A South African organization representing students with disabilities, the South African National Association For Special Education (Sanase), has threatened to boycott the upcoming vote if the government continues to neglect the needs of special schools in KwaZulu-Natal. The organization says it has been trying to bring attention to the issues facing these schools for three years, but to no avail. Sanase members met at the Khulangolwazi Special School in Montclair, eThekwini, on Tuesday to discuss strategies to pressure the government.
The special schools are facing several challenges, including a shortage of buses to transport students and a lack of trained teachers to educate students with disabilities. Sanase chairperson, Khetho Sibiya, said they have been in contact with the KwaZulu-Natal Department of Education for three years, but have seen no improvement. Sibiya pointed out that the department's lack of attention to their needs is due to the fact that they do not have children with disabilities of their own.
Sibiya expressed frustration with the department's lack of response, saying that they have been making promises but not delivering. He specifically criticized Education Minister Sipho Hlomuka for being indifferent to their plight. Sibiya stated that if they do vote in the upcoming November 4 election, it will be a vote for their children to continue suffering.
Sibiya called on parents of children with disabilities to boycott the vote, saying that their votes will only serve to perpetuate the neglect of special schools. He also urged other adults with disabilities to join them in boycotting the election. Quen Nxumalo, a Sanase member, said they have met with the Premier of KwaZulu-Natal, Thami Ntuli, and attended meetings at the Department of Education offices, but have seen no results.
Nxumalo expressed disappointment that their efforts to bring attention to their issues have been met with silence. The group's efforts to bring attention to their plight have included protests and meetings with government officials. Despite their efforts, the situation remains unchanged.
The KwaZulu-Natal Department of Education's spokesperson, Muzi Mahlambi, was not available for comment on the issue. Sanase members remain determined to bring attention to the needs of special schools in KwaZulu-Natal. The organization's efforts have so far been met with indifference from the government.
The boycott of the vote is seen as a last resort for the organization, which feels that it has been ignored by the government for too long. The issue highlights the ongoing challenges faced by students with disabilities in South Africa and the need for greater support and resources for special schools.
Key points
- Sanase threatens to boycott the vote over government's neglect of special schools in KwaZulu-Natal.
- Special schools face challenges including a shortage of buses and trained teachers.
- The organization's efforts to bring attention to their issues have been met with indifference from the government.
