South Africa needs educated youth that are going to add value to the development agenda of the country, says Cooperative and Traditional Affairs Minister Des van Rooyen.

“Their education is an integral part of the future of our country. We’ve agreed with all stakeholders and leaders, including Khosikhulu vho-Toni Mphephu Ramabulana to normalise schooling in Vuwani and the surrounding villages. If anyone (tries) to destabilise schooling, that person does not have the interests of this country at heart As a community, you need to isolate that person.

“We want to reiterate that learners must go back to school, businesses must open. Those who are against stability must be isolated. Those who don’t want our kids to go to school, must be isolated,” he said on Wednesday.

The Minister, who is also the head of the Inter-Ministerial Committee to restore peace and stability in Vuwani and surrounding villages, was speaking during a visit to Ratshikwekwete Secondary School in Tshitungulwane outside Vuwani.

Minister van Rooyen, who was accompanied by Communications Minister Faith Muthambi, further said: “South Africa is a symbol of peace in the world a symbol of a system that was able to prevail over diversity. The people of the world don’t expect us to be burning no less than 20 schools in no time.

“All countries are looking at us as a best model of a peaceful country.”

Minister Muthambi said: “As the Inter-Ministerial Committee, working with other relevant stakeholders, we have been able to normalise the schooling environment in the area. Learners should go back to school and teachers must go back to the classrooms as from tomorrow.

“We know that teachers in this area are committed and we want to encourage them to report all forms of threats to the police.”

The Inter-Ministerial Committee is currently holding a meeting with teachers, principals and school governing bodies, residents and traditional leaders of Ha-Nesengani outside Vuwani.

SOURCE: Government Communication and information System