27 March 2007
An inquiry into various issues in schools in the Saldanha municipal area,
including allegations of racism, access, transport, school fees and
provisioning will start tonight (Tuesday, 27 March, 19h00) when senior
officials of the Western Cape Education Department meet with the community of
Laingville in a public meeting in the local school hall.
Earlier education MEC Cameron Dugmore established a Task Team after hearing
complaints from members of the public and children not attending school at the
beginning of this year. The Task Team is headed by the MEC's Advisor Archie
Lewis, and has the following brief:
* investigate allegations of racism at Vredenburg High School where learners
from St Helena Bay complained of certain specific comments
* investigate and advise on school fees at relevant schools (in the
region)
* look at utilisation of available space and provisioning issues within the
relevant region, including learner transport and its effectiveness
* ensure that any learner still not in school, is suitably placed as soon as
possible
* review pass and failure rates of Grade 10 learners for the period 2005-2006
at the Vredenburg High School, with special reference to the learners from the
Laingville area
* review relevant teacher and learner portfolios at Vredenburg High School.
The Task Team meets with all role-players and high school representatives
tomorrow, after which the Task Team will analyse and decide on further
steps.
Enquiries:
Gert Witbooi
Media Liaison Officer
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
27 March 2007
