Statement by André Gaum, Western Cape Education Minister

I recognise the constitutional right to education of every person in this province and our country and the initiative of every person who wants to assist the Western Cape Education Department (WCED) in developing our education system in the Western Cape.

The Western Cape Education Department (WCED) has formed a task team to discuss the request by representatives of the Masiphumelele informal school in Khayelitsha to be recognized as a public school.

The WCED has asked representatives of the Masiphumelele group to supply the names of their learners, their reports from previous schools, proof of transfer from such schools and ID-information. The information is needed to determine the real number of learners to be accommodated in different grades at schools.

On receiving this information the WCED can liase with local schools and the local education forum to assist in placing these learners. If there is a need to establish a new school the WCED will also consider that possibility.

There is unfortunately reluctance from the Masiphumelele group to assist in this regard.

The WCED is committed to solving such problems via consultation and negotiation. The sharp growth in the need for general and further education at present challenges all of us to find creative ways to meet these needs.

But we must handle this process responsibly.

I appeal to all who have the interests of our learners and educators at heart to commit themselves to solving the current situation in this manner.

Enquiries: Rudi Buys 083 489 1323