Situation at Uxolo High School has Stabilised | Western Cape Government

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Situation at Uxolo High School has Stabilised

8 March 2010

"I am pleased to announce that the situation at Uxolo High School in Khayelitsha has stabilised," said Minister Donald Grant on Monday.

"Both the principal and the learner concerned have returned to the school after an extensive consultation process with the School Governing Body, the Representative Council of Learners, teachers, learners and parents and officials from the Metro East Education District. "

Grant said that in terms of the allegations against the principal of sexual misconduct, no substantive evidence had been brought forward by any party and the accusation was formally denied by both the learner and principal.

"Should any such evidence be presented, the department will take firm action in terms of the appropriate legal provisions," he said.

"There will, however, be an internal disciplinary procedure against the principal for the irregular adjustment of marks."

Grant said that the marks found on the department's Central Education Management Information System (CEMIS) initially indicated that the learner had passed Grade 12.

"But, on further investigation, it was found that the learner had indeed failed, and that the marks had been adjusted by the principal, promoting her to Grade 12. This practice is allowed. However, in this instance it was done without following due process," said Grant.

"Therefore, we are taking the necessary disciplinary action to deal with this matter as advised by our legal department within the Western Cape Education Department (WCED). This procedure will be left to run its co

Grant said that after a final recommendation by the Metro East district, the decision was made to re-integrate the learner back into Grade 12.

"I sincerely hope that all the educators and learners at Uxolo welcome her back into the school so that she can continue with her studies. The Grade 12 examinations should be the only thing on both her and her classmates minds. There should be no other distractions."

Grant said that the main focus now was to make sure that the school functions as per normal.

"I appeal to all concerned to put the best interests of the learners first and to ensure that learning is able to take place in a peaceful and secure environment."

Media Enquiries: 

Bronagh Casey
Spokesperson
Minister of Education, Donald Grant
Western Cape
Cell: 072 724 1422
Tel: 021 467 2377