GATVOL abahlali in Tshakhuma, Limpopo, have vowed to take to the streets to protest against the Department of Education if it doesn't reopen the Mavhungu Andries Secondary School.
This decision was made during a mass community meeting on Sunday, 18 February, at the Tshakhuma Tribal Office, attended by more than 350 residents and leaders.
Residents argued that the school closure happened without proper procedures being followed, as pupils were transferred to several schools without informing their parents before the school was closed in February 2023.
The resident threatened to shut down the circuit offices in Lwamondo and demanded an appointment with the Dzondo circuit manager to address the situation.
On the day of the elections, they plan to abstain from voting and prevent other residents from entering one of the largest voting stations, Raluthaga. They accused the local politicians of remaining silent on the problem of the school closure, saying they should "go and get the votes from their girlfriends".
Speaking to Daily Sun, pupil Wisdom Singo (18) from Mavhungu Andries Secondary School expressed frustration with the distance he travels to a different school.
"Since some of us were transferred to Maswie Secondary School, we face challenges with reaching the school on time, and some are dropping out as our parents cannot afford to pay for scholar transport," he said.
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Parent Patrick Madzivhandila said: "We can't afford to pay the taxi fare, and our children come back home too tired, plus the cost of living is too high and some of us are unemployed.
"Our people were considering taking to the streets before the end of the week, but we stopped them. So, we demand the department to take action," he said.
Secretary of Tshakhuma Sanco branch, Joel Mulaudzi, said they demanded the school's reopening and gave the circuit a 14-day ultimatum before taking further action.
"Our people are also planning to shut down the circuit office for undermining community participation in the decision to close the school. Learners and parents are facing hard times due to the school closure," he said.
Limpopo education spokesman Mike Maringa said the department doesn't provide security to schools.
"The school is merged and will not reopen. The claim by parents is unfounded," Maringa said.
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