Kids caught in immigration row

XENOPHOBIA: CIVIL SOCIETY GROUPS FACE BACKLASH >>> Attempts to block undocumented pupils spark violence.

- Masoka Dube

TAKING A STAND. Operation Dudula members protest outside department of education offices in Parow, Cape Town, recently while hundreds of parents queue to register their children. Picture: Gallo Images

(Gallo Images)

Civil society groups are coming under fire for targeting children in immigration disputes, with education experts warning that no organisation has the authority to block pupils from classrooms.

Recent clashes at Addington Primary School in Durban where members of the March and March Movement (MAM), Operation Dudula and uMkhonto weSizwe party reportedly tried to deregister the children of undocumented parents have reignited concerns about xenophobia, vigilantism and the constitutional right to education.

MAM leader Jacinta Ngobese-Zuma is facing public violence charges in connection with these protests.

A few days ago, a fight erupted between the organisation's members and some foreign nationals who are parents of pupils.

Education expert Hendrick Makaneta said no individual or organisation has the right to block a child from accessing education.

He said targeting children under the guise of dealing with illegal immigrants was prohibited by law.

"Schools should be safe spaces for learning and teaching, not sites where pupils are intimidated," Makaneta said.