1. Since its establishment in 1995 the Western Cape Education Department (WCED) has striven towards the delivery of quality education. As it was, however, not possible to join the various structures and systems together in a unit immediately, the decision was taken to follow a structured approach. An important consideration in this regard is to enable learners to attend school from their homes for as long as possible.

2. In its endeavours to deliver quality education, the WCED has already paid attention to the following aspects in the rural areas:
2.1 A number of smaller schools were closed in an orderly fashion and the educators and learners were accommodated at other schools.
2.2 Hostel bursaries were standardised and established.
2.3 An economic management system was implemented at all hostels.
2.4 Some schools had their grades extended to Grade 9.

3. The phasing out of learner transport schemes (LTS) which transport learners in rural areas from their hometown or village where there are suitable schools, to a neighbouring town or village is envisaged. This will put an end to artificial segragation and money saved in this way can be used to great advantage elsewhere.

4. As circumstances differ from one town or village to another, each case will be dealt with separately. The following action is planned:
4.1 An education forum (consisting of the governing body and the principal of the school concerned, and the circuit manager who will act as facilitator) will be established for each town or village.
4.2 Overall planning for the provision of education will be done in conjunction with the education forum of each town or village.
4.3 Where accommodation is available LTS will be phased out. Where accommodation is not available planning will be done well in advance.
4.4 Learner transport will be phased out over a period (say 2 to 3 years).
4.5 There will be consultation with labour unions.

5. Final decisions regarding the phasing out of LTS will be taken only after:
5.1 all communities concerned have been duly informed
5.2 public hearings to which all interested persons have been invited and where they can give input, have been held
5.3 these comments have been submitted to the MEC for Education.

6. As this is a very sensitive matter, the WCED will attempt to deal with it as such.

Please bring the contents of this circular to the attention of all persons concerned.



SIGNED: RB SWARTZ
HEAD: EDUCATION
DATE: 2003:01:27