Mmusi Maimane launches petition against ‘gambling with children’s lives’

Previous DA pioneer Mmusi Maimane has propelled an appeal to keep schools shut after essential training clergyman Angie Motshekga’s declaration that schools the nation over would revive in June.

Motshekga reported on Tuesday evening that schools would revive for grade 7 and 12 understudies on June 1.

Maimane said the dispatch of the appeal was to send a “solid message” to the legislature that they couldn’t make “hurried, stupid and crazy choices” that could influence the wellbeing and soundness of youngsters.

“Area 28(2) of our constitution expresses that ‘a youngster’s eventual benefits are of vital significance in each issue concerning the kid’ and we accept the pastor gave almost no consolation that her choice clings to this crucial right,” Maimane told TimesLIVE on Wednesday.

“In all actuality the government officials who settle on these choices are too reluctant to even think about returning to parliament however glad to send a huge number of kids into gathered homerooms together – numerous without water and fundamental foundation. It’s inadmissible,” he said.

Maimane said the objective of the request was to give a voice to normal South Africans, including educators, guardians, principals and school overseeing bodies.

By early afternoon on Wednesday the appeal had 21,000 signatories.

“When our request has enough help, we will convey it to Minister Motshekga and President [Cyril] Ramaphosa,” said Maimane.

TimesLIVE (TMG Digital)