Maimane and Lesufi to inspect Gauteng schools as Head Office shuts

One South Africa Movement leader, Mmusi Maimane, is forging ahead with his challenge to Gauteng Education MEC Panyaza Lesufi despite COVID-19 infections forcing an immediate closure of the department’s Head Office in Johannesburg.

The back-and-forth social media banter between Maimane, who has petitioned against the reopening of schools, and Lesufi, who has remained resolute in his department’s ability ensure the safety of learners, will culminate in an impromptu oversight inspection on Thursday 11 June.

Terms of the challenge laid down by Maimane — which come in the wake of a debilitating legal defeat to halt the return of Grade 7 and 12 learners — have put the power of choice in the One South Africa Movement leader’s hands. Maimane, who has called on his social media following for insight into the readiness of classrooms, will ultimately decide, on short notice, which school to visit alongside Lesufi.

Maimane and Lesufi go head-to-head

Maimane, who has used his powerful political past as leader of the official opposition party to springboard “a community-driven activist movement”, failed in his bid to suspend the resumption of schooling despite garnering almost 200 000 signatures in support of his petition. While the Constitutional Court dismissed Maimane’s application on Friday 5 June, the former Democratic Alliance (DA) leader has noted that he is actively considering ‘further legal options’ which include approaching a lower-level court.

In the meantime, Maimane’s war of words with Lesufi has intensified, with both parties defending their positions. Just two days after his legal defeat, Maimane confronted the Gauteng MEC via Twitter, saying:

“Sho Lesufi, can we do a walk about at a school of my choice during this coming week?”

Lesufi, who has been critical of Maimane’s stance on the education system since the former opposition leader started his petition to keep classrooms closed, swiftly accepted the challenge and, later, commented to the media:

“I asked him to give me that school [of his choice]… there’s nothing wrong. If he’s bored and he needs excitement, I’ll be there.

Remember, he [Maimane] is no longer a leader of a political party… so he has a lot of time on his hands. We are busy with a lot of work. Boredom is sometimes a very difficult thing but I told him he must choose that school and we will go there.

There is nothing to hide, if there are problems at that school we will fix them.”

In response, Maimane said that while he welcomed Lesufi’s willingness to engage, the politicisation of schooling was unfortunate and ultimately detracted from the core cause which was to ensure the safety of pupils.

COVID-19 closes Gauteng Education Head Office

On the eve the challenge, Lesufi was dealt a double-blow. On Wednesday, the MEC announced his shock at the death of two educators who worked at Thuto Lesedi Secondary School in Vosloorus. While the deaths have not officially been linked to COVID-19, Lesufi said:

“This is a huge loss for the school and the education sector in a difficult period. We would like to convey our sincere condolences to both families and the school community. We pray for their strength during this time of grief.”

More bad news was delivered by Lesufi when revealing that the Gauteng Education Head Office – located at 17 Simmonds Street, Johannesburg — had been forced to close after two employees tested positive for COVID-19. The Gauteng Education Department released a statement, noting:

“Two buildings no 17 Simmonds Street and 26 and 30 Loveday Street will be closed with immediate effect for fogging and disinfection which will take place on 11 and 12 June 2020.

The offices will be accessible after the disinfection process has been concluded on Friday, 12 June 2020.”

In deciding which school to visit on Thursday, Maimane noted serious concerns with Beverly Hills High in Evaton and a school in Thembisa.