Minister Gwarube warns against disruptions to education following Operation Dudula's Gauteng schools visit
Basic Education Minister Siviwe Gwarube has issued a strong warning against disruptions to teaching and learning.
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Basic Education Minister Siviwe Gwarube has issued a stern warning that organisations that seek to disrupt teaching and learning will be met with the full might of the law.
Gwarube's comments come after Operation Dudula visited schools in Gauteng this week to deliver warning letters regarding the enrollment of undocumented foreign nationals.
The organisation, which has embarked on a nationwide campaign aimed at preventing illegal foreigners from accessing health care, called on public schools in townships to prioritise South African learners over foreign nationals when doing enrollments for the 2026 academic year.
In response to the action, Gwarube said she had raised her concerns with the Acting Minister of Police regarding reported disruptions of schooling by the Operation Dudula movement.
She said she has requested that the joint operations structures between the Department of Basic Education, SAPS, and Provincial Education Departments be activated to monitor and manage these disruptions.
Gwarube further underlined that it is an offence under the South African Schools Act to disrupt teaching and learning.
“No movement, no matter its name or agenda, has the right to hold children’s education hostage. Those who seek to destabilise schools will be met with the full might of the law,” said Gwarube.
Meanwhile Gwarube has also addressed alleged sexual abuse in schools in the Eastern Cape.
The department said at St John’s College, seven educators stand accused of sexual abuse of learners, resulting in several pregnancies. Learners at the school staged protests and the Eastern Cape Department of Education has since placed the implicated educators on precautionary suspension pending formal investigation.
At JS Skenjana Senior Secondary School, allegations of sexual harassment have been reported on social media and an investigative team from outside the district has been appointed to probe the allegations.
The department added that the Eastern Cape education department will also be providing psychosocial support for affected learners.