Statement by Western Cape Education MEC Cameron Dugmore
16 July 2007
I am very pleased with reports from the different education management and
development centres (EMDCs) that the third term has started smoothly, with good
attendance by teachers and learners.
This is the third and crucial term for our learners. I am confident that our
teachers are committed to ensure that our learners get the best support they
need as we approach the matric and final year exams.
This morning it was back to normal for all our 96 000 learners in both high
and primary schools. Although various schools have been affected differently by
the recent public service strike, I am most concerned about matric learners,
who have not written exams at all at about 50 high schools.
These schools must start examinations soon, so that it can be completed by 8
August 2007. Schools that are writing their own papers must submit
comprehensive examination plans and their timetables to the EMDCs by 20
July.
The 30 schools that are participating in the common examinations of the
Learner Attainment Strategy (namely, those that achieved matric pass rates of
less than 60% in 2006) have received new timetables for the Grade 12
examinations.
We have provided full details of our recovery plan to the media, which
include the following:
* measures to complete mid-year examinations by 8 August 2007
* winter schools, spring schools and extra classes
* distributing materials and information via electronic and print media
* provision of extra learning support materials
I know that many of our learners are learning under the most difficult of
circumstances. I therefore want to urge our parents to support them, and give
them space and time to concentrate on their studies.
I urge all of the young children to keep their focus. They must use all
available time to cover certain subject areas, do revision and read
set-works.
I am also convening a meeting with all unions and other education
stakeholders in this week, and will establish a Provincial Recovery Team, to
strengthen and monitor the implementation of the Recovery Program.
The plan made an excellent start during the July holiday with Winter Schools
in six of our seven districts. The seventh district, South Cape/Karoo, plans to
hold extra classes on Saturday mornings and during the September holidays.
We are now entering the second phase of the plan, in conjunction with the
national Department of Education and teacher unions. These discussions will be
finalised this week.
Whilst many schools returned to normal, I am concerned about reports that 17
schools have been affected by vandalism and/or burglary during the holiday, the
most serious of which was Groenvlei Secondary School in Lansdowne, which
reported three cases of burglary and vandalism.
Apparently, burglars set fire to a prefabricated building at the school, and
damaged ceilings, toilets, the alarm system and security gates, among other
acts of vandalism. They stole copper pipes, electrical wiring and a gas
cylinder. The school reported the incident to the Lansdowne police station.
Our officials have visited the school this morning and have arranged
emergency security and repairs. I am also happy that the local police forum
will arrange for extra patrols.
Every burgled or vandalised school is one too many, and we cannot rest until
every school is treated as a sacred place in every community, dedicated to
teaching and learning and ensuring a positive future for every child. I
therefore appeal to our communities to take ownership of our schools and come
forward with any information, which will assist us in preventing further
attacks.
Detailed costing of the damages to our various schools is being compiled.
The department will initiate a process to repair the affected schools with our
emergency maintenance budget.
Whilst every school has a safety plan in line with procedure, ongoing
incidents of vandalism and theft show that criminals are determined to target
our schools. Every year the department spends millions on repairs, which is
unacceptable.
I have therefore asked the Head of Department to establish a task team
between our department and Community Safety to advise on additional measures to
secure our schools over weekends and during holidays.
For enquiries contact:
Gert Witbooi
Cell: 082 550 3938
Paddy Attwell
Cell: 083 261 7699
Issued by: Department of Education, Western Cape Provincial Government
16 July 2007
