Gauteng Education MEC Matome Chiloane has issued a strong warning to political figures, vowing that anyone disrupting learning in schools will be arrested.
Speaking at the School Safety Imbizo held at Hoër Tegniese Skool N Diederichs in Krugersdorp on Saturday, Chiloane condemned recent political interference in education, particularly an incident in Hammanskraal where politicians were seen in a viral video declaring a school would remain closed until grievances were addressed.
‘I Will Get You Arrested’
The MEC made it clear that disrupting education will not be tolerated.
“I will get you arrested, and I will put you in jail. I don’t care if you are my colleague,” Chiloane declared. “You have no right to stop schools from functioning. If you interfere and disrupt learning, the law is clear: you will be arrested.”
He emphasized that schools should be safe spaces for education, free from political interference. He urged politicians to use appropriate platforms for their concerns rather than disrupting teaching and learning.
‘Reckless Behaviour Will Not Be Accepted’
Chiloane also called on communities to support schools rather than obstruct their operations.
“If you want to contribute, bring tuition support, computers, shoes, uniforms, or money. But reckless behaviour will not be accepted,” he stated.
The Imbizo addressed various school safety measures, with Gauteng SAPS provincial head for visible policing, Brigadier Mark Joseph, stressing that law enforcement should be present in schools without intimidating learners. Mogale City Executive Mayor Lucky Godfrey Sele also highlighted the importance of community leadership in improving school environments.
Chiloane ended his address by instructing law enforcement to take decisive action against any attempts to disrupt education.
“Once we find political parties causing disruptions, there should be enough handcuffs to arrest them,” he concluded.