MEC Concerned about Stability and Quality Education Provision

Western Cape Education MEC Cameron Dugmore has noted with grave concern some serious incidents in the last few days, which threaten the stability of schools and the quality of education provision to learners.

This morning, police arrested a teacher and two parents at the Phillippi K Primary School following threats to the lives of the school principal and a fellow teacher. The Western Cape Education Department (WCED) itself requested police to arrest the teacher who is alleged to have made the threats, because it is viewed in a very serious light.

Following the arrest, a small group of learners from the school demonstrated outside the Phillipi East police station. They later dispersed. On Monday a disaffected member of the same school's governing body and his supporters prevented learners and teachers from attending school.

In a separate incident yesterday (Tuesday 17 August 204), an 18-year-old learner from the Matthew Goniwe High School in Khayelitsha was stabbed to death in front of the whole class after a squabble involving three pupils. Two learners are currently in custody and fellow classmates are receiving counselling.

In a third instance, serious allegations of corruption at certain schools in the Bloekombos area have come to the attention of the department. The allegation is that potential teachers have to pay members of school governing bodies a bribe in order to get posts.

Says MEC Dugmore: "I am very concerned with these developments. It is a threat to quality education provision in our schools. This at a time when we are approaching the end of year term, when everyone needs to focus and prepare for the exams.

"I am shocked at the fact that a learner could be stabbed in class. My condolences to the family and friends of Mzimasi Marhwanqana.

"I had a meeting this afternoon with the principal and school management team, representatives of the learner council, and some members of the governing body. Some immediate measures to promote discipline have been put in place.

"It has also come to my attention that there are other frequent incidents of violence and assault on teachers and learners. I will be convene a summit with all schools in the area to address matters of safety and have also instructed my department to speed up the installation of an electronic gate.

"The arrest of the teacher at Phillippi K Primary is the culmination of the actions of a disaffected member of the governing body, not respecting the outcome of joint consultative processes.

"The WCED has investigated and dismissed his allegations of corruption, and now he has turned to the local community for support, whipping up the emotions of parents and learners alike.

"My main concern is the interests of the learners, and for this reason I am convening an urgent meeting involving the local ANC structures and other political parties, councillors and MP's, Sanco and area and street committees.

"I appeal to members of the local community and learners to work through existing structures when dealing with grievances. These structures include the school governing body and the learner representative council.

"On the allegations of bribery to potential teachers, we will act decisively once the investigations are finalised. We welcome any information that can assist with the probe."

For enquiries, contact Gert Witbooi: 082 577 6551, or gwitbooi@pgwc.gov.za.

Gert Witbooi
Media Liaison 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

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