Minister Grant Visits Masibambisane Secondary

This morning I visited Masibambisane Secondary School to address the learners of the school following another day of disruptions at the school yesterday.

It is evident that a small minority of learners at the school, who are acting in their own best interests, are intimidating and disrupting the majority of learners who do want to learn.

This kind of behaviour is unacceptable, and it will not be tolerated.

I have therefore addressed the learners and have encouraged them to make the right choices by attending classes and to not be misled.

These learners have already have had 5 days of learning disrupted and it is now imperative that they maximise all teaching and learning time. The June examinations are just around the corner and there are only 165 days to go before the start of the 2011 NSC examinations.

It is their own futures that are currently being affected. We will do everything to ensure that the time lost is made up but we need their collective support and commitment to stand up against any further disruptive behaviour.

It is also concerning that last night a fire broke out in the principal's office. Security guards brought in by the WCED to patrol the grounds managed to interrupt the alleged arsonists before further damage was caused. It is not yet confirmed if this incident is related to the ongoing disruptions at the school, but it is clear that those involved will be strictly dealt with in terms of the law.

Security at the school has been increased. SAPS has been called in to ensure that there are no further disruptions by any persons to the school day and 24 hr security has been arranged to secure the school.

A meeting between the school governing body and parents of learners has been scheduled to take place this afternoon.

I am determined that we resolve this once and for all and I am monitoring all activity related to the school very closely.

The school is currently operating as per normal and arrangements are being made to ensure that supportive measures are put in place to assist the learners for the time lost.