Tensions continue to mount in the lead-up to the Economic Freedom Fighters’ (EFF) planned protest in Brackenfell on Friday, November 20.
The EFF and Western Cape Minister of Education Debbie Schäfer were scheduled to meet on Thursday [November 19] to discuss the party’s concerns regarding Brackenfell High School, in an attempt to try and reach a suitable understanding on the way forward.
However, the political party has cancelled the meeting.
“Their representatives have said that they are too busy preparing for their protest on Friday to spare even one hour to discuss solutions to what is allegedly the reason for the protest,” said Schäfer in a statement.
“It is very clear that the EFF is not interested in discussing and resolving their concerns. Their only intent is to intimidate and disrupt schooling, adding more anxiety to our learners who have had an extremely difficult year.”
According to Schäfer, some EFF leaders have made repeated threats of violence on both social media and on radio.
“The police are aware of these and are investigating them, according to a meeting I had with General Matakata this morning,” she said.
Schäfer urges the residents of Brackenfell not to come to the school on Friday, except for parents taking their children to school and fetching them.
“The EFF desperately wants a confrontation outside the school. Do not give in to their tactics. SAPS and other law enforcement authorities are making extensive preparations.
“Please, let us not give the EFF the attention and confrontation they are so desperately seeking.”
The EFF are gearing up for the protest, scheduled to start at 10am on Friday at Brackenfell High School. They have been granted permission by the City of Cape Town for 100 members to protest.
“We did say that the terror attacks in Brackenfell will not go unanswered. On Friday we will descend and ensure that nothing operates. They have pushed us, and they must prepare to be pushed harder,” the political party tweeted out.
The EFF in the Western Cape will tomorrow protest against racism.
We will protest because our laws are undermined and law-officials are bullied by white racists, who have decided that no Black authority can threaten their grip on sections of our society #EFFInBrackenfell pic.twitter.com/QvFtNulx29
— Economic Freedom Fighters (@EFFSouthAfrica) November 19, 2020
Picture: Twitter / Economic Freedom Fighters