Yesterday Grocott’s Mail reporter Khanyiso Tshwaku was intimidated and nearly assaulted by an aggresive
group of striking civil servants.Our reporter had gone to Victoria Girls' High School to investigate whether the strikers would force non-striking school teachers out of class.
Yesterday Grocott’s Mail reporter Khanyiso Tshwaku was intimidated and nearly assaulted by an aggresive
group of striking civil servants.Our reporter had gone to Victoria Girls' High School to investigate whether the strikers would force non-striking school teachers out of class.
Even though they did not beat him up, one of the strikers grabbed him and forced him out of the school premises.
They verbally and physically threatened him, making it clear that did not want him to take photos of them as they tried to force their way into the school, even saying that they didn't invite the media.
This is unacceptable and should be addressed by the union leaders. It’s worrying enough that journalists are being threatened by government with the Protection of Information Bill and the proposed Media Appeals Tribunal but being abused in a public area is taking it too far.
By the time of going to print a decision by union leaders had not been taken on whether to continue with the strike or not.
It is our hope that this strike which has robbed learners in poor areas of the right to learn comes to an end once and for all. Government is turning a deaf ear after their offer was rejected by the unions.
The saddest consequence of the strike is that government schools in more affluent areas have been operating as usual while township and rural schools which do not perform well as a whole in any case have been the hardest hit.
The matric trial exams have been postponed so Grade 12s will not have the chance to get tested on their ability to sit for the final exams.
The Eastern Cape performed dismally last year even though our pass rate was 51%. It is disheartening to see our Education Department rejoicing for receiving a pass rate that is less than 90%. We hope and pray that our matric results will not be less than 40% this year.
