By Teboho Moloi
QWAQWA – Members of the Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) Maluti-A-Phofung sub-region took to the streets in protest on Friday morning, bringing traffic to a standstill during peak hours.
The peaceful march, joined by EFF members, youth, community members, and parents, was directed at the Department of Education in Thabo Mofutsanyana, located at the old QwaQwa parliament building.
Marching to the department on 28 March, while singing revolutionary struggle songs, the protesters made it clear that this was the last time they would march for their demands to be addressed.
EFF representative Mahlomola Majake stated that their primary demand was the immediate abolishment of Typek paper collections in all public schools. He emphasized that monetary donations should be voluntary and regulated under appropriate South African legislation.
Majake further highlighted that they also demanded that all Grade 12 camp expenses be fully covered by the Department of Education.
“It is sad that 35 years ago, during the then QwaQwa government and the apartheid education system, we were fighting for similar issues, including exam fees, school fees, and stationery. Today, 30 years into democracy, we are still facing challenges such as Typek collections and matric camp fees,” said Majake.
The EFF has threatened to shut down schools that continue implementing the practices outlined in their memorandum.
“Today, we are here for a peaceful march to deliver this love letter to the district Department of Education. Next, we will meet on the battlefield with those running the schools. This is a warning, not a joke. We are telling principals to stop what they are doing, or they will face us,” warned Majake.
Receiving the memorandum, Free State Department of Education Chief Director Sam Mokgobo, accompanied by District Director Lindiwe Mabaso, requested the names of schools that were withholding learners’ reports due to unpaid Typek donations, school fees, or other financial contributions.
Mokgobo emphasized that such actions were a violation of departmental policies and would not be tolerated.
On the other hand, the EFF called for the implementation of alternative fundraising methods that do not burden parents. They also urged the department to hire permanent security personnel to ensure the safety of both learners and educators.
Mokgobo stated that upon receiving the names of offending schools, the department would initiate its own investigation before taking appropriate action. The department has 14 days to respond to the memorandum.
