An Eastern Cape businessman says he would rather go to jail than fix the pit latrines he built for four rural schools and then tore down, over a payment dispute with the state-appointed contractor that hired him. “I am willing to go to jail for my rights,” a defiant Jerry Sifanele, the managing director of Siyaphambili Trading, told The Citizen on Friday.
He was speaking after the Eastern Cape High Court earlier this week ordered Sifanele to repair the latrines within 20 days, with the threat of being held in contempt of court – and sentenced to six months in prison – looming. This prompted the department of education to step in. Last June it secured an interdict against Sifanele. It also secured an order holding him in contempt of court and sentencing him to six months in prison. The latter was, however, suspended on condition Sifanele unlocked the latrines – which he did.
“This raging pandemic has exacerbated matters. It requires that we observe high standards of cleanliness and hygiene. Besides the pandemic, the best interest of the children – which are paramount – dictate that their rights to education and dignity be safe-guarded,” she said.
Source: Education Headlines (educationheadlines.net)
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