Political Campaigning in Schools Raises Concern Ahead of Elections

DA raises alarm over political campaigning in Eastern Cape schools

A fresh political storm is brewing in the Eastern Cape after the Democratic Alliance (DA) warned that schools are increasingly being used as platforms for election campaigning.

Horatio Hendricks MPL, the DA’s Shadow MEC for Education, has called for urgent intervention to ensure schools remain politically neutral as South Africa moves deeper into an election period.

In a statement issued on 10 February 2026, Hendricks said children must never be used as political tools and stressed that schools should remain safe, neutral spaces dedicated solely to learning.

Concerns over political activity during school hours

According to Hendricks, the DA has observed several recent incidents where political parties attended school activities dressed in party regalia.

He warned that such conduct places learners “directly in the path of partisan activity” and undermines the integrity of the education system.

Parents, he said, entrust schools with the care and development of their children — not with exposing them to political messaging during teaching time.

“This conduct undermines the integrity of our education system and exposes children to political pressure in environments meant to protect their development and well-being,” Hendricks stated.

Legal framework prohibits political activity

Hendricks referenced Section 33A of the South African Schools Act, which explicitly prohibits political activity on school grounds during school hours.

He argued that any breach of this provision compromises learner welfare and erodes public confidence in the neutrality of the education system.

The DA has formally written to Eastern Cape Education MEC Fundile Gade and Head of Department Sharon Maasdorp, requesting that an urgent circular be issued to all school principals.

The proposed circular would remind schools of their legal obligations and reinforce the prohibition on political activity during teaching and learning hours.

Possible escalation to national level

Hendricks warned that if the department fails to act decisively, the DA will escalate the matter to the national Minister of Basic Education.

“If a departmental circular is not issued, or if compliance is not actively monitored, the DA will escalate this matter to ensure learners are protected from political interference,” he said.

He added that no political party is above the law and reiterated that schools are not campaign venues.

Education must remain a protected space

The statement comes amid heightened political activity across the province ahead of upcoming elections. While political engagement is a constitutional right, Hendricks argued that schools must remain insulated from partisan influence during instructional time.