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South African protesters set 17 schools ablaze

South African protesters torched 17 government schools during violent protests against the redrawing of municipal boundaries ahead of local elections this year, police and education officials said Thursday.
PHOTO:AFP

PHOTO:AFP

South African protesters torched 17 government schools during violent protests against the redrawing of municipal boundaries ahead of local elections this year, police and education officials said Thursday.

The protests started on Monday night in three neighbouring villages in the northern province of Limpopo when residents blockaded streets with rocks, pipes and burning tyres.

Of the 22 schools that were attacked, two were destroyed and 17 were damaged by fire, leaving 26,000 students without classrooms, education ministry spokesman Elijah Mhlanga told AFP.

A small police station, a traditional chief’s office and a post office were also set alight this week during protests in Vuwani village, police spokesman Malesela Ledwaba told AFP.

The unrest later spread to the sprawling rural settlements of Levubu and Hlanganani.

Police reported the area was calm on Thursday, as government officials sought meetings with residents’ representatives.

Villagers have been protesting against being moved into a different municipality under boundary reforms ahead of the August 3 local government elections.

Violent protests are common ahead of polls in South Africa, with most focusing on deficient government services.

This year’s elections are seen as a major test for the African National Congress (ANC), which has ruled South Africa since the first post-apartheid elections in 1994.

The party has been hit by corruption scandals and complaints that it has failed to address deep poverty and inequality.

President Jacob Zuma condemned the protests while speaking in parliament, describing the burning of schools as “shocking”.

2 Comments

  • Author’s gravatar

    Our African leaders will never change. Do the right thing and your people will support you.

  • Author’s gravatar

    Yea, we expected that South Africa should have a think-tank to avoid the demise of other African countries that started greatly. But they are recklessly getting into thesame pit-hole. But if you are angry and you burn institutions in a few hours which took years to build, then what will you and your children use for education after the crises? The followers are not also wise. They should follow responsible leaders when protesting and not distructive ones.