Seven Congress of South African Students (Cosas) leaders have been barred from entering any public school in Gauteng but those still learning will be allowed to continue with their studies, the provincial education department announced on Thursday.
The department was granted an interdict earlier in the day by the Johannesburg High Court, which barred pupils still attending school from engaging in any Cosas activities in schools.
The leaders, Cosas national president Julius Malema, George Rapalile, John Makgoba, Mpho Sesedinyana, Palesa Mafilika, Sidney Makganyi, and Mpho Sibaya are not to incite or intimidate learners in any learning institution before June 18 when the interdict will be reviewed.
Only Makgoba and Mafilika are still attending school. The interdict further states that Cosas members are not to be within 500 metres of any school in the province.
The department sought the application after pupils, some as young as nine years old, ran amok during a protest march through the streets of central Johannesburg last Friday.
The marchers were demanding the abolition of school fees, History as a compulsory subject at schools, and an end to the locking of gates during school hours.
Education MEC Ignatius Jacobs said the department applied for the interdict to stop the student organisation from disrupting schooling in the province.
”The illegal protest march and subsequent threat by Cosas demonstrated disrespect for the rule of law.
”We are pleased and appreciate that the rule of law will enhance the rights of many learners and individuals whose rights were infringed during an illegal march.”
Jacobs said those leaders still attending school would face disciplinary action, to be facilitated by school governing bodies at their respective schools.
He said the department would recommend a permanent interdict against the organisation when a review hearing was held.
Jacobs conceded that the organisation had a role to play, but added: ”The challenge remains for Cosas to respond to the needs of a modern learner”. – Sapa