South Africa's Poor Burn Schools in Frustration at Slow Pace of Change

September 13, 2012 from Al Jazeera English

As striking miners roil South Africa, another unrest is also brewing as more than 40 schools in Northern Cape province have been closed. They've been shut by violent protests over what's being described as the government's slow delivery of basic services. Protesters say unless something is done to improve their lives, people will not allow the schools to reopen. Al Jazeera's Haru Mutasa reports from the town of Olifantshoek in South Africa.

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African National Congress (ANC)

The African National Congress is South Africa's governing political party, supported by its Tripartite Alliance with the Congress of South African Trade Unions and the South African Communist Party, since the establishment of non-racial democracy in April 1994. It defines itse... Explore this topic

Politics of South Africa

The Republic of South Africa is a unitary, presidential republic. The President of South Africa serves both as head of state and as head of government - in the same manner as prime ministers of other nations, the President is elected by the National Assembly and must enjoy the... Explore this topic

South Africa

South Africa, officially the Republic of South Africa, is a country located at the southern tip of Africa. It is divided into nine provinces and has 2,798 kilometres of coastline. To the north lie the neighbouring countries of Namibia, Botswana and Zimbabwe; to the east are Mo... Explore this topic

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Jacob Gedleyihlekisa Zuma is the President of South Africa, elected by parliament following his party's victory in the 2009 general election. Zuma is the President of the African National Congress, the governing political party, and was Deputy President of South Africa from 19... Explore this topic

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Economic inequality is the differences in the distribution of economic assets and income within or between populations or individuals. The term typically refers to inequality among individuals and groups within a society, but can also refer to inequality among countries. The i... Explore this topic

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Poverty is the state of one who lacks a certain amount of material possessions or money. Absolute poverty or destitution refers to the deprivation of basic human needs, which commonly includes food, water, sanitation, clothing, shelter, health care and education. Relative pove... Explore this topic

Protest

An act of defiance or objection by an individual or group of people. Protests can take many forms: peaceful or violent, direct or indirect, large or small. Protests in the news are often political in nature, as groups of citizens voice their disagreement or dissatisfaction. Pr... Explore this topic

School

A school is an institution that provides education below the tertiary level, including preschools, primary, and secondary schools. Note: The term college used in this definition refers to institution of higher learning that grants bachelor’s degrees. For more informa... Explore this topic

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Arson is the crime of intentionally and maliciously setting fire to buildings, wildland areas, vehicles or other property with the intent to cause damage. It may be distinguished from other causes such as spontaneous combustion and natural wildfires. Arson often involves fires... Explore this topic

South Africa under apartheid

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African National Congress (ANC)

Politics of South Africa

South Africa