DA slams schools closure, calls Ramaphosa a 'spectator president'

The main opposition reacted to the announcement by Ramaphosa on Thursday night that public schools should close their doors for four weeks from Monday.

Government says this further interruption to the 2020 academic school year is deemed necessary while South Africa moves through the expected peak of the COVID-19 pandemic. 

But DA interim leader John Steenhuisen says the party cannot support the decision.

"President Ramaphosa has bent the knee to all-powerful teachers' unions, in particular Sadtu, who do not have the best interests of learners at heart. 

READ: SIU to probe alleged corruption with COVID-19 funds

"This is not leadership. President Ramaphosa is behaving like a "spectator president", taking instructions from whichever powerful interest group threatens him more."

Steenhuisen says the decision to close down schools has not been based on scientific evidence but is rather about the survival of the African National Congress (ANC) and its "incapable state". 

"Instead of an education and a bright future, the ANC is bequeathing our children debt, hunger, and ignorance."

NOW READ: SA COVID-19 cases surge past 400 000 mark