Johannesburg — Gauteng MEC for Education, Matome Chiloane, has condemned political parties from entering school’s in Gauteng for their political party campaigns.
Chiloane’s comments came after an unnamed political party entered schools in Eldorado Park to unleash a political campaign, which took place during teaching and learning hours.
“We strongly condemn the intrusion of political parties into Gauteng public schools. Education environments must remain apolitical to ensure a focused and unbiased learning atmosphere, curriculum delivery time, must always be respected, no one must disrupt schools,” Chiloane said.
MEDIA STATEMENT
Gauteng Education MEC @matomekopano vehemently condemning political parties from entering Gauteng public schools during curriculum delivery time. This follows a campaign trail by a certain political party at some schools in Eldorado Park on Thursday, 25 January… pic.twitter.com/lsijWJuKb6
— Gauteng Department of Education (@EducationGP1) January 25, 2024
Understandably, political parties are doing their utmost to boost their election campaigns ahead of the 2024 general elections. Some parties have urged president Cyril Ramaphosa to use next month’s State of the Nation address (SONA) to declare a provisional election date, IOL reported.
Ramaphosa is allegedly consulting with the Electoral Commission of South Africa (IEC) on a date for the elections, which must be held within 90 days of the end of the current legislature’s term in May. The IEC has suggested May 22 as the date for the elections must be between May and August but the ultimate decision rests with Ramaphosa.
Parties feel that if Ramphosa officially promulgates the election date during SONA on 8 February, it will bring voter registration to a close. The IEC will hold its final voter registration drive on the weekend of February 3 and 4.
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Picture: X/@EducationGP1
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Compiled by Matthew Petersen
