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Pupils resolve to join teachers' strike

16/07/2012 00:00:00 KHULEKANI NENE

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SITEKI - As the teachers’ indefinite strike enters its third week, pupils from schools in Siteki have elected to join the strike as a means to force government to resolve the matter.

This resolution was taken by a group of pupils during a brief meeting held at Siteki Park yesterday morning.

After adopting the resolution, they announced their resolution to the local Swaziland National Asso-ciation of Teachers (SNAT) executive committee.

This happened during a joint demonstration by teachers and civil servants outside the local government offices.

Afraid of being victimised, the pupils did not join the demonstration, but waited at a distance before sending one of them to announce their resolution to the local SNAT branch executive.

There were loud whistles from marchers when local SNAT branch Secretary, Musa Sifundza, announced the pupils’ presence.

Sifundza recognised the pupils as members of the Swaziland Association of Students (SAS).

Addressing the pupils Sifundza said: "Pupils, we are glad that some of you understand the situation.

"It is not like teachers do not want to teach or are not concerned about your future.

"We love you, and you are our children.

"We are still fighting the battle that we face currently and when we are done, we will return to class."

Sifundza added that pupils should mobilise themselves and join the strike so government could see the gravity of the matter.

He further called upon tertiary students to join the strike, adding that they should prepare for their future since after graduating, they would face the same problems.

One of the pupils, who spoke on condition of anonymity, said they were not involved in politics, but merely wanted an education.

"Since most of our colleagues are scared to march to the Regional Education Officer we thought it would be a good move to march with the teachers.

"This will show govern-ment the seriousness of the matter," said the pupil.

Meanwhile Lubombo Regional Education Officer, Wellington Mdluli, warned the pupils not to join the strike. Mdluli further advised them to follow the right structures if they have any complaints.

‘Postpone exams’

SITEKI - The Swaziland National Association of Teachers (SNAT) Siteki branch want this year’s final examinations to be postponed to give more time to pupils to study.

This was announced by local SNAT branch Secretary, Musa Sifundza, during a joint demonstration by teachers and civil servants yesterday. Sifundza said it was obvious to everyone that a lot of time had been lost since the strike had now lasted three weeks. He added that when teachers finally returned to class, they would have to push the syllabus.

He said the Ministry of Education and Training would then be expected to postpone the examinations.

Comments

poeple should understand that this is a new world,so let SD know that.
July 17, 2012, 4:24 PM, Mr S.S Ntfulini (zumasibu29@yahoo.com)