THE WESTERN CAPE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT is aware that a group of unemployed teachers has been trying to recruit learners for an informal school in the lower Crossroads area. Apparently the learners are learning under trees.

But this is completely unnecessary, says Provincial Minster of Education Cameron Dugmore.

"I want to assure our parents in lower Crossroads that the existing schools in the area can accommodate all learners, and there is no need for any of our learners to be sitting outside under the trees.

"We are going to take strong action against anyone who are misleading our children and the communities."

The group, who calls itself the Unemployed Teachers’ Union (UTU) or the Unemployed Teachers’ Forum, has asked three schools in the area if they could share their premises on a shift or platooning basis. The schools are Phakama High School and Vukani and Kwafaku Primary schools.

The UTU has told the schools that they wished to start a platooning high school in 2005 and that they would need accommodation until the completion of the new Luzuko High School in 2006.

They also asked these schools to support the process of registering learners for the informal school. The principals of these schools have said that they are opposed to platooning and referred the group to the WCED.

The Metropole South Education Management and Development Centre (EMDC) has established a Support Centre at Vuyiseka High School in Phillippi East where officials are assisting parents who still have to find places for their children in school.

Minister Dugmore says the department will not recognise the informal school. "The new Luzuko School will accommodate learners currently attending New Eisleben High School. We will not make these premises available to those planning this informal school."

"Our main concern at the moment is to accommodate all learners without delay. If parents in lower Crossroads are still looking for places for their children in school, then we appeal to them to visit our Support Centre at Vuyiseka as soon as possible."

For enquiries, contact Gert Witbooi:  082 550 3938,  or  gwitbooi@pgwc.gov.za.