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Cape Town – Learning is progressing well in Vuwani, Limpopo, following recent protests, Parliament's select committee on education and recreation said on Wednesday.
After visiting the area on Wednesday it said teachers and pupils continued to devote their time to school despite the constant reminder of destruction caused by fires.
It applauded the "immense role" played by teachers in implementing catch-up plans.
It also appreciated that classes started early and ended later than usual to get through the curriculum and prepare pupils for year-end examinations.
The provincial education department had provided prefab classrooms and organised study camps for matric pupils.
Study material for teachers and pupils still had to be provided to schools that had their materials burnt.
Committee chairperson Lynette Zwane had earlier told News24 that State security agencies needed to find out who was behind the protests that left 29 schools destroyed.
"Those people went into the areas, and even residents were being threatened. There is no clarity in terms of who is directly involved."
Future rests on children’s education
The committee would demand further action and clarity from law enforcement agencies there.
"We were shocked by behaviour we thought was from the citizens," Zwane said.
On Wednesday night she said government alone would not be able to reverse the hurt and distraction caused by "these ruffian acts".
Almost 53 000 pupils were affected by protests that started in early May and ended on August 10. A total of 42 000 pupils were unable to write their mid-year exams.
Residents were unhappy with the rezoning of the area by the Municipal Demarcation Board earlier this year. The area was incorporated into the Malamulele municipality while residents wanted to be classified under the Makhado municipality.
Police made 21 arrests in the weeks following the attacks. Some of those arrested included municipal councillors. It was still unclear who was behind the arson attacks.
The committee said no grievance was a rationale for the devastation that was caused.
"The future of our country rests on the shoulders of these children and it is every citizen's responsibility to ensure that they receive the quality education that the Constitution guarantees them," said Zwane.
