5-minute read
30 September 2024 | 12:53 CAT

Equal Education’s mock swearing-in ceremony was held outside the offices of the Department of Basic Education in Pretoria. (Equal Education)

Equal Education (EE) expressed profound disappointment after Minister of Basic Education Siviwe Gwarube failed to attend a Mock Swearing-In ceremony organized by the organization at the Department of Basic Education (DBE) offices in Pretoria on September 27, 2024. This gathering, with 400 young Equalisers (learner-members) in attendance, was not merely a token event; it served as a passionate plea for improving South Africa’s education system, embodying the challenges and hopes of marginalized and unheard learners.

EE General Secretary Noncedo Madubedube called the Minister’s absence “disrespectful,” highlighting the efforts made by learners to attend the event. “To just not pitch up and be elsewhere while these comrades and learners have spent time and money to organize themselves to get here to Pretoria is unacceptable,” Madubedube said.

She emphasized that the ceremony was an important opportunity for Gwarube to engage with those directly affected by the education system’s shortcomings.

During her address, Madubedube called out to the crowd, emphasizing the urgency of their demands: “We have a new minister, comrades, and we came here to swear her in on the issues that she should prioritize because you are inside these schools. And so, what we are asking for today is for her to show up. Minister, show up! Minister, show up!” she shouted to the hundreds gathered.

The performance contract that EE intended to officially present to Gwarube on Friday was drafted by pupils. It reflects EE’s national and provincial campaign demands based on the schooling challenges pupils face—overcrowded classrooms, inadequate and unsafe sanitation, and a curriculum that fails to prepare them for the future.

Despite assurances from Gwarube’s office earlier in the week, the Minister did not attend. Her spokesperson, Elijah Mhlanga, explained that Gwarube was engaged in activities aimed at helping her understand the education sector. “She wants to understand what is taking place in the sector, so she’s spending time in engagements that are equipping her with the knowledge and understanding that she needs,” he stated.

However, Madubedube dismissed these justifications, noting, “One of our members was asked by her staff why the event was called a swearing-in ceremony and not a declaration. We said there’s no way anyone in government will tell EE what to call their actions,” Madubedube said. She also pointed out that efforts to reach out to DBE officials on the day of the event were ignored, further deepening frustrations.

“This is not the first time we have come outside this building, and this is not the first time we have been treated this way,” she said.

Mahlanga confirmed that Gwarube had received an invitation from EE but added that she had not been confirmed as attending Friday’s event.

“Even if there were to be confirmation, if a critical engagement comes about, you have to make a decision and attend to that one. We have communicated to them that the minister is not available but, of course, their first prize was to see the minister, he said.”

Speaking to Radio Islam International, Madubedube discussed the efforts of new ministers to connect with the public. She highlighted their attempts to “appeal to popular narratives” and the promising communication from the Minister of Basic Education regarding support for educational initiatives.

She expressed disappointment that, despite their preparations and confirmation of attendance, students were not acknowledged. She encouraged the learners to channel their energy back into their communities, stating, “the government officials responsible for making our education systems better don’t come when we want to talk to them.”

She emphasized the necessity of collective action to address the challenges posed by budget cuts and inequitable funding distribution in education, calling for a more united and urgent response from young people in advocating for their rights.

In a powerful statement, Itumeleng Mothlabane, Deputy General Secretary, expressed frustration over the Minister of Education’s lack of direct engagement with learners and parents, particularly those organized by Equal Education. She criticized the role of the minister’s spokesperson, Elijah, suggesting that he acts as a “puppet to gatekeep those who are in power from directly engaging their constituencies.”

Mothlabane highlighted that memorandums submitted to Elijah have repeatedly gone unanswered, which she sees as a clear indication that the government is avoiding accountability. She emphasized that the government’s refusal to engage directly with working-class learners demonstrates a blatant disregard for their educational challenges, stating, “It is a clear indication that our government doesn’t want to talk to working-class learners.”

Despite the Minister’s absence, the event garnered strong backing from the Equal Education Law Centre, Section27, The Ahmed Kathrada Foundation and My Vote Counts. Their presence underscored a united front advocating for crucial educational reforms.

Moeketsi Koahela, Education and Training Officer for the Youth Activism Program at the Ahmed Kathrada Foundation, voiced strong support for youth addressing critical issues such as the Bella Bill and budget cuts. He praised the young activists for confronting the new Minister of Education, stating, “We are really proud of the young people… these are the issues that we are faced with in our classes.” However, Koahela voiced disappointment over the Minister’s absence, urging for future collaboration. “We are hoping that going forward there will be engagements where the Minister shows up,” he told Radio Islam International, stressing the importance of listening to students’ concerns.

Meanwhile in a display of solidarity, learners proudly waved their Palestine flags alongside their placards, showing their support for the Palestinian cause while also highlighting the urgent educational challenges they face at home. Their banners carried powerful messages like “No to teacher cuts” and “Build better classes.”