Cape High Court judgement on Kloofnek bus accident today
12 October 2007
Education MEC Cameron Dugmore says whilst the Western Cape Education
Department (WCED) respects the courts and their decisions, he personally is
nevertheless "deeply disappointed by the judgement."
MEC Dugmore said: "I understand the pain of our school and parents and will
meet them to discuss the way forward."
See statement below on bus accident which led to court case
Source: Ministry of Education (Provincial Government of the Western
Cape)
25 August 2005
Three learners and the driver of a bus transporting primary school learners
on an educational excursion to Table Mountain died this afternoon when,
according to initial reports, the brakes of the bus apparently failed.
About 40 learners are injured, of which seven seriously. They have been
admitted to two Cape Town hospitals. The Safe Schools Call Centre staffs of the
Western Cape Education Department are tracing the names of the learners taken
to each hospital.
The bus involved in the accident was one of two buses carrying about 130
children on the excursion. We cannot verify the cause of the accident at this
stage, although we have heard reports of brake failure.
The MEC for Education Cameron Dugmore, who visited the scene soon after the
incident, expressed his condolences to the families concerned, and said it was
"tragic to loose young lives".
"But now is not the time to blame, but rather to give support to the
families and the school.
"I particularly want to express my appreciation to Nici Rothschild, who
stays nearby where the accident happened. She has accommodated the learners in
her house immediately after the accident, and given them comfort," said MEC
Dugmore.
The accident happened after 13h00 this afternoon on the corner of Quarry
Hill and Kloofnek Roads, and involved about 65 learners from Dennegeur Primary
School, Strandfontein.
The WCED accommodated learners who were not hurt at Jan van Riebeeck High
School while arranging transport back to Dennegeur Primary School.
WCED has provided counsellors at both Jan Van Riebeeck and Dennegeur to
provide support for learners involved in the accident, their parents and
teachers. The counsellors based at the WCED's Metropole South Education
Management and Development Centre (EMDC) and Safe Schools staff will continue
to provide counselling and support at the school tomorrow.
The WCED is also arranging additional support from other EMDCs and the Safe
Schools Division for tomorrow (Friday, 26 August). The department has clear
guidelines on excursions. It does appear that the school planned the outing
carefully, and that this tragedy was an accident. The WCED will investigate
fully.
For enquiries, contact:
Paddy Attwell
Cell: 083 261 7699
Gert Witbooi
Cell: 082 550 3938
Issued by: Department of Education, Western Cape Provincial Government
12 October 2007
