DA and ANC clash over school infrastructure protests in Witzenberg

The Democratic Alliance (DA) and a local ward councillor have exchanged sharp accusations following a protest linked to school infrastructure concerns in Witzenberg, after the DA alleged that political incitement endangered learners and heightened tensions between communities.

In a statement issued on Sunday, DA constituency head for Witzenberg Wendy Kaizer-Philander condemned what the party described as the “irresponsible and dangerous” conduct of an African National Congress (ANC) public representative, alleging that members of the Nduli community were deliberately incited to protest on Friday while learners were travelling to school using scholar transport.

The DA said the incident resulted in heightened tensions and a scuffle involving members of the Nduli and Vredebes communities, warning that political opportunism should never place children’s safety or access to education at risk.

The party linked the incident to ongoing disputes around school infrastructure development in the area, particularly plans for a new primary school in Vredebes.

According to the DA, a sustained and misleading narrative had been advanced around the project, despite assurances from the Western Cape Education Department (WCED) that the school would serve learners from both Vredebes and Nduli and offer isiXhosa as a language of teaching and learning. The department has also committed to interim measures to address urgent needs at Nduli Primary School while construction is phased.

However, Ward Councillor Andile Gili strongly rejected the DA’s claims, accusing the party of misrepresenting the situation and politicising legitimate community grievances.

“The DA’s response to the situation at Nduli Primary School is not only disappointing, but it’s also a stark reminder of their priorities,” Gili said. “Instead of working with the community to address the pressing issue of substandard school infrastructure, they’re busy playing politics and deflecting blame.”

He denied allegations that he had incited protest action or fuelled tensions. “Accusing me of inciting protest and escalating tensions is a gross misrepresentation of the facts. The reality is, the community is frustrated and desperate for change. They’re tired of waiting for the DA to act, and they’re demanding a safe, dignified, and adequate learning environment for their children,” he said.

Gili also disputed claims that the protest had racial undertones. “It’s disturbing to see the DA resort to divisive tactics, falsely claiming racial tensions and scuffles. The truth is, people of all backgrounds are standing together, united in their demand for quality education,” he said, adding that support from white and coloured residents demonstrated that the issue was “not about politics or race, it’s about doing what’s right for our children”.

Parents at Nduli Primary School have withdrawn their children from classes, citing overcrowding, unsafe infrastructure and long-standing Occupational Health and Safety non-compliance issues dating back to 2016. A peaceful march to the WCED offices in Ceres and a community shutdown were organised on Friday in support of demands for written commitments and clear time frames from the department.

Responding to the broader situation, WCED spokesperson Bronagh Hammond said the department was aware of the protest action and was engaging with the Nduli school community on a proposed plan going forward, which would be communicated in due course. She said the department could not comment on the specific incident alleged to have occurred on Friday as officials were not present.

Meanwhile, Gili said the community would continue to press for improved school infrastructure. “We’ll continue to hold them accountable and fight for the quality education our children deserve,” he said.

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