Basic Education Minister Siviwe Gwarube has raised concern about the high rate of extortions in the Eastern Cape. She is currently on a nationwide, learning and listening campaign to assess challenges facing the education sector and to find solutions.
The Eastern Cape has over 5 000 schools. The Ministers first stop on her nationwide campaign was in Gqeberha. The region is facing a major challenge of criminal activities such as extortion which has become prevalent in schools.
She also pleaded with the Provincial Department of Education to use funds efficiently and improve learning and teaching, instead of returning the money to the National Treasury.
"Its absolutely a crisis for us. We are exactly 49 days away from the start of matric exams and we cannot have a situation where our educators and learners are feeling unsafe in our communities. Its part of the reason why we elected to come to Nelson Mandela Bay because we have a crisis here in certain neighbourhoods. Here in Nelson Mandela Bay, Im also made aware that in the O.R Tambo District, theres also a big problem around extortion. We want to make it clear to criminals that our schools are places of safety.
Video: Basic Education - Learning and Listening Campaign
