Schools in KwaZulu Natal have found themselves in the crossfire of a Chieftainship battle. This has negatively impacting the first day of learning for learners attending the affected schools.
11 schools have been padlocked as a result of this in a residential area known as Maqongqo, which falls under the Mkhambathini Local Municipality.
It is reported that educators received threatening phone calls after removing padlocks and starting with their daily operations.
The KZN Education Department stated the department took the decision to shut the gates of these schools.
The Education Minister Kwazi Mshengu said that this was their way of protecting education staff members and learners.
Mshengu said:
You will recall that is the area where there was disruption even during the 14th day and after that, there were attacks on certain family members leading to the laws of life and other families deciding to move out of the area.
The incident happened after the previous Chief had been removed from his office in 2020.
The reasons for his removal are not known, but some community members want him reinstated into his position.
Another crisis that the education department in this province has been dealing with is the schools damaged by storms in KwaZulu Natal.
Education Department said repairs will cost R200 million. However, Mshengu confirmed that he made submissions to the National Treasury and the Premier’s office because his department does not have the resources to repair these schools.
