15 MAY 2016

MEDIA STATEMENT
PARENTS URGED TO ENCOURAGE THEIR CHILDREN TO GO TO SCHOOL
The recent outbreak of violence in Vuwani and surrounding areas remains a serious
concern for us as government as it sets back our development agenda and denies
learners an opportunity to improve their lives, said Minister Van Rooyen. These
events, especially the burning of schools, goes against the Constitution of our country
and our resolve as a developing democratic nation to build a better future for our
children.
We need to know that the inclusion in the Bill of Rights of a special section on the
rights of the child was an important development for South African children, most of
whom are still suffering due to the legacy of apartheid. It is therefore important for
parents to recognise that our children have the right to education and that it is in the
interest of the child to develop their talents through education, both formal and
informal.
It is in this context that government calls on parents in Vuwani and the surrounding
areas to play their part in ensuring that all learners are back at school from Monday
16 May 2016.
Minister Van Rooyen commended the communities who stood their ground and
ensured the safety of their childrens schools. He said that all children have the right
to adequate educational facilities whether in difficult or violent situations. It is our
responsibility to ensure the protection of children because they are among the most
vulnerable members of society. As government we will continue to work tirelessly with
all willing partners to ensure that teaching and learning resumes. This important
partnership between government and communities can bear positive fruits as it was
the case today when community members came out to clean the schools in the
affected areas.
Childrens dependence on parents should not be betrayed by the burning of their
schools and thus denying them an opportunity to be educated. Minister Van Rooyen,
therefore urges parents to note that the drafters of our Constitution have made
children's rights a priority and as parents we should have their best interests at heart.
We need to remember that without education, there is no development and that
childrens education is a societal issue. Today, we can indeed say that the importance

of education in our developing democracy is uncontested as it is the only vehicle that

will set us on the path to realising the goals we espouse as contained in the National
Development Plan.
In addition, Basic Education Minister Angie Motshekga said that it was important for
teaching and learning to resume in order for learners not to be adversely affected.
Therefore, government would like to urge parents to allow their children to go back to
school as it is a right thing to do. The Minister also urged parents to accompany their
kids to school on Monday as part of the process to ensuring teaching and learning
take place.

Together we can educate our children and move South Africa forward
Enquiries:
Head of Communication (COGTA)
Mr Legadima Leso - 082 378 9495.
Issued by the Ministry of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs.