The KwaZulu-Natal Department of Education has denied allegations that Addington Primary School in Durban gives preference to foreign pupils over South African children.
MEC for Education Sihle Hlomuka visited the school on Thursday as part of the department’s oversight to monitor pupil admissions. The visit comes after protests outside the school led by March on March and its leader Jacinta Ngobese-Zuma, who demanded that South African children be prioritised and alleged that the principal and most staff were foreign nationals.
“Those allegations are false. Those who peddle these lies do so knowingly, putting innocent lives at risk,” Hlomuka said.
The department said the school has provided records showing that of the 1,548 pupils enrolled, 968 are South African, while 580 are foreign nationals. Among 17 undocumented learners, 12 are South African and only five are foreign nationals.
Hlomuka confirmed that arrangements have been made to accommodate 11 Grade 1 pupils who have not yet been placed at a nearby ECD centre at a reduced rate. Currently, 15 to 21 pupils still require placement.
“We empathise with the parents; however, we do not condone or encourage methods that leave teachers and learners traumatised,” Hlomuka said.