Representatives of learners in Khutsong on Friday urged pupils to go back to school.
”We will try by all means to make sure that learners are at school on Monday and that teaching is taking place,” Khutsong Representative Council of Learners member Sibusiso Kula told reporters.
”On Monday, the culture of learning and teaching must resume,” Kula said, adding that the teachers’ action of downing tools did not mean pupils should abandon school.
Teachers were attending school everyday and were available to assist pupils with their problems.
”Teachers have never said we should not come to school … chalk down meant that no formal education would take place.”
Pupils in Khutsong would continue to support teachers in their struggles but schooling should resume, Kula said.
”We will support teachers at the convenient hour and at the convenient time.”
He urged the North West education department not to shut down schools and asked the national government to intervene in the demarcation issue.
There were divisions among learners as some vowed not to report to school on Monday.
”I want to remain in Gauteng. As long the government insists on moving us to the North West, I will not come school,” Badirile High School grade 10 pupil Zuluboy Theto said.
Theto said he wanted to remain in Gauteng to get better education.
About 30 pupils were present at Badirile High School on Friday, others formed study groups in littered classrooms. — Sapa