1. The Western Cape Education Department (WCED) hereby provides the following guidelines with regard to the installation of cellular masts and base stations on public school premises.

2. Governing bodies of public schools on state property must submit an application for the approval of the proposed installation of a cellular mast and base station on the school premises in accordance with Circular 0032/2012.

3. The application must be submitted on the school’s letterhead, together with the following:
3.1 Minutes of the meeting in which the governing body agreed to have the cellular mast and base station installed on the school premises; and
3.2 A letter signed by the governing body chairperson indicating the name and position of the member of the governing body authorised to sign documents for this project on behalf of the governing body.

4. The governing body may enter into legally binding lease agreements with cellular network providers for the installation of cellular masts and base stations on the school premises, subject to the following conditions:
4.1 The lease agreement provided by the WCED must be used.
4.2 The period of the lease agreement may not exceed the prescribed term in the lease agreement, but the applicant will have the option of renewal.
4.3 The monthly rental payable by the private cellular network provider must be paid into the school’s bank account. These moneys must be utilised for educational purposes.
4.4 The cellular mast and base station must be securely fenced off (minimum height of safety fence should be 1,8 metres) in order to prevent learners from getting too close to the mast or the base station.
4.5 The cellular mast and base station should be positioned as far away from the school building(s) as possible, preferably at the corner of the school site and behind the main building(s).
4.6 Should electrical current be required, such current may not be provided by the school. The local authority should be approached about a separate supply of electrical current at the cellular network provider’s expense.
4.7 The cellular network provider must undertake to remove the cellular mast or base station, at its own expense, within 60 days after the lease period has lapsed.
4.8 Should research prove at some future date that these cellular masts or base stations emit radiation which is harmful to the health of children and residents living near the mast and base station, the WCED and the school concerned are absolved of all legal and medical costs. These costs must then be borne by the Chief Executive Officer and Board Members of the cellular network provider, i.e. the owners of the cellular mast and base station.
4.9 The attention of the party entering into a contract with the governing body should be drawn to clauses 7.21 and 7.22 of the lease agreement (available from the Directorate: Infrastructure Planning and Management), which deal with radiation levels and reporting/monitoring of the same.

5. Your cooperation in this regard is appreciated.


SIGNED: PA VINJEVOLD
HEAD: EDUCATION
DATE: 2016:06:23