Protestors Disrupt Further Education and Training College Exams | Western Cape Government

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Protestors Disrupt Further Education and Training College Exams

1 September 2010

A large group of protestors disrupted examinations at the Good Hope Campus of the False Bay Further Education and Training (FET) College in Khayelitsha this morning (Thursday, 2 September 2010).

Western Cape Education Minister Donald Grant condemned the incident in the strongest possible terms. "We will not tolerate unlawful behaviour and will do our utmost to ensure the safety of our learners, teachers and our schools."

"The matter will be referred to the South African Police Service and charges will be laid to ensure that the perpetrators are found and held accountable," he said.

The college management reported to the Western Cape Education Department (WCED) that the protestors, apparently teachers, converged on the gates of the college at 11h15.

The protestors forced their way through the gate, damaging the gate and the gate motor mechanism, and overpowered the security personnel.

The protesters gathered at the front doors and demanded that the students and lecturers leave the building.

Some of the protestors then entered the building and moved from classroom to classroom, asking lecturers and students to leave.

Protestors destroyed examination scripts and burnt them in some cases outside the building. They tore up other scripts in classrooms and corridors.

Some protestors attacked two staff members and one staff member sustained minor injuries.

The protestors included some of staff members of the college who are on strike. Some led the protesters from class to class while others were among the protestors watching from outside.

One of the protestors used a loudhailer to advise lecturers to remove their cars from the parking lot, which they did.

The protesters promised to return tomorrow just to check that no examination is taking place. The demonstration ended at 12h00 when the protestors proceeded to Luhlaza High School.

The college management have closed the campus temporarily and will make alternative arrangements to accommodate students and staff.

Media Enquiries: 

Paddy Attwell
Director of Communication
Western Cape Education Department
Tel: 021-476-2531
Cell: 083-261-7699
Email: pattwell@pgwc.gov.za