By Theodorah waga Mawasha
It is reported that learning was disrupted at Mathlari High School at Shikwambana village, in Greater Tzaneen on Wednesday, January 18. This reportedly comes after “community patrollers” accompanied by police officers ambushed learners, searched and forcefully cut off their “afros”.
A myriad of learners and parents who confided in Tzaneen Voice vented their frustration and anger towards this occurrence citing that it was uncalled for particularly because there was no proper engagement with the parties involved.
As it stands, parents are mobilizing to shut down the school demanding answers from the management of the school. Moreover, affected learners threaten to boycott schooling altogether because they have lost trust in the system.
“How can someone just decide to cut someone else’s child’s hair without involving them? What kind of a system is that? For some of us, our cultures and traditions don’t allow us to cut or shave off. How does a learner go to school look like that? They are promoting bullying because these kids will be laughed at and teased.”, one parent added.
More allegations of torching, being slapped around and being manhandled in the process have also come to the fore.
The headmaster Hluza Hiliza could not be reached for comment. Department of Education media liaison Mike Maringa said that they did not receive the report.
“We have not received that report. However, I will escalate the matter to the district as well as the circuit office to investigate before we can react”, Maringa said.
