Learners Rights Must Not be Prejudiced by Planned March on Masibambisane Secondary | Western Cape Government

News

News

Learners Rights Must Not be Prejudiced by Planned March on Masibambisane Secondary

11 May 2011

Media Statement by Minister of Education Donald Grant

The Western Cape Education Department (WCED) has been informed that there will be a march on Masibambisane Secondary School in Delft tomorrow.

It is unclear exactly what has motivated the march; however, in recent weeks there have been a number of disruptions at the school, led by two learners in particular, acting with the apparent support of the African People's Convention.

There have been numerous attempts to engage constructively on the concerns that learners have raised in the last few weeks. However, the substance of these concerns changes everyday, to the extent that the only conclusion to draw is that this has little to do with education matters and has broader political overtones.

Regardless of the motivation for a march, I wish to make it very clear that the WCED, along with SAPS, will do everything to ensure the safety of learners and school property.

I would like to also make clear that any learner or educator that leaves school during school hours will face disciplinary action.

The overwhelming majority of the learners are desperate to learn and we will not allow their rights to be prejudiced by the actions of a few misguided individuals.

Media Enquiries: 

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