of Teachers (SNAT) advised teachers to stay at home for safety
reasons.