Dear Madam

The matter of the 57 pregnant pupils at the Mavalani Secondary School in Limpopo has come to the attention of the United Democratic Movement (UDM). The situation has now gotten out of hand with the pupils attacking the school’s principal.

According to recent reports, 18 pupils were arrested at the weekend for causing violence at the school because the principal exposed the matter of the 57 pregnant girls. Apparently some teachers with grudges against the school’s head, as well as those who allegedly impregnated the girls (one of whom is a thirteen year old) influenced the mob.

The UDM would like the Minister of Basic Education to shed some light on the following:

• Whether the Department is aware of the injustices alleged to have been perpetrated against these children? Not only the pregnant girls, but also those who had been incited to violence by seemingly unscrupulous adults?
• Whether action has, or will be taken, against those teachers accused of immoral behaviour?
• What has the Department done to stabilise the situation and is it assisting those pupils not involved the violence to continue with their classes without any further disturbance?

The Department has an obligation to provide an environment conducive to the teaching and learning processes - our pupils must feel safe on the school premises. Teachers who are allegedly causing problems should be suspended with immediate effect whilst their cases are investigated.

The Department must explain whether it has a plan of action to deal with such schooling conditions.

The UDM remains adamant that Government must create an environment where teachers are to teach and not abuse their pupils, and learners should learn and be protected from sexual predators.

Kind regards,

Mr Bongani Msomi
Secretary General of the United Democratic Movement

Back to Letters