No schooling in Malamulele

No schooling would take place in the area, police spokeswoman Colonel Ronel Otto said.

 

"We are still monitoring the area to maintain safety and security, and at this stage there is no violence," she said.

 

Schools in Malamulele and surrounding villages were empty and locals said they were barred from going to schools.

 

No transport operators were allowed to ferry pupils to schools in Giyani, Thohoyandou, and other areas outside Malamulele.

 

At least 100 schools are reportedly affected by the protest by residents who are demanding their own municipality.

 

Residents want to be separated from the Thulamela municipality, based about 50km from the villages on the edge of the Kruger National Park.

 

"Teachers did not report to work, there is a group of committee leaders who are stopping people from entering the area, and most teachers are also afraid to be victimised," said a local.

 

Protest leaders were only allowing health workers to enter the area, and other points of entry were being guarded and watched.

 

Protestors want President Jacob Zuma and premier Stan Mathabatha to deliver on a promise to have their demands resolved.

 

Zuma said he would look into the matter when he visited the area last year ahead of the May general elections.

 

In 2013 Mathabatha also promised to have the matter resolved.