The South African Union of Learners (SAUL) holds the Mahlwareng Primary School leadership accountable for negligence after learners escaped a life-threatening incident.
The learners were involved in fatal accident involving a bus, a taxi and a private vehicle while on school trip.
SAUL claimed that the school failed both parents and learners in choosing reliable transport providers that may be entrusted with the safety of minors.
Oratile Levuno, SAUL secretary general, said the union is disappointed in the school, highlighting that every learner has the right to a safe and secure environment as quoted in the South African School Act.
The union further said in a statement that teachers did not take this to heart and mind as their “reckless conduct” has endangered the lives of young children who came face to face with death.
“The school stands accused of a gross dereliction of duty by entrusting the safety of our precious children to a bus company that their transportation services are nothing short of a ticking time bomb,” said the union in a statement.
“This incident stands as a glaring testament to the absolute failure of those entrusted with the education and welfare of our young minds.
“The Department of Basic Education’s continued disregard for the safety and wellbeing of our children is an affront to not only the concerned parents but the entire nation.
“We condemn this negligence.”
It also demands that the Basic Education Department investigate the matter while also being accountable for alleged failure to take reasonable measures to create and ensure the safety of learners while in school premises or attending school activities.
“We demand immediate action from the department to rectify this situation.
“We call upon the authorities to investigate this incident thoroughly, hold the negligent teachers accountable, and ensure that such incompetence does not endanger our children ever again.
SAUL further demands that the department implement safety standards for school trips and end contracts with transport companies that do not meet the safety standards.
“The lives of our children are non-negotiable. We will not stand idly by while the department and irresponsible educators jeopardise the future of our nation,” said Levuno.
Follow @SundayWorldZA on Twitter and @sundayworldza on Instagram, or like our Facebook Page, Sunday World, by clicking here for the latest breaking news in South Africa.
