Tensions Erupt at Addington Primary School Amidst Protests Over Enrolment
Dramatic scenes unfolded outside Addington Primary School in Durban as a group of angry parents demanding their children’s rightful enrolment blocked all school exits. The tense situation escalated as protesters began profiling pupils based on their nationalities, leaving many terrified.
The unrest began when anti-foreign nationals initiated a protest outside the school, voicing their concerns over what they alleged was unfair treatment of South African children in the admission process. What was intended to be a peaceful demonstration quickly turned hostile as protesters directed their anger at pupils, accusing them of being non-South Africans. Boisterous chants echoed, including a chilling rendition of “Ungayijahi impi iyabulala,” which loosely translates to “Do not rush the war; it kills.”
A strong contingent of marchers, comprising leaders and supporters from the Operation Dudula Movement, March and March, and the uMkhonto weSizwe Party, clad in their respective regalia, descended upon the school. They blockaded all exits, demanding that education officials address their grievances. When their demands went unheeded, the situation deteriorated further, with protesters resorting to profiling pupils as they attempted to leave the premises.
The chaos reached a peak when terrified pupils and their parents fled for safety, screaming amid accusations of being immigrants. The atmosphere grew increasingly volatile, with angry protesters throwing stones at the fleeing families. Authorities were called to the scene, resorting to water cannons in a bid to restore order.
“If the government will not listen to us, there will be bloodshed,” warned one marcher, reflecting the heightened tensions surrounding the protest.
The core of the conflict centres around claims that Addington Primary was denying admission to children whose parents are South African while favouring children of migrants. Jacinta Ngobese, the leader of March and March and a prominent voice against illegal immigration, asserted, “We can’t be wrong when we want South Africans and their children to be prioritised. We are not xenophobic; all we want is for South Africans to be treated fairly in their country.”
In response to the outcry, the provincial department of education dismissed the claims made by the protesters. Spokesperson Muzi Mahlambi characterised the protest as a political ploy ungrounded in reality. “We do not have any child who has not been admitted. What happened at Addington Primary was undesirable. These are organisations with their own interests, and they are not fighting for the children,” he asserted.
Mahlambi further clarified that out of 1,578 school enrolments, more than 1,100 were South African children. “There are lies being peddled that 80% of the pupils were foreign nationals, and there’s no such thing. Additionally, there are false claims that learners are undocumented,” he said, countering the narrative that had fuelled the protests.
As the dust settles on the confrontation, the implications of these events extend beyond the school gates. The incident underscores the increasing tensions around issues of immigration and national identity in South Africa. With the dialogue surrounding citizenship and belonging heating up, both local residents and migrants are left to ponder the future of their communities in an increasingly polarised environment.
The education department's reassurances come at a critical time, as the school year progresses and parental anxieties mount. The situation at Addington Primary serves as a reminder of the profound impact political narratives can have on everyday life, particularly within the realm of education where young minds are shaped and futures are forged.
Moving forward, it will be crucial for authorities to engage with the community to rebuild trust and ensure that all children receive a fair chance at education, devoid of prejudice or fear.
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