Statement by Cameron Dugmore, the MEC for Education

WESTERN CAPE EDUCATION MEC Cameron Dugmore has vowed to take action against teachers who arrive late for school, or behave in other ill-disciplined ways.

He made these remarks after he visited the Sinithemba High School in Phillippi, Cape Town, this morning on the opening of the third term for schools.

On arriving at the school at about 08h00, the MEC found only 30 out of the 52 teachers present. Whilst he was addressing the learners, a further ten arrived.

Mr Dugmore checked the attendance register, and told the teachers and personnel in no uncertain terms that he will take action against absconding teachers, and those arriving late.

The MEC also learned that there was some unhappiness among the teachers and the community about the appointment of a new principal. He has scheduled an urgent meeting with the governing body and teachers for this Sunday afternoon to iron out this problem.

He welcomed the proposal of the governing body that Ms Ngalonkulu be appointed as acting principal. "I am happy that educators and learners fully support the appointment of the acting principal. Now we must move to appoint a permanent principal. In the meantime everyone must make sure learning and teaching continue."

The MEC made it clear that differences over administrative and governance issues should not be an excuse for under performance and ill-discipline. "It is completely unacceptable that our learners' futures are jeopardised by the actions of teachers."

In his message to learners, he urged them to work even harder this term to make sure they succeed in progressing to the next grade.

He asked matriculants to start thinking positively about furthering their education, and apply to universities now already.

The MEC said the government is making available bursaries to students wishing to study further, and that they must enquire at their institution of choice about these bursaries.