Statement by André Gaum, Western Cape Minister of Education.

The Western Cape Education Department has established a registration centre at Vuyiseka Secondary School in Phillipi East to register learners currently attending the New Eisleben informal school in New Eisleben Road, Nyanga.

The department has arranged places for the learners at other schools and an Adult Basic Education and Training (Abet) centre, following extensive consultations with the institutions involved and a body elected by the parents of learners at the informal school.

Another group of parents has since opposed these plans. However, we must proceed with the arrangements we have made, in the best interests of the learners.

Most of the 2 500 learners involved are now occupying six classrooms at Mvula Primary School nearby. They previously crowded into eight rooms available in the municipal buildings they occupied in New Eisleben Road. The premises in New Eisleben Road are unsafe, and do not have toilet facilities. This situation cannot continue.

In terms of our agreements, Grade 8 and 9 learners will be accommodated at two primary schools, Nobantu and Songeze, in Guguletu. Grand 10s will be accommodated temporarily at Vuyiseka Secondary, while we refurbish classrooms at the Ottery Youth Centre, to which they will be transported; and Grade 11s and 12s will be accommodated at a nearby Abet centre.

We will advertise posts for teachers at these institutions. We will welcome applications from all teachers with suitable qualifications and experience.

The WCED started registering learners from New Eisleben at Vuyiseka Secondary last week. Registration will continue this week till Thursday, 18 April 2002. I appeal to all concerned to allow these learners to pursue their schooling with the least possible disruption.