Gauteng delivers on promise to Eldorado Park students
The Gauteng Provincial Government (GPG) has reached an agreement with parents of the 240 students from Eldorado Park, south of Johannesburg, that the students will be transported between their homes and various Westcol FET College campuses across the province with effect from Monday as initially agreed.
On Tuesday, 4 March, Gauteng Premier Nomvula Mokonyane, accompanied by Members of the Gauteng Executive Council, convened a meeting with parents and stakeholders from Eldorado Park to discuss the future of the students who were placed at Westcol FET College campuses in Magaliesburg, Randfontein and Carltonville under false pretence by a local resident.
Although the meeting on Tuesday resolved that the Provincial Government would remove the affected learners from the Westcol campuses, and cover their daily transportation and meal costs at a tune of R7 500 per month for the duration of their studies, some of the students refused to go back home and demanded that the Provincial Government funds their accommodation.
"We are happy that we have been able to find each other, for this settlement will go a long way in realising government's goal of ensuring that the education of an African child is not compromised".
"We therefore urge all students to use the opportunity given to them to develop themselves so that they can become active participants in building the country's economy," said Mokonyane.
The Provincial Department of Education has also requested the College to develop an academic recovery plan to make up for the time lost.
Enquiries:
Phumla Sekhonyane
Cell: 071 860 4496
