Parents of learners at Oakdale Secondary School in Ennerdale, south of Johannesburg, say the dilapidated state of the school is not conducive for learning.
Four classrooms are without roofs at the school after they were blown off during a storm last year in October.
Parents say there’s about 16 unused mobile classrooms that have become dens for criminals.
On Monday, they planned to hold a march to highlight their children’s plight but police fired rubber bullets at them after accusing them of blocking the main road.
School Governing Body member Wendy Ntabo says they have been talking to government about their problems since last year.
“We want our message to be taken into consideration – to actually address us with a mission and a plan and not false promises we are tired of that. That’s why we decided as parents and community to come together and fight. There are only 4 schools in Ennerdale, Oakdale being the fourth one if we want our children to change schools where are they gonna go.”
More community protests
Meanwhile, several people have been arrested in Rabie Ridge in Midrand, north of Johannesburg, following Monday morning’s community protest.
About 200 Rabie Ridge residents blockaded the Modderfontein road with burning tyres.
It’s believed they were demanding the removal of people who have illegally occupied a piece of land. Gauteng police spokesperson Mavela Masondo says they had to fire rubber bullets to disperse the crowd.
“We understand that the people that are protesting are homeowners. There are people that were arrested for public violence but the number cannot be confirmed at this stage. Police are in the area monitoring the situation,” says Masondo.
Motorists advised to use alternative routes
Police have advised motorists using the R573 known as Moloto Road to use alternative routes from the east and west of Kwaggafontein. This as the service delivery protest in KwaMhlanga has become violent.
Thembisile Hani municipality residents in the former KwaNdebele are demanding the delivery of services and are reported to have set alight four municipal vehicles.
Roads are also barricaded with burning tyres. The protesters also allege that municipal officials are involved in corrupt activities.
Police spokesperson Nhlanhla Kgosana says, “The police would like to advised all road users and motorist to utilise the alternative roads since the situation is tense this morning, protesters have barricaded the road, but the police are on scene to monitor to make ensure that all road users are safe, those who are using the road to and from Pretoria to utilise alternatively route, they can utilise the Verena road that intersecting the road at Vlaklaagte No 2, those who are coming from Siyabuswa they can also utilise the Vaalbank road which is R568.
