Cape Town – Mmusi Maimane, leader of Build One South Africa (BOSA), has criticised the government over reports that Eastern Cape learners are being forced to carry or drag heavy, foldable desks that double as school bags.
Maimane accused the government of neglecting educational infrastructure and making children bear the burden of its failures.
“Instead of fixing broken desks, instead of fixing schools, the government is now forcing children to break their backs carrying desks to school.
Instead of fixing broken desks, instead of fixing schools, the government is now forcing children to break their backs carrying desks to school.
No government minister would put their child through this, so why put our children through this? pic.twitter.com/fAWxOZXfEV
— Mmusi Maimane MP (@MmusiMaimane) February 28, 2025
“No government minister would put their child through this, so why put our children through this?,” he wrote on X.
The desks, meant as a solution to furniture shortages, have faced backlash for being physically demanding, especially for rural students.
Parents and teachers have expressed concern, with footage showing children struggling with the bulky desks.
Education Minister Siviwe Gwarube defended the desks, citing approval from UNESCO and their supposed innovation.
However, the controversy highlights deeper issues of educational inequality in the province.
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Picture: X/@chiefmringo
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Compiled by Betha Madhomu
