STATEMENT BY THE CONGRESS OF SOUTH AFRICAN STUDENTS WESTERN CAPE 17/09/2014 The congress of South African Students Western Cape, condemns in the strongest possible terms the victimisation of a 14 year old Belgravia high School Grade 9 leaner, Ammar Watson, by the school authorities. The student has constantly been harassed by the school with verbal and written warnings. His crime was simply looking good and stylish in the school. We cannot find anything in his look that infringes other students’ right to education. We express our astonishment at the fact that he was ordered by the school principal to cut his hair or will have to move to another school. In the Western Cape that is badly thumped by gang violence in schools, COSAS Western Cape wishes to encourage Ammar Watson to continue his Modelling career, so he can generate extra income and keep away from gang related activities. We do not see any reasons why he should cut his hair. As COSAS Western Cape we don’t see how his hair cut affects anything that is happening in the school, and vow to support Ammar to getting the same education afforded to his fellow school mates. The victimisation of students in the Western Cape is getting out of hand now; Ammar’s situation comes few weeks after a 9 year old Zintle Mguli was attacked by her teacher in Class. This is whilst children in our beloved democracy are protected by the Children’s act and in the South African Schools Act, which speaks directly to the protection of children. If the maltreatment continues, Ammar should report it to the COSAS Western Cape, and we will take the fight with the school. These teachers need to be reminded that school is governed by laws, and exotic hairstyle does not form part of. We call on all students who are victimised in their schools should report them, and that the Western Cape Education Department should act on the reports. We hear that Debbie Schafer is claiming that ANC is encouraging children in Grabouw not to attend school and join the service delivery protests. COSAS Western Cape calls on Debbie Schafer to stop lying to the people and that she should rather focus on real challenges facing the education department in the province. As COSAS in the province, we call on children to go to school, we know the challenges they are currently faced with are difficult, but it does not justify for not going to school. School principals should desist from running schools as though they are running their backyard farm. Issued by COSAS Western cape provincial chairperson Siphakamise Ngxowa 0737081975
Posted on: Wed, 17 Sep 2014 13:13:22 +0000
Trending Topics
Recently Viewed Topics
© 2015