WESTERN CAPE MEC FOR EDUCATION Cameron Dugmore will accompany Minister Naledi Pandor on Monday 24 January on a visit to schools in George in the Western Cape.

MEC Dugmore said he was looking forward to the school year, especially after the good start from schools the past week.

He expressed his satisfaction with the first week of school, after most problems encountered on the first day on Wednesday 19 January were rectified immediately.

Unfortunately, the MEC says, he is disappointed with some of the transport service providers who have left learners stranded because they claimed not to have busses available. This happened in Mfuleni, and several schools on the West Coast and in the Southern Cape.

On Wednesday, Minister Dugmore visited the Westerford High School in Rondebosch, Zirelda Park in Vrygrond, and Masiphumelele in Noordhoek.

He also received a memorandum from Disabled People SA and the Disabled Children Action Group, regarding access to education for learners with special needs.

Said Min Dugmore: "Overall, I am very happy with the fact that day one has started without any major problems in most of our schools. This was the best start that our education system had in years.

"It was to be expected that some of our parents still register their children on the first day. Nevertheless, no child is to be denied access to education.

"It is clear our early 'enrolment registration campaign' and 'open day' last year, to give parents a chance to enrol and then check whether their children were accepted, has borne some fruit.

"We knew that in some areas the prefabricated classrooms were not going to be delivered on time, which means that in some schools overcrowding was to be expected.

"In Khayelithsa there seems to be high number of learners, although the schools did well to handle the registration efficiently."

MINISTER PANDOR'S ITINERARY (Monday 24 January 2005)

07h45: Thembalethu High School at Qhawa Street Thembalethu, addresses assembly, short tour
           of school.

09h00: Mzoxolo Primary School, Vuyani Ncamazana Street, Thembalethu short tour of premises.

10h00: Conville Primary School, launches the Portal Site at the school.

11h15: York High School, addresses assembly (York High is MEC Dugmore's alma mater).

12h00: Media Briefing at York High School: Minister Pandor and MEC Dugmore

12h35: Surprise visit to a school to be identified by the delegation.

13h10: Lunch at PW Botha High School.

14h15: Addresses Representative Council of Learners (RCLs) of PW Botha High School

15h30: Addresses Schools Governing Bodies of the Southern Cape Region.
           VENUE: PW Botha High School

16h30 Programme Ends

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