The Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) condemns, in the strongest terms, the illegal and reckless attempt by the DA-ANC coalition to evict more than 700 learners from the Seventh Day Adventist Primary School (SDA) in New Brighton, Ward 15, Gqeberha. This school, which has been providing quality education to Grade R to Grade 7 learners for over 15 years, is now facing an unjustified eviction.
This morning, the EFF engaged with the community and school leadership after the school received a “Notice to Vacate” from the Department of Public Works. The notice claims that the property, known as Erf 50571 Ibhayi, previously Old Lwandlekazi Secondary School, has been allocated to the Bantu Church of Christ. The Department’s letter threatens the school with eviction, demanding that all possessions be removed and keys handed over within 30 days. This manoeuvre by the DA-led department is an abuse of power and a direct attack on the right to education.
The EFF notes with grave concern that the DA Minister of Public Works, Dean Macpherson, and the DA Minister of Basic Education, Siviwe Gwarube, have ignored repeated calls from the school and the community to intervene and protect the learners. When confronted, the DA has refused to take responsibility, claiming this is a “provincial matter,” despite the national government’s clear oversight over the Department of Public Works.
This is the same pattern the DA follows in the City of Cape Town, where they shift blame for crime and service delivery failures onto the national government. Yet here, as the national government, the DA shows no concern for the education and welfare of African children in Gqeberha.
The EFF stands with the SDA school, its learners, teachers, and the community. Today, we ensured that teaching and learning continued uninterrupted on the first day of school, despite the DA-ANC coalition’s intimidation tactics. This intervention is consistent with the EFF’s ongoing struggle to defend education, resist political interference, and protect communities from illegal evictions.
The EFF will write formally to Minister Macpherson and Minister Gwarube, demanding that this illegal attempt be immediately withdrawn, and that the rights of the learners and the school be fully protected. We also call on all relevant authorities to ensure that the DA-ANC coalition is held accountable for any actions that threaten the education of children.
The EFF will continue to fight for the rights of communities, the protection of public education, and the defense of learners’ futures.
The EFF has been involved in discussions with international leftist movements.
Bones
Italy: You have two cows. The northern one produces all the milk. The southern one sleeps all day.
Trash Master
Fun South African Fact: South Africa’s drinking water is rated 3rd best in the world for being “safe and ready to drink”.