Ramaphosa given an ultimatum: Fire Motshekga or schools will be shut down

The Educators Union of South Africa has asked President Cyril Ramaphosa to fire Minister Angie Motshekga within the next two months. SABC reports that EUSA Spokesperson Kabelo Mahlobogwane explained that over 2 000 pupils and teachers have tested positive for Covid-19. Over 100 schools across SA have closed and teachers have already passed away due to the virus. Mahlobogwane wants the Department of Basic Education to work with communities to ensure students are educated in a way that minimises risk.

Mama Angie Motshekga has been minister of Education since 2009. If you want to better understand what we mean when we talk about ANC's endemic directionlessness and mediocrity, look no further.

— iKomanisi (@uNtandoSindane) June 10, 2020

As for Motshekga herself, EUSA has promised to shut down the entire education system if Ramaphosa ignores their ultimatum: “We are seeing now she’s committing genocide, actually people are dying in schools. And instead of her dealing with that and looking into it, she’s sending more people.

In July and August more grades are going in, regardless of the fact that water or toilets haven’t been delivered in schools. So we are saying we are not opposed to the continuation of education, but it must happen in a manner that does not leave anyone behind, and in a manner that does not endanger teachers and learners in schools.”

It was recently reported that COSAS has been shutting down schools that fail to comply with Covid-19 restrictions. The student organisation recently called for all students and educators to be tested for Covid-19 before they are permitted back at school. Currently, only Grade 7 and 12 students have been allowed to return to school with the Department taking a phased approach to reopening the sector.

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