Education MEC on Possible Strike Action

Western Cape Minister for Education Donald Grant is continuing to monitor closely the developments related to possible industrial action by teachers.

The Minister remains hopeful that a settlement between the National Government and Unions will be reached.

"If, however, such industrial action does occur, we have comprehensive management plans in place that will address any number of scenarios, taking into account the length, extent and nature of the stayaway," said Grant.

"These plans are being continuously updated and developed by our officials in the Western Cape Education Department (WCED)."

Minister Grant said that the plan revolves around three key areas.

"Firstly, we will be monitoring, very closely, absentee levels of educators in all our schools. This will be communicated to all relevant departments in order to identify where there are large-scale stayaways. It is imperative that we know which areas and schools are in need of assistance and where to direct our resources," he said.

"Secondly, we will ensure that all children are safe and supervised at school, should such industrial action occur. Parents must continue to send their children to school, and where there is a need, we will utilise district staff, school governing body members and parents to help supervise our learners and to ensure that all learners remain in class".

Grant said that the third key area was to ensure that all learners continue to read, write and calculate everyday.

"We have explored various ways in how to ensure that the delivery of the curriculum to all our learners, from Grade one (1) to Grade twelve (12), is disrupted as little as possible in the event of industrial action. It has been decided that we will provide, per school phase, self-development texts which will enable learners to continue to work through the syllabus in a progressive and constructive way."

Grant added that there would be a particular emphasis on Grade twelve (12) learners.

"Extra tuition would be provided, wherever possible, at affected schools through tutoring programmes, much like the successful holiday programmes in June/July. Learners will be also be given extra revision papers and are encouraged to consult their "Tips for Success" handbooks for additional support and ideas to continue studying at home and after school."

He said that Grade twelve's (12's) can also consult the WCED website for extra content and support.

"In the build-up to possible industrial action, I would like to appeal to all educators that they remain focussed and committed to the task at hand - in delivering a quality education to all our learners. Educators are encouraged to attend school everyday, on time and prepared for their day ahead," he said.

"I am very proud of the level of professionalism of the majority of teachers in the Western Cape and have every faith that they will continue to act in a responsible manner. We will however, not hesitate to act on any teacher who does not perform their duties during this period. Those that act unlawfully will be brought to task."