suspended
29 January 2007
Western Cape Education MEC Cameron Dugmore today had to request the
temporary suspension of a Circuit Manager of the department after a group of
learners locked the gates of a Cape Flats high school in protest against their
demotions to grade 11.
Last year, 50 grade 11 learners were issued with report cards, which stated
that they passed, which meant they were promoted to Grade 12. However, upon
review the Education Management and Development Centre (EMDC) Metropolitan East
discovered discrepancies in the promotions, and informed the 50 learners that
they had to repeat grade 11.
This led to protests last week, resulting in running street battles with the
police in which pepper spray and other restraint methods were used. This
morning the gates were locked, which meant that almost a thousand learners lost
out on a whole school day.
MEC Dugmore visited the school today and met with some of the affected
learners, their parents, community leaders, teachers and EMDC officials.
The meeting agreed that learning and teaching must resume tomorrow, and that
the learners and their parents may appeal against the decision of the EMDC. In
addition the MEC has called for an audit of all the 2006 grade 11 academic
records at this specific school.
MEC Dugmore will visit the school again tomorrow (Tuesday, 30 January), from
07h30, to meet with the whole group of 50 learners, the teaching staff and
address the school assembly. This visit will chart a way forward in resolving
the matter.
Said MEC Dugmore, "I want to apologise to both the learners and the parents
for the improper action of an official from my department, but at the same
time, learning and teaching must continue whilst we are looking for
solutions."
For enquiries, contact:
Gert Witbooi
Media Liaison Officer
Office of the MEC for Education
Western Cape
Tel: (021) 467 2523
Fax: (021) 425 5689
Cell: 082 550 3938
E-mail: gwitbooi@pgwc.gov.za
Issued by: Department of Education, Western Cape Provincial Government
29 January 2007
