| 1. |
In terms of Paragraph (1), Section 11, Chapter 2 of the South African Schools Act (Act 84/1996) (SASA) a representative council of learners must be established at every public school which enrols learners in Grade 8 and higher. |
| 1.1 |
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The Representative Council of Learners (RCL) is the ONLY statutory body elected by and representative of all the learners. This means that all other bodies/councils/youth groups are subordinate to the RCL, but may form part of the RCL as subcommittees chaired by a member of the RCL. This implies that a prefect council may function only as a subcommittee of the RCL and that henceforth there may not be an office of head boy or head girl. The RCL elects office-bearers, for example a chairperson, a deputy chairperson, a secretary and a treasurer. |
| 1.2 |
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Extraordinary Provincial Gazette 5946 of 31 January 2003 contains legislation regarding the composition, functions, election procedures and dissolution of an RCL and the discharge of an individual member of an RCL. |
| 1.3 |
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It is advisable that RCL elections take place at the end of the third term or the beginning of the fourth term of each year to ensure that the RCLs render service for a full term of office. Feel free to contact the RCL co-ordinator for assistance in this regard. |
| 2. |
Section 23 (2)(d) of the SASA further makes provision for learners to be represented in the School Governing Body (SGB). The RCL elects two learners to serve on the SGB. This provides learners with a legitimate role in the governance of a school. Elected RCL members of an SGB have the right and duty to attend all SGB meetings and have equal voting rights which, however, may not be exercised when the SGB wishes to enter into a contract with a third party. |
| 3. |
Capacity building and development of RCLs must enjoy high priority in schools and SGBs should be encouraged to make provision in their budgets for RCL training. |
| 4. |
Training is provided in clusters and is planned by the WCED in co-operation with the circuit manager concerned. The following circuit managers may be contacted:
Metropole North Ms F Kotze 021 948 0950
Metropole East Mr A Fortuin 021 903 2164
Metropole South Ms P Demas 021 370 2000
Metropole Central Mr R Steenberg 021 659 4301
West Coast/Winelands Mr M le Cordeur 021 860 1200
Mr L Davids 021 860 1200
Breede River/Overberg Mr L Rousseau 023 347 0820
Southern Cape/Karoo Mr E Anthony 044 873 6128
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| 5. |
The attendance of all workshops/meetings arranged for RCLs and teacher liaison officers must be given high priority. Apologies for non-attendance must be directed in writing to the circuit manager concerned. |
| 6. |
In this regard principals are requested to complete the attached form and send it to reach Head Office by no later than 19 November 2004. |
SIGNED: R.B. SWARTZ
HEAD: EDUCATION
DATE: 2004:10:27
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