Heavy police presence as educational protests escalate at Addington Primary School

The atmosphere remained charged at Addington Primary School as various protest groups, including the Umkhonto weSizwe Party, continue to voice their discontent over education-related issues at the Durban institution.

A heavy police presence, both inside and outside the school premises, was deployed on Wednesday in an effort to maintain order amid mounting unrest.

Officials from the Department of Education were currently engaged in urgent meetings to address the unfolding situation, which comes in the wake of growing public pressure to prioritise the educational rights of South African learners.

Protesters have made it clear that their actions are motivated by a desire for justice rather than grievances against specific officials.

“We are not going to tire; we will keep at it until our plight is resolved and heard. What we are doing here is not directed at any official, but is aimed at the unjust laws that seek to undermine South Africans,” said one of the protesters, Musawenkosi Ndamase.

Reports have emerged that approximately 22 children, dressed in full school uniform, were forcibly placed into classrooms by various civil organisations.

It is understood that the affected pupils were later relocated to the school's hall, where they were addressed by Department of Education officials.

Since the reopening of schools, March and March, together with MK Party supporters and members of Operation Dudula, have held a number of demonstrations at Addington.

The groups have been demanding space for unregistered children who they say were South African by birth, while alleging that the school had a high number of foreign nationals enrolled.

The protests turned violent last week, with some parents reportedly attacked. Police intervention was required to disperse the crowds.

DAILY NEWS