GOVT TO REMOVE COPS AT SCHOOLS IF ...

MBABANE – Could there be second thoughts to remove security officers in the country’s schools?

This is a question that comes to mind following deliberations between the Swaziland National Association of Teachers (SNAT) and the Ministry of Education and Training.

The meeting was held yesterday by both parties behind closed doors, where SNAT was given conditions to address, prior to the security personnel being removed from the country’s schools.

Police officers were first found in schools’ premises on Monday, the first day of external examinations.
SNAT had alleged that the police officers had taken over invigilation.

Principal Secretary in the Ministry of Education and Training Dr Sibongile Mtshali, said there were conditions that SNAT had to fulfill before security officers could be removed from the schools.

However, according to Dr Mtshali, the leadership of the union refused to commit, adding that they were yet to engage them further.
“We are hoping the union will get back to us after meeting with the leadership because we made it clear what we wanted to happen,” Mtshali said. 
To this, SNAT Secretary General Sikelela Dlamini said they were hoping the ministry would finally remove the security officers when they realised that there was no threat.

Dlamini said the presence of police officers created an environment which was not conducive for teaching and learning, including the writing of the examinations at the schools.

He said the proposed conditions by the ministry were among other things that SNAT called a press conference. During this press conference, Dlamini said they were expected to denounce the ongoing activities and inform teachers that they should return to class in full force.
“We refused this as we have members whom we have to report to and let them consult our broader membership so that we can then take a decision on behalf of the union.”

The unionist noted that the engagements with the ministry gave them an insight, as they realised there was a great misconception that there was an ongoing strike action by teachers, yet there was none.

Further, he said the ministry was of the view that teachers were engaging in a strike and would not conduct the examinations following media reports. “They said they then decided to engage plan B, which included the presence of security officers to ensure that examinations continued and there were no disturbances.”

Post your comment

Your name:

Your e-mail address:

Add your comments:

Please enter the code you see in the image:

Image:

Code: