Western Cape teachers call for resignation of Education MEC

As Covid-19 infections increase in the Western Cape, forcing nearly 30 schools to close doors, a growing group of educators have been threatening to shut down schooling and are calling for Western Cape for Education MEC Debbie Schäfer to step down. The educators accuse the MEC of bullying those who are standing up for their rights. 

On the call to step down amid accusations that she is a bully, Schäfer made it clear that she will not step down as she was appointed by Western Cape Premier and only if the Premier feels that she is not doing her job to the best of her abilities will she consider such a step.

The minister added:  “While I completely understand the anxiety and concern of teachers and parents, I also have to ensure that our system functions.  We are, like our colleagues in the health sector, providing a public service.”

The education department has stressed that there are measures in place for those parents who feel the need to keep their children at home amid the Covid-19 pandemic.

According to education authorities, there is at this stage no indication that the infections are from the schools, with the belief that teachers could have picked up the virus from their communities. 

The MEC said Covid-19 compliance measures are in place at most schools in the Western Cape which are now ready to welcome the second group of learners who will be returning on July 8. Schools reopened across the country with Grades 12 and 7.