Successful End to Representative Council of Learners (RCL) Conference

The successful conclusion of the three-day long conference of Representative Council of Learners yesterday is a significant step towards the finalisation of the provincial association of learners.

The conference, which started on Monday 26 September, brought together more than 300 learners from all the Education Management and Development Centres in the metropole and rural areas.

Representative Councils of Learners are provided for in the SA Schools Act and other legislation. In many of our schools across the province, RCLs exist and function in varying degrees.

However, this is the first time ever that they have met on this basis, and it was evident that the learners welcomed this opportunity.

The Western Cape Education Department (WCED) welcomes the election of the interim body. We look forward to be working with the learners in pursuit of our vision of building a Learning Home for All.

Whilst this is our vision, the provincial government has adopted an economic development plan, Ikapa Elihlumayo, to arrive at this vision. Developing human and social capital are key objectives of Ikapa Elihlumayo. The formation of the provincial RCL represents a key step in developing capacity and networks.

This is an exciting opportunity for the learners themselves to mould their leadership and organizational skills, and be a partner in the building of a democratic quality public education system.

The interim council will work towards the finalisation of the constitution, policies, budget and programme of action, and the finalization of a duly elected provincial executive council.

The interim council reflects the profile of all the schools in the province, and, significantly, half are girls. This clearly is a positive step in building an equal society.

Many challenges await the body, but the WCED is committed to ensure that it is able to deliver on its basic mandate, and in doing so, assist in fostering a culture of democracy from an early age.

The first elected Interim Chairperson is Albertus Duba (083 977 7713) from Cape Town High School.

The other members are:

Breede River/Overberg EMDC
Langeberg Secondary - Ryan Africa: 072 731 0990
Robertson High School - Lerié Louw: 084 448 5677
Emil Weder High School - Irwill Adonis: 028 251 8119
Pionier School -Stevencia Schippers: 073 239 3739

Metropole North EMDC
Edgemead High - Sibongakonke Mama : 0847357931 / 021 5912009
Buren - Eilhaam Moose: 082 842 3047 / 021 511 1912
Bellvile - South Ernest van Sitters: 072 247 3718 / 021 952 5189
Bishop Lavis - Hilton Packies: 021 934 8584 / 9349326

Metropole East EMDC
Matthew Goniwe - Neliswa Tamte: 083 634 2737
Bernadino Heights - Dominique Wesso: 084 755 0562
Hector Petersen - Xolisa Sgam: 083 712 4093
Bulumko - Benjamin Zantsi: 021 361 4539

Metropole Central EMDC
Cape Town High - Albertus Duba: 083 977 7713 / 073 634 3466
Belgravia High - Wiesaal Toefy: 082 842 4386
Queens Park High - Calvin Klein 082 713 0173 / 021 447 0852
Alexander Sinton - Tasneem Shadrach: 073 372 3102

Metropole South
Sibelius - Gillion Bosman: 072 277 1422
Sophumelela - Amanda Filtane: 073 795 8885
Gugs Comprehensive - Thulani Masinda: 021 637 2457
Mondale High - Nathalie Nutt: 083 722 6029

West Coast/Winelands EMDC
Bloemhof Meisiesskool - Gescha Davids: 072 596 5361 / 021 887 3801
Uitkyk Primary -William Muller: 0725008602
Hoërskool Swartland - Gerhard van Eeden: 022 48822413 / 084 400 1042
Hoërskool Hopefield - Ronel Muller: 022 7230040 / 073 248 5789

South Cape/Karoo EMDC
Indwe - Lumkwana Luvuyo 044 6931292
Knysna Secondary - Josephine Jacobs 082 847 8923
George High - Luzaan Dudley 084 271 3095
Bastiaanse High - Denwill Smith 073 498 8414

For enquiries

Gert Witbooi
Media Secretary
Office of the MEC for Education
Western Cape
Tel: 021 467 2523
Fax: 021 425 5689
Visit our website: http://wced.wcape.gov.za

The Western Cape - A Home for All
INtshona Koloni - iKhaya loMntu wonke
Die Wes-Kaap - 'n Tuiste vir Almal