Today’s protest on the closure of Lagunya Finishing School is deeply regrettable, said MEC for Education in the Western Cape, Donald Grant on Wednesday.
“Congress of South African Students (COSAS) has used this situation to incite violence and score cheap political points. Through their racist insults and calls for violence, they have shown that they are not a responsible organisation who has the best interests of our learners at heart,” he said.
“Their behaviour today has validated why I have, in line with a decision made by Basic Education Minister Angie Motshekga, reiterated to all schools that no political campaigning of any kind will be allowed on school grounds, during school hours.”
The MEC has granted, in principle, approval for the closure of Lagunya Finishing School. However, final approval for closure is subject to public consultation which will take place on Sunday, 10 October 2009. The reasons behind the MEC’s decision were based on the fact that the current Western Cape Education Department school system does not make provision for finishing schools, and consequently, its norms and standards and post provision for staffing also does not provide for finishing schools.
“Finishing schools are a product of the old dispensation under the former Department of Education and Training. This department has not existed since 1994. Since then, former administrations have closed down two other finishing schools in the province. Lagunya is the last one remaining and there have been ongoing consultations with the department and the school over the last five to six years around this process,” said Grant.
MEC Grant visited the management of the school in June, where discussions involved possible alternatives for the school. However, after reviewing the various options, and after applying his mind, the decision, in principle, to approve the closure of the school was made.
“One such option was to convert the school into a high school. However, there is no need for another high school in Langa. There is so much capacity in our Langa schools that we are even bussing in learners from other areas to fill them,” he said.
“Therefore, the learners of Lagunya can also be accommodated at these schools. We will also ensure that all the contracted teachers will be redeployed.”
Grant said that in terms of procedure, he now has to give the governing body of the school a reasonable opportunity to make representation to him in relation to the closure of the school.
“This is a more suitable venue for our learners and community members to state their grievances. But instead, COSAS has recruited learners from Lagunya and other neighbouring schools to take part in a political protest during school hours,” he said.
“Their priorities regarding the education of these learners are obviously skewed. We will only consult with organisations that have the learner’s best interests at heart, and will not entertain those with political agenda's. If COSAS ever want to be taken seriously then they must be prepared to engage on the merits of issues in a constructive manner that will not affect our learners.”
Media enquiries:
Bronagh Casey
Cell: 072 724 1422
E-mail: brcasey@pgwc.gov.za
