The San community of Drimiopsis in the Omaheke region on Thursday held a demonstration against alleged discriminatory practices experienced by San parents and learners at the Drimiopsis Primary School.
A media statement issued by Women Leadership Centre’s Elizabeth Khaxas today stated that hordes of San community members, including learners, were mobilised and participated in the demonstration.
Chairperson of the Drimiopsis Development Committee, Johannes Abusema, read the petition expressing the concerns and demands of the community regarding the education of their children.
The petition was addressed to the principal of Drimiopsis Primary School, the Office of the Ombudsman, governor of Omaheke, the education permanent secretary and regional director of education in Omaheke.
It called on the school to stop corporal punishment, abusive and degrading treatment of San learners and their parents, and to create a respectful and culturally inclusive learning environment for all children at the school.
Community members who participated in the March were quoted in the statement rejecting the apparent unfair treatment and marginalisation of San learners at the school.
Amongst the specific cases raised as examples of the alleged mistreatment are incidences where a child was apparently beaten by a teacher for eating the teacher’s ‘vetkoek’ without permission, while another was reportedly handed corporal punishment for showing up late the school.
“Teachers must know that corporal punishment is negatively affecting our children. In the morning the children do not want to go to school because they are mistreated and insulted at school because they are San,” Maria Garises, leader of the local women’s group said.
Another concerned parent, Susantjie Unises demanded the removal of the school principal.
“Our community wants the principal to leave the school. She has been promoting apartheid and exclusion of San children and parents,” she said.
The deputy director of education in Omaheke, Victor Makgone, who received the petition on behalf of the directorate, promised to take it to the relevant people.
Drimiopsis Primary School is situated some 40km north of Gobabis, at a settlement of the same name.
– Nampa
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