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Media Release

4 February, 2004


Comment on events at Vuyiseka High School, Philippi East, 4/2/04

Police intervened at Vuyiseka Secondary School in Philippi East this morning (Wednesday, 4 February 2004) when learners starting throwing stones during a demonstration at the school.

Vuyiseka took on about 400 learners from the New Eisleben informal school last year, which increased the numbers at the school to about 1 280 learners, who share the 16 classrooms on a shift basis.

The low pass rate at the school is a deep concern of teachers, who believe that the pass rate can only improve if they improve the teacher: learner ratio. They would like the school to limit its numbers to about 800 learners.

The teachers did not want the school to register any new learners this year, given the numbers already at Vuyiseka.

However, the school management accepted a further 15 learners. The staff has not accepted this position, and the school has taken steps to find places for these learners at other schools.

The learners concerned are under the impression that the school has excluded them. They called on others to join a demonstration, which turned violent. They stoned cars and threatened lives. The school called the police, who sought to quell the violence.

Officials of the Metropole South education district are well aware of the situation and are working with the school to resolve the issues involved.

Unfortunately, a misunderstanding resulted in violence at the school today. The school is not excluding the 15 new learners, although it has been looking for alternative positions for them.

Meanwhile, the WCED’s Metropole South Education Management and Development Centre is investigating ways in which to reduce numbers at the school. Options include transferring learners to a nearby primary school, which would offer additional grades.

While we understand the frustrations of all concerned, the reaction of the learners this morning was completely unacceptable. The situation is complex, and we must work together to resolve this issue in the most practical way possible.



Issued by:
Paddy Attwell
Director: Communication
Western Cape Education Department
Tel: 021 467 2531
Fax: 021 461 3694
Email: pattwell@pgwc.gov.za

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