Pupils stone 'disruptive' protestors

2010-08-17 20:00

Durban - Pupils at the Nanda High School in KwaZulu-Natal have clashed with suspected public service strikers who allegedly tried to disrupt their classes on Tuesday, police said.

KZN police spokesperson Vincent Mdunge said the learners stoned the cars of the people, believed to be members of the South African Democratic Teachers Union (Sadtu).

"A group of people believed to be Sadtu supporters were driving in private cars. They made an attempt to disrupt classes," said Mdunge.

"Learners became angry and upset. They started to stone the cars and chased the people away."

Mdunge said the cars were extensively damaged.

"Police were summoned to the school, the principle of the school had already been advised by the district manager to close the school for security reasons," said Mdunge.

No arrests were made and no criminal cases were opened.

Ensuring safety

KwaZulu-Natal department of education spokesperson Mbali Thusi said the department was working with the police to ensure that pupils and educators were safe.

She said learners should not be disrupted during school hours.

"It is the children’s right for education, those not participating in the strike should be allowed to continue working," said Thusi.

Provincial deputy secretary of Sadtu Siyabonga Mdletshe said he was waiting for a full report of what transpired.

"We are sure it was not Sadtu members. We don’t have a position to disrupt (classes). We are embarking on legal action that is to picket and hold meetings. We can’t speak on behalf of people who are being disruptive," said Mdletshe.

On Monday people alleged to be protesting for better wages increases for public servants caused several KwaZulu-Natal schools to send learners home after a group of protesters were singing songs and banging on school gates.

- SAPA