Minister Debbie Schäfer to Lay Criminal Charges to Protect Learners' Rights

Western Cape MEC for Education, Minister Debbie Schäfer will today, lay criminal charges against the leadership of the organisations behind the violent protest action in Grabouw that is preventing children from attending school in the area. Learners and educators from 5 schools in the area have for a second day in a row been prevented from attending school due to violent protests.

Section 3(6)(b) of the SA Schools Act reads:

"Subject to this Act and any other applicable law, any other person (other than a parent) who, without just cause, prevents a learner who is subject to compulsory attendance from attending a school, is guilty of an offence and liable on conviction to a fine or to imprisonment for a period not exceeding six months."

Minister Schäfer will be laying charges at Cape Town Central Police Station.

All media are invited to attend.

Date: Tuesday, 16 September 2014

Time: 10:30

Venue: Cape Town Central Police Station, Buitenkant Street, Cape Town