1. The Western Cape Education Department (WCED) is expected to determine policy which will ensure the effective management of teaching time in public schools. You are referred to Circulars 21/99, 52/99, 112/2000, 194/2003 and 212/2003 in this regard.
2. However, some schools are experiencing difficulties to uphold and adhere to the WCED policies regarding the minimum work week of 35 hours and the minimum contact time with learners. This is due mainly to the problems experienced by a number of our educators and learners in exercising their religious rights.
3. The WCED is aware of and sensitive to these rights, and also, for example, to the right of members of the Muslim community to attend devotions at a mosque on a Friday. The WCED has therefore amended its policy to make provision for the effective management of schools, but also for some form of flexibility, especially where religious rights are concerned.
4. Schools wishing to close at 12:45 on Fridays for the above-mentioned purpose will have to make up for the lost time during the week by adapting their timetable accordingly. Each school concerned must consult the parents, the school governing body and the learner representative council, where applicable, and submit its application, together with a full report of the outcome of the above process, the full details required by the policy documents (excluding proof of faith) and a draft timetable, to the circuit manager who will then make recommendations to the EMDC Director and submit the draft timetable for the latter's final approval.
5. The Department wishes to encourage all parties to deal with the matter with great sensitivity and to act in accordance with the spirit of the Constitution, the SA Schools Act and the National Education Policy Act (Act 27/1996). The flexibility referred to is being introduced as an interim measure until the matter has been reviewed at ELRC level.
6. Principals and governing bodies are requested to adhere to the procedures and to inform their EMDC Directors of their schools' needs in this regard as soon as possible.
7. Please bring the contents of this circular to the attention of all concerned.


SIGNED: R.B. SWARTZ
HEAD: EDUCATION
DATE: 2004:07:21